A lifetime career in Information Technology requires skills previous generations of IT executives ignored or scorned. (People skills? What are those?) The present day IT executive should be a master of the technology he manages plus the company lines it supports. What follows would be the eight essential skills, supplied by tech pros themselves, which executives must demonstrate to advance within an IT career.

Technical savvy– There’s no navigating around the fact IT means “information technology.” Your experience must show an established background of leveraging technology to boost performance, productivity and competitive edge. But technical savvy is nothing without …

 

Business acumen– Hiring managers are looking for those who can integrate understanding of technology with understanding of business. Technology no more just supports business – it drives it. The decisions made around technology, and the capability to identify new products and services which will take an organization to another| level, are among the most crucial made at virtually all organizations.

 

Communications skills –Perhaps you have seen the “Saturday Night Live” skit where Jimmy Fallon plays Nick Burns, an IT help desk employee who revels {in making end-users feel just like idiots? It’s satire, needless to say, but there’s always a kernel of truth to satire. It can’t hurt to make sure that you’re by no means falling in to the “IT guy” stereotype, especially when you are looking to move up in the industry. Ask trusted colleagues among your organization for feedback on your own communications skills, and take their constructive criticism to heart.

 

The capability to speak multiple languages – Along the exact same lines as No. 3, it’s very important to be fluent in the languages (and different dialects) of technology, business, your organization’s industry and end-user concerns.

 

Project management skills – Hiring managers desire to see that you’ve succeeded at project management. It’s not enough to learn your stuff; you need to know about everyone else’s stuff and have the ability to manage the different technologies, business applications, skills and personalities associated with a project.

 

Certifications – While certifications aren’t at the top of the lists of the experts who spoke with TheLadders, if you choose to list your certifications, you have to also have the ability to articulate how you’ve applied them. “I’m not really a fan of certifications on their own,” companies sometimes utilize them as a filter, but they put much more weight on experience. I’ve seen way too many certificate holders that couldn’t apply that knowledge.”

 

A curious mind – Hiring managers are looking for those who are always considering how things work and steps to make them better. “I discovered a few of the greatest individuals have the attribute of frequently saying, ‘I wonder why it did that?’ and then learning why.

 

Flexibility and foresight – The rate of technological change is staggering, and employers require IT pros who cannot just adapt to that particular change but to be out in front of it.

What you need to know about pursuing an encore career later in life. 

Question:

I am 65 and nowhere near ready to retire (physically and emotionally) but I need to find more meaningful work than I’m doing now. What’s the best way to overcome the age issue when approaching potential employers? – J.F. of Annapolis, MD

Answer: 

I can’t tell you how many people I’ve spoken to recently who are looking for new opportunities later in life!

Do me a favor and Google the following term today: “encore career”

An “encore career,” also called “recareering,” is defined as an employment transition made during the latter part of one’s career, typically to the social sector or a public-interest field, such as education, the environment, health care, government, social services or nonprofits.

It makes sense. You’ve worked hard throughout your career, doing what needed to be done to pay the bills and put the kids through school. Now the kids are out of the house and you’re considering downsizing. You don’t want to work 60+ hours a week anymore, and you’re OK taking a pay cut to get there. And most importantly, you’re looking for a job that’s not “just a job” – you want a role that helps you give back to the community and that makes a social impact.

You’re not alone.

A 2011 research study conducted by Penn Schoen Berland concluded that nearly 9 million Americans between the ages of 44 and 70 are in encore careers, with an additional 31 million interested in pursuing one. It’s an appealing option for job seekers at retirement age who either need to continue working to maintain a paycheck and medical benefits, or want to continue working while making a lifestyle change.

Here are some things to consider before you leap into that next chapter of your career:

1. When considering an encore career, think about the key strengths and skills that made you successful in your professional career, and explore opportunities where you think they could be applied. These skills, along with your passion for a specific cause, will be your greatest selling points during the search.
2. Once you’ve chosen an area to pursue, it’s important to immerse yourself in industry news and terminology. The easiest way to start is online. Create Google News alerts using industry-specific terms or organizations’ names to receive relevant articles; identify major organizations associated with your cause and join them; and subscribe to industry-specific online newsletters, blogs and Twitter feeds.
3. Join professional groups online and offlinevia LinkedIn Groups and Meetup.com to join in conversations and attend networking events. Identify any connections in your current network who work within your targeted industry and take them out for an informational interview– this is a great way to gain valuable insight into the market and uncover potential opportunities.
4. Look for volunteer and internship opportunities(yes, internships!) in your chosen area so you can add industry-related experience to your work history and make new connections. When possible, pursue these opportunities while still working as a full-time professional to make the transition smoother once you’re ready for the switch.
5. Stay current with technology.You don’t have to be a maverick on Twitter, but you should understand how it works. I recommend exploring each of the more popular social media  platforms for work: Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. You should be proficient with computers, navigating online and Microsoft’s main products (Word, PowerPoint and Excel). Microsoft has some great free online tutorials you can take, or you can explore courses given at your local community college.
6. Show your energy and passion. Employers who open their arms to encore job seekers expect the candidates to be older, but that doesn’t mean you’ll completely avoid age discrimination during your transition. Do what you can to promote the active, vivacious part of your personality during networking activities and in interviews. Think about your wardrobe and appearance, energy level and the topics you bring up during casual conversations.
7. Be prepared for a long ride. The average American in an encore career takes 18 months to make the transition, and 67 percent of those folks had reduced or zero income during that transition period. If you want to pursue an encore career, start saving now, and be mentally prepared for the journey ahead.

Do companies only hire overqualified candidates? Are cover letters really that important? Separate the facts from the fiction with these clarifications.

Every individual has a job-hunting strategy that they are proud of, along with a list of things a job seeker must never do. Some of it is good advice, and some of it is downright blasphemous. While certain myths of the trade are harmless, others are disastrous to the success of a job seeker. So how do you know which advice to disregard and which to embrace? Let’s expose 10 of the most common myths of the job hunt and offer some useful advice in its place.

Myth: Registering on several online job portals will result in maximum call-backs

This is one of the biggest myths of this industry. Although online portals are accessible and increase visibility, they should not be viewed as having a higher success rate than any of the traditional counterparts like ads in newspapers and magazines. Thousands of people register on these portals on a daily basis and it could take days just for the screening process to end.

Advice: Register on two or three good job boards, and update your resume regularly to stay on top of the results lists.

Myth: A majority of vacancies are posted online or in the newspapers

It’s common practice for job openings to be “closed” or “hidden,” meaning recruiters will search for candidates or get references without ever posting the job online. The higher the title or salary, the less likely it is that the position will be advertised at all.

Advice: Start networking. It is the one and only fool-proof method of knowing what’s happening in the current job market. You have a better chance of finding what you seek if you make connections with others in your desired industry. For example, if you want to work as a freelance writer, building relationships with other writers and editors is your most critical resource in finding a position of your own.

Myth: Changing jobs regularly is frowned upon by employers

People who change jobs frequently, also called job hoppers, have always been scrutinized. However, since the great downsizing of companies and increase of limited-term positions, employers have recognized the need for frequent change. To climb the corporate ladder and get a better salary, job seekers often need to change jobs regularly. It’s not only logical, but necessary for professional development.

Advice: Avoid the really short stints lasting three to six months. Stick to one job profile for at least a year if possible. When writing or updating your resume, focus more on your transferable skills rather than your time duration at a given position.

Myth: Cover letters are not that important

Cover letters must be an integral part of your job-search strategy. A resume just gives an account of your work experience, skill set, and core competencies. It is all but useless if not accompanied with a document that gives a detailed description of why you are uniquely qualified for the particular job profile.

Advice: Every time you apply for a position, send a customized cover letter written specifically for the company that you are applying to. The only exception to this rule is when the employer explicitly states that he does NOT need one.

Myth: A resume and cover letter is sufficient enough to be called for an interview

This ideology is so not true. Maybe if the job market is very tight, or if you are applying to niche positions for which you are specifically qualified, you might land an interview instantly. For all other intents and purposes, this job-search strategy almost never works.

Advice: Shake a leg and be proactive when job hunting. Follow up with every job lead and call employers requesting for an interview, if required. Chances are that you may not be exceptionally qualified for a particular job position, but the employer – impressed by your initiative – might grant you higher consideration, or have leads to other openings.

Myth: Asking for less salary will make you a more attractive candidate

Lowering your salary expectations will only make you look weak. Worst-case scenario, you will be frustrated for the rest of your tenure because you will feel that you were cheated out of the money that you deserved.

Advice: Never initiate the salary topic. Let the employer go through their motions and then set your demands accordingly. As long as they are within the acceptable range of the job profile, the employer, and the organization – you should be good to go.

Myth: You need to be overqualified to get the job

The truth is that the most qualified individual does not always get the job. Employers seek candidates with the mix of interviewing skills, confidence, qualifications, and overall personality that fit with the company.

Advice: Do not be arrogant if you feel you are the most qualified for the job, and don’t be discouraged if you feel that you know a little less than the other applicants. The employer saw something to call you for an interview. Be confident and prove why you are the best contender for the job.

Myth: You will have a tough time looking for a job if you are over a certain age

Gone are the days when people over 50 were considered old. Employers look for education, skills, and experience over superficial, uncontrollable attributes. Your experiences will only add value to your potential candidacy at a new organization.

Advice: Have the right attitude and temperament regardless of your age. If you are a team player and not just a seasoned professional who is unwilling to embrace change, your age will not matter one bit.

Myth: Accept the first job offer you get

Though this may occasionally be true for first-timers, seasoned professionals should refrain from accepting the first job offer they receive. With experience and enhanced qualifications you might get multiple job offers at a time or within close proximity of each other. It is always wise to analyze your options before committing to a position or company. Of course, if the first offer is for your dream job, or the salary package and location is perfect, don’t hesitate to pull the trigger.

Advice: Weigh your options rationally before you make a career move. If it’s not a perfect fit, hold out for the job offer that makes the most sense for your career.

Myth: Your resume needs to be one page

The length of your resume should be determined by your amount of experience. Resumes should be anywhere between one and three pages. Anything less might deem you inexperienced, anything more is simply unnecessary information that won’t be read.

Advice: A resume should highlight and emphasize on your education, experience, and transferable skills. If you have less than 10 years of experience under your belt, you should probably stick to one page. The more experience you have, the more you can include, so long as it’s highly relevant and unique to you. Do not leave out important information like your achievements and project experience just to limit the length of the document to one page.

Reformed workaholic Arianna Huffington shares her secrets of success without stress.

If you spend most of your time feeling like you’ve got too much to do, you might feel better when you look at what’s on Arianna Huffington’s plate.

As head of one of the world’s most influential news and information brands, The Huffington Post, the sheer amount of data that this mother of two is responsible for overseeing can make your head spin. Despite these intense professional and personal responsibilities, Huffington has found a way to stay centered in the midst of competing demands that could easily feel chaotic.

I had a chance to interview Huffington to ask her how she does it—and how others can follow her example to achieve a better work-life balance of their own.

Create New Habits

In Thrive, Huffington advocates taking a few simple steps at the personal level that can lead to dramatic effects on your well-being. “I personally start every morning with 20 to 30 minutes of meditation, and in Thrive I recommend very small, manageable steps, including introducing 5 minutes of meditation into your day and getting just 30 minutes more sleep than you are getting now,” says Huffington. “These small changes can open the door to creating a new habit—and all the many proven benefits it brings.”

Course-Correct

With her high-profile role in the media and mind-boggling responsibilities at HuffPo, you might wonder how consistently Huffington is able to follow her sleep and meditation routine, as well as other recommendations she gives readers. “On the whole I’m able to follow my own recommendations, though of course I slip up from time to time,” admits Huffington.

If she feels herself falling out of balance, Huffington has a strategy for catching herself quickly.“I find that the easiest way for me to course-correct is by focusing on my breathing,” says Huffington. “Conscious breathing is something I can return to hundreds of times during the day in an instant. It helps me introduce pauses into my daily life, brings me back into the moment, and helps me transcend upsets and setbacks.”

She adds that focusing on her breathing has helped her become much more aware of when she holds or constricts her breath—not just when dealing with a problem, but sometimes even when she’s doing something as mundane as putting a key in the door, texting, reading an email, or going over her schedule. “When I use my breath to relax the contracted core of my body, I can follow this thread back to my center,” says Huffington.

Go Public

How can you increase your resolve to keep your work-life in better balance? Huffington recommends spreading the word about it.

“I’ve learned that going public about your decision—to meditate, to get more sleep, whatever it may be—can be one way to make that commitment stick,” says Huffington. “You’ll be surrounded, as I found out, by sympathetic friends who have been wanting to do the same thing and will help you stick to your goals.”

In Huffington’s case, after blogging on the Huffington Post about her commitment to get more sleep, complete strangers began coming up to her at events, glancing at their watches. “They were wondering how much longer I planned to stay and whether I was going to be able to get my eight hours,” recalls Huffington. “I felt like a kid out on a school night—with dozens of babysitters all anxious to help me keep my commitment.”

Invest in a career coach to propel your career forward.

In the cutthroat job market, it’s important that professionals find their competitive edge. Sometimes an outside opinion can guide you in times of uncertainty or moments for motivation.

A career coach can work directly with a job seeker, handling everything from resume consulting to job interview training. If you choose the right coach, not only will you land a great job, but you’ll ensure it’s the right fit, giving you the long-term success you need. Here are some things a career coach can do for you.

Expert Career Advice

Before you launch your next job search, you should make sure you’re going in the right direction. A career coach first acts as an advisor, determining your skill set and long-term goals. Once these components have been established, a career coach will help you come up with a strategy to help achieve your goals.

A career coach can also recommend courses of action you never even thought of. An expert’s advice could lead you to pursue a position that may match your long-term goals in a better angle.

Resume Review

Although career coaches won’t write your resume for you, they’ll review your existing one and provide technical tips on how to improve it. They can also review your LinkedIn profile and check to see if you are hitting the right notes.

These professionals are equipped with a multitude of far-reaching connections and will introduce you to the right ones. These newly formed alliances will thus help improve your chances of achieving your dream career.

Networking Tips

One of the best ways to gain an edge over the competition is to directly connect with hiring managers and business leaders. Candidates who are seeking these connections will often search through social networks with limited success.

On the other hand, a career coach can introduce you to a variety of networking opportunities that can help you get ahead, such as local events and meetings. You’ll also learn invaluable ways to use existing connections to get an introduction to the people who can help you in your job search. Your coach may even know recruiters and professionals who are looking for someone with your very skill-set.

Job Interview Training

Preparing for a job interview can be a stressful experience, especially if you do not know how to answer difficult questions like, “What are your salary expectations?”.

A career coach can roleplay with you and help formulate responses to match your personal branding. You’ll also have a very clear outline of your career path, so you will naturally be able to formulate better answers to questions such as, “Tell me a little bit about yourself?”

Advancement Opportunities

Career advice isn’t limited to the job search process, either. Even after you’ve landed a great job, you can benefit from advice on everything from dealing with office politics to asking for a raise.

If you find the right coach, consider keeping that person on speed dial. You may find that the advice you receive from your advisor as versatile and well-rounded.

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The job market is competitive, but professionals can still find the perfect job. By working with a career coach, job seekers can set themselves in the right direction, landing a job that will do far more rewarding than just pay the bills.