HIGH TECH: MANAGING YOUR CAREER: THINK STRATEGICALLY
been immune to the effects of the recession and sluggish economic recovery. Despite reports of record years by a few local high tech recruiters and pockets of'strength in certain industries, some noticeable changes in the high tech hiring equation have occurred.</br></br>'There has definitely been a decrease in full time opportunities and an increase in the number of contractors being utilized by companies," notes William J. Joyce, a director for The Guild Û÷ Corporation, a Virginia based recruiting firm. ÛÏEmployers are also scrutinizing hires much more carefully. They're looking for better matches between candidates and job requirements.Û</br></br>Employed professionals are also confronting some new expectations. ÛÏWith companies watching headcount today more than they ever have before, they're looking to justify every position," says Joyce. In that context, he suggests, theyÛªre looking far more closely at the skill profile and on-the-job accomplishments, of every employee.</br></br>In this atmosphere, hiring managers, corporate recruiters,, and search consultants alike agree that individuals must think; more strategically about their careers and take specific steps to maintain a competitive edge.</br></br>Maintaining state-of-the-art technical skills should be a top priority for all technical professionals whether they're in individual contributor or management roles.