Guest Author - Sandra Eggers

Sure, you have to have the basic skill set for any high-tech job, but the difference between you and the other qualified candidates may be your communications skills. The ability to effectively communicate with co-workers and clients is one of the keys to your success, and the success of the company you work for.

If you think about it, from the first step in the process of finding a new job, communication skills are essential. You must have good written skills to develop an effective resume, and solid verbal skills during the interview process. Once you’re hired, the first several weeks at a new job are spent meeting people. During the course of a normal workday, you may be required to interact with others face-to-face, via phone or email, and these all require solid communication skills.

Technology workers are often asked to participate in cross-functional work teams across and within organizations. Because technology is the foundation of many corporate initiatives, IT folks are generally part of these teams in the planning and design stages of projects to communicate requirements and identify potential issues. Good interpersonal and communication skills are essential to good teamwork and a successful project.

Networking is a popular buzzword among the high-tech movers and shakers, but what is it really? Well, in this case we don’t mean Novell and it has nothing to do with Cisco routers. You can think of it relative to a LAN if you’re so inclined, but as a network of people instead of routers and hubs. Whether you’re looking for that first job in high-tech, or you have established yourself as a technology professional, networking with peers and other professionals can do great things for your career.

Good interpersonal skills will also go a long way in landing you that new job. Networking and “schmoozing” with recruiters, hiring managers and high-tech professionals at job fairs or technical events can lead to many open doors.

Ever think of attending a tech user group meeting? There are many local organizations established as a support system for software developers and programmers. Regular meetings afford the opportunity to network with peers and learn about advancements in the product or technology. Interesting thing about these meetings - you’ll often folks in the back of the room who know nothing at all about the technology. These are often hiring managers or small business owners surveying the room for possible technical support – they could be your new boss. This is the time have those interpersonal, communication and networking skills ready to go so you can take advantage of any opportunity that may walk up to you at one of these meetings (come prepared with a few business cards).

In the world of high-tech careers, it is expected that your technical skills are what you say they are, though you may be tested. It’s the “soft skills” that will set you apart from other candidates - communication, interpersonal, and networking. If you are a technical professional and can master these skills, you are on the road to a successful high-tech career.


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