The future of technology industry will continue to see explosive growth in the digital revolution. Global trends are placing an intense focus on Cybersecurity, Predictive analytics, Artificial intelligence, The cloud, Augmented reality and Blockchain.
While these trends have set the stage for future job seekers, recruiters are struggling with the shortage of qualified candidates for the surplus of jobs available. With that said, you may ask, ‘What skills do I need to get noticed by IT recruiting firms?’ The top skill set that comes to mind may include industry certifications or specialized degrees on the following areas.
- Network and Information Security. With the rising number of cyberattacks, hacks, and security issues in the news, with the high demand for employees to work in cybersecurity comes a growing skills gap, making it difficult to fill positions with qualified applicants. A solid background or skill set that includes open source applications, Microsoft technologies, Linux OS, wireless, IP, and telephony technology, as well as database modeling will help to ensure that you are a strong candidate for a cybersecurity position.
- Cloud and distributed computing. As companies continue to take advantage of the cost and scalability benefits of cloud computing, cloud adoption numbers will continue to grow worldwide. 95% of respondents to a survey by RightScale use cloud computing in one form or another, and these companies need in-house expertise in migrating data and applications to the cloud and creating cloud-native workflow. To show recruiters that you have the necessary skills to add value in cloud computing positions, consider obtaining certification from Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or the Google Cloud Academy. Other relevant certifications may include those for VMWare’s VCP6-Cloud, and Dell EMC Cloud Architect (EMCCA).Obviously, the best type of certification to get will depend upon the needs of a specific position, industry, company, and your career path. But a cloud skills certification can show employers that you have a good grasp on the technology and that you have the capability and dedication to learn a new system.
- Statistical analysis and data mining. Big data is big business, and companies in many different industries are working to harness the power of data analytics. However, finding qualified applicants with knowledge of data analytics is a challenge for recruiters. Experience in data mining and related analytical applications, including Apache Hadoop and Spark, SQL and NoSQL, and a background in statistical analysis or data visualization is a good way to ensure that your resume stands out to recruiters for big data positions.
- Artificial Intelligence / Applied machine learning. Applicants for jobs in artificial intelligence must have an educational background in math, technology and engineering, as well as the technical skills to design, maintain and repair AI systems. Job seekers with interest in working in AI can reinforce their qualifications by looking to machine learning classes on an online format, such as Coursera, or by building skills in preferred AI programming languages including R, Python, Scala, Prolog and Lisp, and AI platforms such as TensorFlow.
- Web architecture and development. Candidates for positions in web architecture and the development of web applications should have proficiency in two separate skill sets: technical proficiency in applications including HTML, CSS, Node.js, and JavaScript, as well as an aptitude for visual design and skills in Photoshop and Illustrator. Additionally, some experience with search engine optimization (SEO) and marketing will make candidates more attractive to recruiters.
However, candidates with soft skills have the biggest competitive advantage in today’s market. These individuals have proven to communicate, problem-solve, and collaborate with team members more effectively, leading to a higher rate in productivity. Companies today position IT employees to communicate with multiple business units in order to successfully develop and implement programs and solve IT related problems both internally and externally to clients.