Looking for a new job? Here's what you need to know

While the number of UK IT vacancies being advertised has declined, there are still jobs out there for techies brave enough to risk leaving familiar surrounding and taking a leap of faith in the current economic climate. So what tips do industry experts have for job hunters this January?

Karen Price, CEO e-skills UK
Our research suggests employers are particularly looking for business-focused technology professionals. People who understand the company and the client, can work with others, communicate clearly, be creative, solve problems, make decisions, and manage projects. This is especially important in the often unpredictable and rapidly changing environment of a downturn.

In terms of technical areas, our research shows a steady growth in demand for, among others, test analysts, web authors, editors and content administrators, senior programmers, systems auditors, technical support managers and systems administrators. Knowledge and skills in new technologies such as web 2.0, which drives social media, should also hold up well.

Alan Rommel, MD, Parity Resources
Two main areas that we see in most demand are the stronger project management skills - so things that can make sure a project is delivered within budget, on time and does what it needs to do - and then we're still seeing a lot of demand on web development.

Speak to three or four good [recruitment] agencies - a couple of established agencies and a couple that are more niche-focused with your skills. If you spread the net as a candidate too widely you're never going to develop a relationship with the people on the agency side - they're never going to get a real feel for you and your abilities.

If I was a contractor I'd be working all the hours that I could, making sure I'm highlighting successes just to make sure people are very aware I'm adding value all through the contract.

Matt Smith, regional director, Harvey Nash
If you're out of work and actually looking… you have to leverage any relationships you have with past employers, people that you've worked with at different organisations, use LinkedIn, use Facebook, if you've got any solid relationships with [recruitment] agencies then make sure you leverage them.

If I were in IT and I was a contractor I would be sensible - I'd be working all the hours that I could, I would be making sure - but you should be doing this anyway - that I'm highlighting successes just to make sure people are very aware I'm adding value all through the contract.

Rob Chapman, CEO, Firebrand Training
The fact of the matter is UK IT workers stand at a watershed, which means specific, in-demand skills have never been more important for job security. Being 'a bit of an all-rounder' has never been less appropriate with a focus on cost-cutting and demonstrable value in every department.

Counter to this though, techies must also become better managers and communicators. Most importantly they must be able to convince the board of the need to innovate, not retrench as the economy toughens. That means learning to take the pain out of understanding IT and communicating in plain English.

So the IT worker…see page two