I recommend that you are reflective on what experience and skills you possess. Every position description has one or two requirements that separate the ‘qualified’ from the ‘unqualified’. Look for them in every position description you consider and be honest with yourself.

Don’t apply because 1) you know you could learn ‘it’ if you had the chance; 2) you want to get your resume ‘in front of them’ so they can consider you for some other position you might be qualified for; 3) you have the experience, but it was ten years ago; 4) you want to change industries so ‘what the heck’. If you do apply under any of those circumstances, then don’t expect to get called…and don’t get angry and frustrated because no one calls you back.

In the last six months, I’ve received 914 resumes from postings on the Ladders – out of 914 resumes, I considered six people qualified enough to talk to about the positions. That’s only a little more than a half of a percent. Know that there’s frustration on both sides of this equation and you want to be one of the six, not one of the 908.

Companies want to hire people who are up-to-date with both their knowledge of their particular discipline AND  with their industry.  There are lots of ways to enhance your knowledge – some are expensive and some aren’t.  Take a class – read a book – look at a You Tube video.  Attend an industry program event in your city.

Please don’t get caught in the uninteresting trap of the single track between your home and your office.

Some interesting organizations to check out in Colorado

Silicon Flatirons; Communications Technology Professionals; DU Marketing Roundtable; TiE Rockies, Colorado Technology Association,