It can be difficult to find the right job. There are steps that IT and cybersecurity professionals can take to improve their job opportunities. These tips can help you improve your job or move up in your company.
1. Never stop learning
Companies may not always be able to keep up with IT’s ever-changing pace, but they do need to learn new skills and gain the market share. You want to play a role in these leaps. Your employer will value your ability to share knowledge, skills, and abilities. Rather than hiring a new person or bringing in a consultant, you want to be able do so. It’s never been easier to learn at your own pace.
Online text and video resources offer a wealth knowledge that is available to everyone. You might also want to check out your local library, college career centre, or employer’s HR services. You may find free access and discounted benefits for continuing education, as well as commercial books and education services.
2. You are irreplaceable
Too many workers are satisfied with doing just enough to get the job done and then head home at 4:59. They view work as a way to do what they want. It is time to change your mindset and purpose. You must go beyond the job duties. Learn everything you can about the company’s operations. Develop relationships with other employees, not just those from your department. Offer to do more work, take over special projects, be a team player, consider the company when you are working on each project.
3. Know your employer’s goals
Every organization exists for reasons. These reasons are often expressed in the form of mottos, goals, or policies. Once you have a clear understanding of your employer’s goals and responsibilities, you can determine how your job and responsibilities fit with them. Next, determine your priorities to ensure that you are contributing to the organization’s goals. Ask for guidance if you are unsure how to help the company achieve its goals. You can present your supervisor with a list of your tasks and projects, and ask for guidance regarding priorities and criticality. This will let them know you are aware of the company’s goals.
4. Even if not required, provide updates and reports
It is important to keep your boss, manager, or supervisor informed about your work progress and any impediments. This information should be relevant to your work as well the company’s overall goals. Don’t make it a burden or become annoying. Focus on short, to-the-point updates via email or other preferred internal communication medium on a weekly or monthly basis. You might include two to five points on your work tasks and two or five points on organization-wide issues. If you are pointing out problems then you might consider offering some suggestions, especially if you can be the main provider of the solution. This will show your employer that you are more than a head-down employee. It also shows that you care about the organization’s success and how you fit in.
5. Recognize when you don’t know something, and be open to learning it.
Be humble. Avoid being proud and insisting that you are right. If you are unsure or have a problem, be quick to admit it. You can then either offer a solution or ask for help. Flexibility is key. Be mature. Accept responsibility. Take responsibility for your mistakes, oversights, and areas of ignorance.
6. Try to exceed your expectations
Find ways to improve the company or to help the organization achieve its goals faster.