Importance of IT in Recruitment (Guest blog)

Think about how often you interact with technology on a daily basis, bet you the thought scares you a little. Even the volume of times you reach for your phone has probably increased in the last two years as technology has increasingly impacted our lives interactively. Gone are the days of the whole class crowding round one computer, craning for a view of the pixelated screen.  Over the last decade information technology has infiltrated daily life without the realisation of society. Today almost every person you meet owns multiple technical devices. Due to this rise in technology businesses are adapting to suit the consumers and now look for candidates to employ with a sound knowledge of IT. 

Application Developers

Public demand dictates what applications are created. It’s no surprise app developers are becoming highly sought after with recruiters. Application developers can work in teams with other Developers and Testers. The Application Developer may take ownership for the development of user interfaces using HTML, CSS and JavaScript, adopting agile methodologies and continuous improvement practices and adhering to development standards and methods.

Test Analyst   

The role of a test analyst is to run rigorous computer and software tests, they ensure all IT products are running effectively before released for sale. They will have knowledge of the software development lifecycle and should have hands on experience in CRM front end and API testing.

User Experience Designer

In IT user experience designers have a large responsibility for ensuring a digital product achieves its goal while also maintaining its ease of use and enjoyment for its user.  The user experience designer must make sure the product is useful, easy to use, attractive and engaging.

Digital Marketer  

Digital marketers must engage users via all digital platforms, such as computers tablets and smart phones. Their role is to increase specific goals through marketing campaigns. Digital marketers are expected to assist in activities in all online media channels including: PPC, affiliate, social media and email campaigns.

What if I don’t have these skills/qualifications?

IT is a life skill that serves most people at home without them realising it, but is integral in business too. It’s vital you let future employers know you have the capabilities to work in an environment where technology is ever growing. No matter the industry, IT skills are relevant, from an interactive POS system in a restaurant to high end computer programming. 

Most likely you have many IT skills, though some may not realise this. In most jobs you will need to have a decent understanding of Microsoft Word, though each job will have specific requirements. There will be computer literacy skills you learn without intending to, like reformatting files or setting up your own laptop. Once you know you can do these well on your own items, offer to help you friends and family with their computing needs. Each time you assist someone, your confidence will grow.

To improve your IT skills, a great idea is start your own blog, this will give you valuable insight into running a website. Blogging once or twice a week will demonstrate to your employer your commitment to enhancing not only your IT skills, but your literacy abilities too. It is extremely easy to set up and most blogging platforms are totally free. Having blogging as one of your skills will make your CV stand out in comparison to another candidate who may have the same knowledge as you, but has failed to develop it. Once you’ve nurtured these skills you can include them on your CV without the fear of being caught out in an interview setting. Amplification the IT skills you have taught yourself will show your prospective employer your willingness to learn, making you an ideal candidate. Remember to tell your interviewer how the skills you’ve learned have had a positive impact on you and those around you.

The good news is that most employers are satisfied with the level of IT their employees have, but it’s vital to highlight all your skills. The qualifications you have may not say IT but the touch points you use in daily life are always enhancing what you know. If you know what to pinpoint and develop you will be able to state all these IT skills proudly for any future employer.
 

About the author:

Suzanne Vallence is an SEO Consultant for Smarter Digital Marketing in Glasgow (www.smarterdigitalmarketing.co.uk).