If you are an IT Professional in the DFW area, there has never been a better time to test the market. We are starving for good talent in IT. While there are more marketable skills sets than others, there has not been a better time in the last three years to see where you stand as an IT Professional. If you have read some of my earlier postings, I have consistently written about IT Staffing and Services firms that are having their best year in the last three or four years as well as hiring managers having more jobs than they can fill.

Don’t believe me? That’s OK, I can be somewhat skeptical too. Personally, my company has seen our job requirements increase at a rate of 100% every month for the last 3 months.

I am “BEGGING” IT professionals to test the market. Yes, I am doing this for selfish reasons, after all, I work with a successful group of IT Staffing and Services professionals.

In order to give some of you talented IT Professionals a proverbial push off the old diving board, I’m going to break down both Active and Passive ways to jump into the market place and test the waters.

Active – Post your resume on multiple job boards. If you are an IT Professional, I would suggest DICE, Monster and Careerbuilder

Passive – Search the job boards above and, once you find the position that you are looking for, apply. No need to let the world know about you looking by posting your resume. Apply only for the jobs that you are interested in. Some boards will require you to post your information. If so, post a “Confidential Resume” or go directly to the company’s web site and apply directly.

Active – Work with an IT Staffing or Services agency. Send your resume to a few (I suggest no more than 3) and have them match you to current positions. Make it clear that you need to be contacted regarding the positions before being submitted.

Passive – Same as above but….. You don’t necessarily have to work with a recruiter. Register with an agency and have them put you on an emailing list for jobs that match your skill set or check the agency’s web site to review jobs.

Active/Passive – Get involved with your local Networking or Special Interest groups and speak with member companies that may be hiring.

Active/Passive – Make some of your friends or trusted associates aware that you may be ready to test the waters and see what kind of opportunities may be out there for you. If anything this may help you determine your worth.

I’m sure there are additional things that IT Professionals can do to test the market for a new position. I don’t have all the answers but, hopefully, some of these suggestions will help you get your feet wet!!