I have nearly 15 years of highly valuable computer experience. I consider myself to be very good at what I do, and always seek out doing the most advanced systems and like to work with the latest technology. I am thinking about switching jobs, but find the vast majority of work out there to be, well, boring and low-end. I am not interested in being a consultant, but would be willing to take a larger than average risk with a high-tech startup; or a small firm that is looking to do very innovative work; or step into a IT management technology position. I'd like to stay in the same geographical area, so how might I go about finding such a unique job with
these constraints? How DO you find the "hidden" high-end jobs?
NAMUNABA: Build up a profile by featuring in public IT events.
Tell other people at such events about your achievements while trying to find out if they have any problems you can help solve.
Contribute to local IT journals in order to make a name.
Show that you are interested in taking a challenge in the profession, making sure you do not bring out yourself as a desperate job seeker.
Carefully consider opportunities and, if possible, discuss the nature of the job with the prospective employers before putting in an application.
You could also try getting someone of professional or public influence to talk to people about you.
DMacDonald: Thats a tough one. I know that in my profession (librarian) the really good jobs, the permanent ones with big salaries and nice benefits are NEVER advertised. You basically get invited to apply for those based upon your reputation around town. In the past I've found new employees by asking around and calling former temps. I guess this means that if you want one of those juicy jobs you have to let people know you are looking for a new project, and blow your own horn a bit about your own skills and accomplishments. Its back to the old networking thing -- showing up at professional functions and working hard on your image as a brilliant professional.
DigAllNight: Don't write off consulting entirely. I'm in high-tech
as well, and I'm seeing a lot of companies -- good
companies -- doing interesting stuff, using job
shops as a source of "real" employees.
hcm: Well, you talk about your technology skills, but you also talk about moving into management. Knowing piles about technology is nice, but it doesn't seem to lead to the opportunity you seek (and, instead, leads to opportunities you are expressly not interested in, like consulting).
Add tasks and achievements to your portfolio that emphasize talent in leadership and project management; these, along with your technical skills, make you more attractive.
Following the suggestion of an earlier author (to present a paper or be otherwise involved in IT activities) may be useful ... not just because you become visible, but also because these organizations (by their nature) foster contact building ...
Talking to headhunters is not a bad idea if you are not involved in IT or technology society activities. Employers use headhunters for a reason: these folks can frequently find top-notch talent and match them with appropriate opportunities (of course, only the right recruiter may be able to do this for you).
