CIOs and Technology Leaders should  be focused on the importance of demonstrating a comprehensive understanding that there is now a greater need than ever for companies to have: a competitive edge, cut costs, increase productivity, deliver superior service to customers and to deliver innovate new products.  A successful IT executive can utilize his or her background experience to show that technology is a powerful enabler toward increasing productivity, cutting real costs, fostering creativity and improving collaboration among employees, partners and customers.  Companies need this experienced technology leadership to ensure the realization of their business goals by balancing the science of technology selection with the art of a competitive business edge.

Heading back into an interview setting when you are a little rusty, keep in mind the type of candidate that you would want to hire for your own team.  Make sure you have done your research and arrive well prepared, with a full arsenal of knowledge about the company, products or services and a strong familiarity with the backgrounds of all interviewers.  It is especially helpful to identify anything you might have in common with an interviewer, so that you are ready to work that commonality into the conversation to increase rapport.

Be prepared to answer tough questions like these:

·         What significant contribution did you make for your last employer?

·         Can you explain how you saw a business problem and implemented technology to solve it?

·         Can you explain to me your understanding of ROI?

·         How did you save money and improve the bottom line, and in what ways did you measure these savings?

For a professional at this level, you might think interviewing would come easily; however, things are much different when you are on the other side of the table!  Remember, your goal is to focus on what you’ve accomplished, so write down and review many examples of past contributions you’ve made, so that you can quickly and easily articulate them.  Now, you’ve brushed up and you’re ready to go get that new job!

·         Drop any unnecessary expenses immediately.  You can probably survive without getting your nails done or going out to dinner every night of the week, and cutting down on these things will be a big help in getting by on less money until you have found a job. 

·         Expect to look for 2 or 3 months before you cultivate anything promising; most job hunts are taking approximately 6 months so do not get discouraged.  Spend at least 4 hours a day job-hunting and if you run out of job ads for opportunities, spend your time networking or researching companies that you might like to work for.

·         Start looking immediately.  In the meantime, if you can supplement your income, do it.  Delivering pizzas or working as a cashier at a local grocery store are options if you can’t find temporary work in your field…and in these positions you might get some discounts on food as well.  Be sure to as the recruiters you work with if they have any contract projects you can do on an interim basis, as well.

·         Put your skills to work for you!  Especially in IT, there are opportunities to pick up side work.  Many smaller companies could use some help, but might not be able to pay a fulltime person.  Ask around everywhere you go.

·         Use this time to enhance your skills.  Study, take certifications and take any chance you have to use your skills, even if it is just volunteering.  Taking these steps will help keep your skills more up-to-date, in the eyes of any potential employer.

·         Only about 25% of all jobs are advertised, so you need to resort to less widely used tactics.  Pick one day a week to make cold calls, visit bulletin boards in company lobbies and attend as many local events as possible (user groups, etc…).  This strategy will help set yourself apart from others and help achieve recognition of who you are.  Its human nature, people are more likely to hire who they know.

·         Get rid of your pride.  Look at the jobs that are available.  If given the opportunity, take less money and a different role and at least you will get by until you can find something else.  Remember, if you take a lesser position with less money, it is often easier to work your way back up the ladder quickly once you are working within an organization.  And making $0 for a year while you look for the “right salary” job leaves you MORE in debt than taking the lower salary job in the first place.

·         Make a list of former colleagues who are now in leadership positions.  Carefully craft emails to each explaining that you are looking for your next challenge and remind that manager how your experience can make an impact for their current team.

·         Keep track of everything you do.  It is helpful to know which companies and people you have already spoken with or applied to, in order to seem more organized.  If your job search is not organized, why would anyone think your work would be?

·         Stay positive!  It is often helpful to get together with peers and colleagues who have also lost their job or been laid off.  Not only can this function as a support group, but you can also share information about open positions, people you know within organizations, interview situations, etc.  Network with your support group regularly, and get everyone together once a week to discuss any movement and leads.

There are many other things that can be done to secure a new job; but keep these tips in mind and you will be assured to have an easier transition period between jobs.

Do’s and Don’ts to finding a technical job:

Don’t spend time on job sites; it will only lead to frustration.  Today it’s highly unlikely that an employer will hire someone they don’t already know, or someone that is not represented by a reputable recruiting firm with existing relationships and success within their organization.

Don’t send your resume out blindly; it’s easy to spam employers with your resume, but it won’t yield you a job.

Do spend as much time as possible with people one-on-one. Attend technical and career meetings, meet colleagues for lunch, and talk to contacts on the phone. Finding a job is all about relationships and good representation.

Do experiment with new technologies and learn different skills.  You can download developer kits and start experimenting.  The layoff period may not be long enough for you to completely master a new skill, but you should be able to show that you have been enhancing your knowledge.

Do contact search firms that represent companies whose clients use your technology skills and who can offer an environment that will enable you to be represented by them when their clients have openings.

Do look for consulting or contract projects.  It is advisable to stay employed so that you are marketable when companies are ready to hire again. People that have consistent projects and position without gaps will be in a much better position to reap the benefits of an economic turnaround.

Do volunteer your services. Donate your time for tasks that will also enable you to develop your skills and be beneficial to your community.

Don’t stress. Allow yourself time to relax and enjoy life; the work will come.  Pursuing things you love doing, with people you enjoy, will position you better to get a job; other people will notice your commitment, passion, skill, and personality and they’ll want to either hire you or help you get hired.