Define Your Career Preferences  

1.  Know your objectives and preferences  

• Define your own specific objectives, both personal and professional, before you begin.
• Understand your preferences regarding work styles, environments, pace, etc.
• Determine the job criteria that will help you meet your requirements.
• Think about which technologies you enjoy most, especially if you are experienced in more than one area.
• Consider what types of roles will help you achieve your long-term goals.
• Factor in the importance of learning new skills as you work.

 2.  Consider the size of organization you like most  

• Many professionals want to work for large companies on the international IT scene.
• Others appreciate the opportunity to pave innovative new roads with smaller start-up firms.
• For still others, the size of the organization does not matter at all.
• Reflect on your own career experiences to date.
• Have you found yourself happier in a small organization, or thriving in a large environment?
• Factor your preferences in this area into your job search.

3.  Select hands-on work or management  

• Moving into a management role can be very rewarding.
• Management roles, however, include added responsibility, paperwork and the development of careers of those working under your supervision.
• If you enjoy hands-on technical work, management may not be the right direction for you.
• If you are contemplating a move into a management role, consider the reasons why.
• If you would simply like to pursue a higher salary, discuss that possibility with your current manager.
• If you are certain that management is right for you, demonstrate your willingness to learn and to lead.

 4.  Determine your salary or rate  

• Understand that there is a wide range of salaries and rates for every IT role.
• Research the ranges for different organizations in your local area.
• Base your range on the type of work you do, your years of experience and your financial obligations.
• Seek a compensation plan that is appropriate for your given role.
• Factor benefits, such as training, insurance coverage, retirement funds, etc., into your evaluation.
• Avoid letting salary alone influence your decision to accept or reject a potential opportunity.

5.  Are you prepared to commute or relocate?

•  Some individuals view a commute as an opportunity for quiet time before the day begins.
• Others prefer not to travel more than a few minutes to the office each day.
• Think about your willingness to commute when evaluating positions.
• Determine your transportation options to and from each workplace.
• Decide whether you would be willing to move to an area closer to where a given office is located.
• Consider asking whether the hiring organization offers telecommuting or other work-from-home options.

6.  Factor in your special needs  

• You may have very specific needs that affect your career choices.
• Single parents, for instance, may require a daycare facility onsite.
• If you have health considerations, you might need an organization with a comprehensive benefit plan.
• You may be averse to accepting a position that requires travel.
• Communicate your requirements up front so a potential employer can map an opportunity to those needs.

 7.  Stay informed of market developments  

• Define your own specific objectives, both personal and professional, before you begin.
• Understand your preferences regarding work styles, environments, pace, etc.
• Determine the job criteria that will help you meet your requirements.
• Think about which technologies you enjoy most, especially if you are experienced in more than one area.
• Consider what types of roles will help you achieve your long-term goals.
• Factor in the importance of learning new skills as you work.