Do I have to take a step back to update
skills?
Four years ago I traded a senior developer role at a failing
company with a marketable skillset (Java, J2EE) for what I hoped
was job security in a niche skill set (Ada 83/95 on a defence
project).
I have not been exposed to contemporary J2EE technologies and it
now seems I cannot gain the necessary hands-on experience to
further my career without taking a step back into a junior role.
What should I do?
The solution: You have skills, tailor your CV to win
work
Considering your experience, it is surprising that you are
finding it difficult to find a suitable job. The IT industry is
facing a skills crisis and good, qualified staff are few and far
between.
The fact agencies do not feel comfortable putting you forward
for Java roles, considering your qualifications, suggests your CV
could do with a makeover.
Your CV should focus on the skills you have. For each skill,
identify an opportunity or job where the skill was exemplified.
This will ensure that an employer can instantly see the benefits in
hiring you. It might be worth assessing the industries that you
have enjoyed working in the most and tailoring your CV
accordingly.
Alternatively, you could steer your career in a new direction
and take on a more managerial role where your experience will be
rewarded. Have you considered project management? A Prince2 course
would equip you with the managerial skills necessary to push your
career on to the next level.
This could open the door to a wide range of employment
opportunities that should provide you with the challenge you
require.
Solution by Robert Chapman, chief executive and co-founder
of The Training Camp
The panel: Hudson, Reed Technology, Wreay Group, No Limits
Coaching, The Training Camp
Need advice on your IT career? E-mail your questions to:
computer.weekly@rbi.co.uk
Vote for your IT greats
Who have been the most influential people in IT in the past 40
years? The greatest organisations? The best hardware and software
technologies? As part of Computer Weekly’s 40th anniversary
celebrations, we are asking our readers who and what has really
made a difference?
Vote now at:
www.computerweekly.com/ITgreats