The latest Dice report on IT hiring reveals that six in 10 hiring managers and technology recruiters expect to hire more in the first half of 2011 than in the previous six months. Jobs involving network or database security are particularly in high demand, but finding top talent with the right skill sets to fill these positions will be a challenge. In fact, 38 percent of respondents said that it is taking them longer to fill positions now compared to this time last year, and 52 percent of those said it’s because they cannot find qualified professionals. But if you’re an IT job seeker possessing these hard-to-find skills (see list below), don’t breathe too easy just yet.

While your chances of finding an IT job may be better than job seekers in other industries, IT jobs are becoming very competitive. That’s because companies are more selective in who they hire. Although finding the right people for tech jobs is a difficult reality recruiters and hiring managers face today, they are not – repeat – they are NOT hiring the first qualified candidate who comes along. There is too much at stake, and hiring decisions are being made very carefully. Last week, we blogged about a recent hiring trend we’re seeing here in the Atlanta market – companies are choosing to hire on a contract basis instead of permanent hiring. One reason for the spike in contract jobs is that hiring managers want to be absolutely, 100 percent sure that the people they bring on full-time are the right people before making a commitment and investment.

But there are a few things you can do in 2011 to help recruiters and hiring managers know in that you are the RIGHT person with the RIGHT skills for the RIGHT job!

1. Polish up your resume. Dust off last year’s updates and remind yourself that your resume is a sample of your work. It not only shows your skills and experience; it shows others the pride you take in your work. It may also be the one and only chance for you to make a good impression. We provided some pointers on writing effective resumes earlier this year – take a minute to read through them again. We also wrote recently how to “WOW” recruiters with customized resumes. Remember, a one-size fits all resume will almost guarantee you WON’T get a job, let alone an interview. Customized resumes will separate you from other professionals with similar skills.
2. Have a strong online presence and utilize social media effectively during your job search. Personal branding and online visibility is essential if you want to stand out above the rest. The good thing is that you’re already using many of these online tools today. How impactful is your email signature? Are you incorporating a job search strategy on Facebook? What about Twitter? LinkedIn? Let the Internet assist you in telling recruiters why you are the person they’re searching for.
3. Be prepared and stay prepared. Be organized and know what you want before your first call with HR or the recruiter. Have your resume ready at all times and make sure you are able to clearly communicate your previous experience and salary history. Listen during phone calls and interviews so that you respond in the most respectful and professional manner possible. You may have the most impeccable resume, but if you come across as arrogant, distracted or ill-prepared you can kiss that job goodbye.
4. Know how to maneuver through the hiring process. Don’t think for one second that once the interview is over, it’s out of your hands (and control). Be proactive and know what the next steps are. Always be professional and appreciative of the hiring manager’s time. Write a thank you note after the interview. Keep in touch with your recruiter and be prepared (see #3 above) for the next step. Be sure to communicate your job search status with the recruiter, and above all else, NEVER EVER burn bridges. The IT community is smaller than you may think.

In some respects, it is a “job seeker’s” market – but only if you have the hot IT skills employers desire. Even so, this will not guarantee you the job. You still have to prove yourself. How are you going to prove you’re the RIGHT person with the RIGHT skills in 2011?

• Information security
• Programming (Java, .Net, MySQL, Flex,  Silverlight, PHP, and portal technologies such as SharePoint)
• Infrastructure support
• Business analysis, project management and related skills that require business mindset 
• Enterprise resource planning