Top Skills to Have on an IT Resume
IT candidates remain highly in demand in 2021. There aren’t enough software engineers, data specialists, or even network engineers to go around—and don’t even ask us about the need for cybersecurity experts. There will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs this year alone. One study showed, of the 1.6 million general IT jobs in the U.S. that are open, only one-half will be filled. But if you’re a candidate, that’s good news; there are jobs out there for you. Because IT is so diverse, though, what kinds of skills do you need on your resume to land one of these open roles?
Best Tech Skills for 2021
TechRepublic put out their list of the best technology skills to have this year. They recommend:
- Cloud native architect skills. As more large organizations move their data into the cloud, they are in need of IT teams familiar with these architectures.
- Cloud cybersecurity skills. With the movement to the cloud comes a push for organizations to shore up their end-to-end frameworks. Cloud security is the hot job of the future.
- Automation, machine learning, and other artificial intelligence skills, including machine learning. TechRepublic says 70% of all large companies in the U.S. are looking for these skills.
- Product and project managers are still in demand, so anyone with IT production skills will have a leg up this year. These roles require a mix of technical acumen and leadership/people skills.
However, each type of role will require a specific set of skills within the framework of the job itself.
For example, if you’re seeking an IT Specialist or network engineer role you may need these skills:
- Installing/maintaining computer networks.
- Checking hardware and software functionality.
- Installing and configuring software.
- Training staff.
- Ensuring network security.
- Troubleshooting problems.
- Organizing upgrades and security patches.
General skills for a computer technician could include:
- Hardware: Assembly, maintenance, printers, drivers, networking.
- Networks: Configuration, server set ups, routers, TCP/IP, LAN.
- Operating systems: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS.
- Programming languages: Python, C++, PHP, HTML, CSS, Java.
- Security: Virus protection, monitoring, training, backups, disaster recovery.
- Software: Installation, debugging, governance, along with specific programs.
But don’t forget about soft skills, which some employers say are more important than hard skills.
The best soft skills for 2021 include:
- Creativity is particularly important for troubleshooting and problem solving in the tech field.
- The days of IT living in the basement are over. Today you must have strong communication skills to work in the technology field.
- Time management is important in any field. It’s even more important today when many people are working from home. Organizing your schedule to get more done is a key characteristic that employers look for.
- Active listening is the other side of communication and it’s vital when you’re working on a team. Asking questions, listening, and paying attention to your coworkers is important.
- Persuasion is a good skill when working with stakeholders reluctant to take on a new technology.
- Collaboration, particularly on a complex technology project is the only way to achieve your goals.
- Flexibility is critical in a field that is constantly changing.
- Perseverance allows you to keep troubleshooting a sticky problem until it’s resolved.
- Emotional intelligence allows you to evaluate and respond appropriately to other people’s emotions.
The Custom Group of Companies works with candidates that embody the skills that employers look for. If you’re wondering how your skills measure up, why don’t you give us a call?
