Graduates on the lookout for a career in information technology (IT) or computing need to back up their technical knowledge with business know-how and get themselves noticed in a competitive field. Writing on Datamation, James Maguire said the job market for good computing posts can be extremely crowded - and successful candidates will therefore be the ones that can stand out from the throng. One of the first ways of doing this is with a resume, he said. Graduates should avoid generic objectives or statements about why they are searching for a job, as they can give hiring managers the impression that they are just looking for anything related to their skills. Instead, tailor a resume to a particular company, Mr Maguire advised. This will require research into their particular field. IT job candidates should also follow up on resumes with telephone networking to ensure they stay in the minds of human resources departments, he said. When it comes to the interview, it is important to project a willingness to work in a team, as well as an interest in the business issues such as profitability. More generally, those looking for a career in computing should review their skills as often as possible to ensure they are equipped to work in growth areas.  |