4 Tips for IT Professionals to Increase Your Earning Power

Information technology (IT) professionals are in high demand. As computers expand into every area of life, the need for skilled IT staff simply continues to grow.

Whether you’re just starting out in the field or are looking for ways to expand your skills, knowing how to boost your earning power can help you meet your career goals. Here are four ways to increase your earning potential and make yourself more marketable to top employers:

1. Earn a new tech certificate. Tech certificates stand out to hiring managers. They demonstrate not only capability in a particular topic or field, but also a willingness to “go the extra mile” to do your job well and an ability to direct your own learning and career growth. While a number of technical certificates can increase your earning power, consider reaching past your current “comfort zone” for certificates in areas that are new to you – or go for a certification in a topic that isn’t strictly tech-focused, like a Project Management Professional (PMP) certificate.
2. Work on your communication skills. Gone are the days when the IT staff spent the work hours alone in the “tech closet,” working only with systems. Now, IT professionals are not only responsible for making sure the technology systems work correctly, they’re also called upon to explain and teach the use of those systems to non-tech experts. An IT professional who can teach what they know to co-workers or who can communicate the IT department’s needs clearly and concisely stands out among his or her peers – and can often command the salary that comes with that extra knowledge.
3. Take a hard look at your career plan. As an IT professional, you already know that a well-planned project proceeds more quickly and produces better results than one that is merely “thrown together.” Yet you may be surprised how few IT professionals translate this knowledge to their own careers. Take some time to decide what your major career goals are and to learn what it takes to reach them. Make yourself a short- and long-term plan for getting and staying on your chosen track. Chances are, your earnings will increase faster than those of co-workers who merely “threw together” their own careers.
4. Work with a recruiter. Recruiters that specialize in placing IT talent know more than merely who’s hiring and who’s available. They specialize in knowing the industry as a whole and in predicting where growth will likely take place. By working with a recruiter, you gain access to their knowledge and their professional network – improving your chances of finding a great job at a competitive salary.

At Marquee Staffing, our experienced recruiters help IT professionals find the jobs they want to boost their earning power and maximize their productivity. Contact us today to learn more about our technology job opportunities in Southern California.