Some of the most popular roles in tech saw declines in job-posting activity last month. What does that mean for the tech industry, as well as anyone currently seeking a new job?
According to CompTIA’s monthly Jobs Report, tech roles with the most job postings included software developers and engineers, IT project managers, data analysts, specialists in emerging tech, and IT support specialists. That’s largely unchanged from previous months; what’s notable is how much activity dipped for some of these roles month-over-month. Check out the chart:
Despite these declines, the tech industry’s overall unemployment rate only ticked up slightly, from 2.1 percent in August to 2.2 percent last month.
It’s important to keep in mind that job postings inevitably fluctuate; one month’s data isn’t enough to determine a trend, particularly for popular roles such as software developer or data analyst. But if you’re nervous about whether you can find a position that’s right for you, keep in mind that polishing your skills (and learning new, highly specialized skills) can help you stand out in a crowded field of applicants while on the job hunt.
For example, while it’s essential for software engineers to know programming languages such as Java and Python, upgrading your skills portfolio by learning the tools and processes associated with machine learning (for example) can open up new opportunities, even in a down market.
Whatever your current job-hunt status, it’s always a good time to consider re-writing and polishing your resume and other application materials. As you rewrite, consider adopting a ‘problem, solution, results’ methodology, one that highlights your ability to recognize and overcome challenges in conjunction with your team members and other stakeholders. By emphasizing your impact, you can show that you’re more than capable of helping a potential employer fulfill their strategy and goals.