A job hunter’s chances of snaring a new role is tied to a simple correlation—that the candidate’s skills and experiences are what a CIO is looking for in a certain position. But by going one step further—and identifying personal and professional traits you have—you can give yourself an added advantage in the job hunt.
To help in that endeavor, I’ve put together a list of 10 traits that extend beyond the required skills and experience; as you know, there’ll be at least 20 other applicants with similar resumes on the CIO’s desk. These traits can set you apart from the dozens of other candidates.
As you review the list below, pull out your resume and try to correlate work and project examples that tie in to these traits so that you can introduce these added skills in cover letters and during interviews.
1. A self-starter
attitude
I’ll take 10 thoroughbreds over 15 average runners every
time. CIOs want employees that take initiative and want to do a good job. Being
proactive is an excellent trait as long as it is consistent with the
mission.
2. Adaptability to change
Our IT
world is constantly changing and those that are adaptable tend to achieve more.
Managers need employees that can adapt to change and can maintain high levels of
productivity even in uncertain times.
3.
Appreciation for good customer service
People who understand the
importance of client service know that clients, or users, are the reason we have
an IT career. They also know how to take precautions when working on issues that
can cause systems downtime and loss of productivity for their
"clients".
4. Team players
Managers need
staff members that can work well in teams and that the team can rely on. Too
many excellent technicians lose their value to an organization when they can't
work effectively in a team environment. Demonstrating an ability to work
successfully with mixed teams of IT staff and users, or clients, is a positive
indicator of teamwork skills and a tangible asset.
5. Proven commitment
CIOs want people that they know
will go the extra mile when called on to take care of a situation and that do
what it takes to succeed individually and for the team. True performers come
through under pressure.
6. A strong desire to
achieve
It's hard to teach people to want to succeed if they don't
already have the desire. Having such a desire puts an emphasis on getting
important issues resolved, and CIOs need people that know when a situation calls
for "all hands on deck.”
7. Problem-solving
skills
Putting out fires is a big part of any IT manager’s role, and
competence doesn't necessarily mean a manager has to have all the answers. But
good managers are those who are willing to work hard to find answers and enjoy
the challenges that land on their desks.
Play video
There are currently no comments for this post.