Top 10 skills to land a high-paid 'dream' IT job

Despite historical growth in the temporary computer jobs market, some candidates are still struggling to get ahead.

To help, we quizzed 10 leading technology recruiters to discover what attributes and skills are possessed by those candidates who land high-paid ‘dream’ IT jobs, writes London-based jobandtalent, a social media recruitment platform. Master them all and you may find yourself (and your pay rate) soaring to new heights.

1. Ability to manage big data

Big data is a big talking point at the moment. Although experience in managing large data sets is not a requirement that most IT recruiters will ask you for, if you have the experience and can demonstrate that you are comfortable working with big data, that could be the difference between standard and sumptuous rewards at the end of the month.

2. Degrees continue to be a must

Large companies still value a degree, and to get ahead in a senior role within IT is required in almost all job descriptions. In many industries such as IT, Finance and Marketing, a candidate is still fiscally valued by the level of their education, meaning a candidate with a background in higher education, a degree or a postgraduate degree, is more likely to climb to the top of the IT ladder than their less-qualified rivals.

3. Managing mature teams

Having led teams of between 10-30 people is highly valued in IT. Some people will have the management skills in other areas of work, and leading an IT team doesn’t seem that different, but in actuality there is a substantial difference between the two, and recruiters will be looking for individuals comfortable with team management. Managing a team of mature people will show that you are capable to lead a company, but not only that it also shows that you are dependable and trustworthy.

4. Experience in large corporations

Working for a start-up or small company has many perks - this experience shows future hirers that you are passionate and it’s a great stepping stone in the IT field. However, large corporations will offer you the opportunity to develop worldwide connections with international clients, and work towards the company’s global objectives.

5. Advanced statistical analysis

From traditional analysis of variance and linear regression to exact methods, you must be able to demonstrate an advanced knowledge of statistical analysis. This knowledge will open up the possibilities in terms the number of senior roles you will be able to access.

6. Excellent communication skills

Once upon a time in ICT, only sales-focused roles required you to have excellent communication skills. Liaising with business partners and team members is an essential requirement in IT companies, and these skills can propel you from an executive to a director. In IT, you need to have the ability to convey complex analytical ideas to an array of audiences, including people who will not have your sophisticated understanding of technical matters.

7. A methodical and logical nature

In high-level IT jobs it is essential to be methodical. Having a methodical and a logical nature simply means to work in a systematic manner, and a logical approach to the work you are undertaking. This skill demonstrates a powerful ability to prioritise work and manage a several tasks at once.

8. IT certifications

IT certifications in 2013 are used as a measure of a person's diverse skill-sets and competencies. Some of the top IT certifications that will give you an edge (depending on your field) include Project Management Professional (PMP), a certification that showcases to the hirer that you can complete tasks efficiently according to your allocated time and budget. Meanwhile, large corporations are the most likely hirers to manage big data, so the Certified Information Systems Security Professionals (CISSP) certification is essential to have from such a hirer’s perspective, as it shows them that you can tackle security breaches.

9. Leadership qualities

You need to be able to use your sphere of knowledge to lead a team of 10 or more IT professionals, training them in common concepts in the industry such as WAN/LAN solutions and DWDM. Strong leadership skills are essential, as is possessing experience in operational strategic planning and decision making processes.

10. A love for all things IT

The only way to keep ahead of your competitors in IT is learning, either formally with certifications or informally, such as being self-taught. If you naturally enjoy all things technical, then keeping up with the latest innovations will be much less of a strain than if you have to force yourself to get turned on by technology and its workings. As the industry’s practitioners will attest, IT and technology are so fast-moving and so fast-paced that not keeping abreast of new trends can prove detrimental – to your rate, reputation and your chances of renewal. In short, only a genuine love for the trade will equip you with the motivation necessary to keep pace with the continuous evolution of IT.