The tech job market in Utah saw a nice increase in recruiting demand in 2011. Forecasts for 2012 seem to be even better. As new opportunities become available we’d like to suggest a few ways you can increase your visibility as a candidate.

Here are a few suggestions:

1- Use Linkedin. Linkedin has become a major player in the professional social media world. Recruiters use Linkedin regularly to search for keywords, job titles, where candidates live, their job history/longevity, technologies used, industries worked in, etc. Like other social media sites- you get out of it what you put in to it. A recent CBS News story suggested 5 changes to make to your profile (here is a link: http://tinyurl.com/7x52oyd). The #1 suggestion was to accept invitations from people you don’t know. “On LinkedIn, connecting with people outside your immediate circle is imperative. ‘If you only accept invitations from people you know, why use LinkedIn? Outlook will suffice!”
2- If you haven’t done so recently, update your resumes online. Recruiters, both in-house HR and true Head Hunters, commonly use Monster, Dice, Careerbuilder, etc. Are you aware of others that are starting to gain momentum? Have you been to indeed.com? Did you know they have a resume database? Here is a link: http://tinyurl.com/84edn3j. Indeed is a great tool to keep you informed of new opportunities. Set up a free account and they will email you when new jobs, meeting your criteria, are posted.
3- Be specific about what you are looking for in your next role. The more detail you are willing to share (job title, compensation range, location, technologies you have interest and experience in) the better the chances are that you will be called about the right job.
4- Are you open to doing contract (temporary) work? Many companies over the past 2 years have increased their use of consultants- both full time and part time. Contracting works for some but not all. If you have strong feelings either way make it known.

ConnectPoint would love to help you in your search. As the economy continues to gain momentum please reach out to us with an updated resume and we’ll be sure to watch for jobs that may be of interest.