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The IT industry is still booming. However, nowadays it requires more than pure IT knowledge to score points in this environment. This trend is evidenced by the hiring criteria in all IT areas, which have continuously become more demanding and important in recent years.
In some business areas, positions even remain unfilled because there is a lack of qualified applicants and IT recruiting leaves something to be desired. Companies that want to keep up with rapid technological change are therefore clearly feeling the effects of the increased shortage of skilled workers in IT.
Necessary IT skills for digitalization
With the increasing focus on end consumers and the associated technological changes, the requirements for qualified applicants for IT positions have increased significantly. More than ever, IT needs to be able to see through the lens of the end user or enterprise customer. This requires close collaboration with colleagues who have direct contact with customers in order to understand their perspective and needs. To a certain extent, the IT specialist takes on the role of an architect. He develops standards and norms for data, applications and mobile devices. This includes, among other things, observing competitors and uncovering new customer groups.
It is important to always stay up to date, not just in technical support. Many companies have recently followed the AI trend in order not to be left behind. This shouldn’t happen to IT administrators either.
IT employees must master business intelligence
Another big topic when it comes to IT skills doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with technology. On the contrary: It is important that IT professionals build up a broad range of knowledge and have a certain level of business intelligence. It is increasingly important for companies that IT managers pay attention to reducing costs and investing in the right technologies.
Soft skills should not be missing
Another long-running issue when it comes to IT skills is the issue of security. New technologies always represent a challenge and a change in common methods of ensuring security. It is also important there that the IT staff receives appropriate training in order to always stay up to date.
Security is not just a matter of rules and monitoring, but also of soft skills. Security experts make it clear to the workforce why they cannot ignore IT.
Today’s IT employee must bring in-depth specialist and process knowledge in addition to classic IT know-how. He must be able to understand what the business needs and be even more willing to undertake independent and ongoing training in the technologies. In addition, a good understanding of all security-related issues regarding IT technology as well as a certain level of legal certainty will be a basic requirement for employment.
IT at two speeds
On the one hand, it is important to control and manage the existing IT. At the same time, IT managers, on the other hand, are required to develop new solutions, such as for mobility and digitalization. This requires two completely different mindsets, one for digital business models and one for traditional IT.
The 11 most important soft skills
Your communication skills help you build consensus and understanding of your goals and desires.
Self-confidence means, among other things, being aware of yourself and knowing your own strengths and weaknesses.
Those who are empathetic can more easily convince others of their cause.
Teamwork skills are required in every job advertisement. Being a team player means, among other things, recognizing your role in the team and behaving in accordance with the expectations attached to it.
Being able to take criticism not only means being able to criticize (fairly, objectively), but also being able to accept, reflect on and implement criticism accordingly. Dealing with criticism plays a crucial role, especially in teams, projects and leadership situations.
If you train your analytical skills, you will be able to quickly grasp situations and react accordingly.
Trust is the expectation of being able to rely on others in critical situations.
Anyone who does not control themselves will always remain a slave. Only those who have themselves under control can convince others.
Curiosity is the prerequisite for creativity.
Only if you can accept other opinions and engage openly with those around you will you live a self-determined life.
Asserting yourself appropriately means persuading rather than persuading – or forcing. Convinced that others will be happy to follow you on your path.
… those interested can find it in the book of the same name by Gabriele Peters-Kühlinger and Friedel John – published by Haufe in the practical “Pocket Guide” format (fits in every trouser pocket).
