Staying Current in a Changing Market

Here's the bad news: PHILLY TECH FIRMS ARE FIRING PEOPLE.
Here's the good news: THE SAME PHILLY TECH FIRMS ARE HIRING.

The recent unemployment numbers look frightening. Some 1.4 million workers have lost their jobs since March 2001. And the technology sector, both nationally and locally, has been one of the heaviest hit. While a good number of people have lost tech jobs in the Philadelphia region, many of the firms that fired them are hiring other people.

Local companies are laying off employees with old technology skills and hiring employees with newer skills. Employees have to learn to retool themselves; everything from changing their skill sets to learning the secrets of successful job interviews.

The first rule is to stay up on current technologies. If your current company doesn't pay for training, attend seminars or take classes at a local community college on your own. Volunteer in your company for new technology areas. To break into new technology areas you may have to start as a contractor to get your foot in the door. Utilize your personal network. Read technical journals to keep up with current trends in technology.

The second rule is to take the time to properly prepare for an interview. Research the company. Find out as much as you can about what they do, their culture, organizational structure, and growth potential. The internet is a great resource.

• Look at the company's job postings. See what technologies they use.
• Review the companies' press releases. Many times companies list the names of Directors on their site. Familiarize yourself with these names. Before you go in for the interview, take time to understand your priorities.
• What are you willing to give and take in any job?
• Role-play questions the employer may ask you in the interview.
• Remember "Practice leads to competence; competence leads to confidence."

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