Looking for a job in tech can be an overwhelming task, especially if you don’t know what you are searching for. Some candidates are more concerned with salary and flexibility, while others are focused on benefits and opportunities for growth. Additionally, you may be wondering about the company itself: who are they, what is their reputation, and what are their values? All these things and more are important to consider when looking for a job in tech.
As a consultant working through an IT staffing firm, it is equally important to have a thorough understanding of the prospective roles that would be good opportunities for you, and how the staffing firm will support you during your engagement.
Overview of Jobs in the Tech Industry
Many tech professionals are looking for new jobs this year due to a shift in employee benefits. According to a survey by Dice, 47% of tech professionals said they were actively seeking new roles. Although tech salaries have risen year-over-year with the average tech salary being $112,521 in 2024, employee benefits have changed in recent years. A priority on professional development and flexible work arrangements are still top of mind for tech professionals indicating a trend amongst tech professionals to consider the whole employee package when looking for and accepting a job.
What Things To Consider When Looking For a Job in Tech
When looking for a job there are two things to keep in mind: consider what the employer needs from you and consider what you want for yourself. Understanding both these items will give you a great starting point before diving into all the other things there are to consider when looking for a job.
Once you’ve established what it is the employer needs from you and what you need for yourself, what other factors should you consider? You can use the below as guide to help you make decisions during your job search:
A Pathway to Growth:
- Does the job offer promotions or other opportunities to develop professionally?
- What is the general progression for promotions, increased responsibilities?
- Are there opportunities for extending engagements, and will the current role add to the experience on your resume for your next engagements?
- How often is your performance reviewed? Is there a forum for feedback and tracking goals?
Compensation:
- Does the salary cover basic needs such as housing, utilities, food, etc.?
- Is there a bonus structure or milestone payments?
- Are there elements like perks, reimbursements, etc. that add to compensation?
Skills and Abilities:
- How do your skills directly or indirectly apply to the job at hand?
While formal training might not exactly match, the skills acquired through on-the-job experiences can be transferrable and can make professionals feel like they are contributing meaningfully to the employer.
Company Values:
- Do the company values align with your own values?
- Do they have their mission clearly stated and do they take part in events and activities that support the mission?
- What do the current or former employees say about working in the organization?
- Do their reviews suggest the company follows and impresses their core values?
A misalignment in values can eventually lead to a downgrade in the work relationship. However, aligned values can lead to overall increased performance and morale.
Work-Life Balance/Flexibility:
- Will the job correlate to a balanced lifestyle according to hours, on-call expectations, travel requirements?
Work-life balance is a huge factor for your overall health and personal relationships and can boost your productivity when you are at work.
Benefits:
- What are the benefits you can receive while on the job? Especially as IT consultants, the staffing firm you work with can guide you on any benefits you are eligible for during your engagement.
Training/Educational Opportunities:
- What training and education opportunities are available?
Some employers offer to reimburse tuition and training expenses. You may also have access to classes and crash courses on various skills and programs, especially in IT, that you can add to your tool belt.
What To Look For in an Employer Based on Brand
Employer branding refers to how an organization communicates why they are a company people will want to work for, and how they share their employee value proposition (EVP) to support that. From company culture, values and reputation, to benefits packages and growth opportunities, employer branding is important to consider because it can indicate whether the company is a desirable place to work and whether the employees are happy working there.
For instance, a strong employer brand includes a clear mission statement and values, highlights their employee packages, and is transparent with employee sentiment. Learning what employees share about their place of work and their willingness to refer new talent for available positions is critically important to a genuine view of a company. Information about the company should be readily accessible, and in today’s digital world of communication, details should be easy to find.
Looking for a job in tech and considering all the things that make a job attractive to you are important in shaping the trajectory of your career and your life. Considering and weighing all the things listed above can help you find a position at a company where you can thrive and become the best version of yourself.
