Job tips for tough economic times

If a dwindling 401k and questionable job security keep you awake at night, you're not alone. Experts are offering IT professionals advice on how to handle these tough times and remain employed. By updating your skills, taking on new responsibilities and working to become indispensable to your employer, you can ensure security.

"As any company looks to control costs, they look to IT people to become a jack of all trades in some respects," John Estes, vice president with IT staffing firm Robert Half Technology told CIO.com. "No one in IT can truly be that, but more companies are looking to staff to have broader, more diverse skill sets."

The Computer Technology Industry Association reports that it has seen an uptick in certifications training, which indicates that IT professionals see the need to update their skills to remain competitive. Estes said this is a good idea. For example, SQL experts should get up to speed on SQL 2008 and anticipate the skills management may seek in the coming months.

"IT workers can make themselves outsourcing-proof by demonstrating examples in which they could lead projects with a real ROI for the company," Estes said. "They should be really thinking about how this economic turmoil could impact their company and how IT could offset that."

For more advice in these tough economic times:
- check out this CIO.com article

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