About information technology

Although the term "business/IT alignment" has been around for many years, never before has it been more relevant. That's because information technology is solidly integrated with any company's business plans. Business apps have made technology a business driver. Hiring managers want talented coders, but they also want someone who can understand the business objectives behind any technological roll-out.
As such, as an IT pro, you need to be prepared to support the business. If you're a programmer, you'll need to be able to listen to what shareholders want when you're building apps and deliver those apps on timely basis. No more cloistering yourself off in the wee hours with just your keyboard and a case of Red Bull. Genius code won't mean anything unless it satisfies the demands of the business.

If you're a project manager, you're going to have to speak two languages--that of tech and that of the business. You'll have to have the chops to understand what the business needs and the ability to interpret those needs to IT. In fact, a company's project manager will need to be the bridge between the business need for hardware/software initiatives and the process of making them happen.
What does this mean? It means, for one thing, that soft skills are more important than ever. And those are way up at the top of the list of things hiring managers will be looking for in tech personnel.
Soft skills like common sense, the ability to communicate effectively, understand the big picture, get along with other, manage your time and sell your ideas.
If you're not sure how you rate on the soft skills scale, here's a little quiz I found that might give you some insight.
Another way to find out is to ask your friends and colleagues for their opinions. It might not be the most pleasant experience in the world, but you will surely learn a lot. How you think you come across to others and how you actually come across can be vastly different. Any clues you get to help you change your behavior will help you stand out from other people looking for the same jobs you are.
Even if you're the type who likes to earn certifications, you'll find that many are starting to focus on cross-technology functions. Here are some in different areas of concentration:

• For project management, the Project Management Professional (PMP) and Six Sigma certification
• For Help Desk techs, Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL)
• For Cisco pros, Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) and Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)

Don't let the word "soft" give you the wrong idea. Soft skills could be the most important skill to have on your toolbelt in the months and years ahead.