With unemployment dipping down into post-Recession levels, and for industries like Telecom, below even normal rates, maybe it’s time to jump back into the daily grind? Here are some things to think about before making your move.

Be Realistic about Your Skills.

Most employers want you ready on day one. There’s going to be a learning curve with anything new, but it can’t be so steep that it’s debilitating. You need to find out the technologies and tools used in the positions you’re interested in. You can usually get a sense from job postings what sort of proficiencies are in demand. If you don’t recognize any of the platforms or programs, don’t despair. You can learn them, but get an honest assessment of your skills first.

Are People Hiring?

Get a sense of the demand your industry has. If it’s not favorable towards what you were previously offering, maybe it’s a good time to try something new. Keep in mind that overall trends are not what hire you. If trends are bad, but you think you still have some valuable connections then work those angles.

Some New Skills to Pay the Bills?

You don’t have to go back to school to learn new skills. There are lots of sites like Lynda.com that offer skills training. LinkedIn often has free trial periods for Lynda that you can check out, and since we’ve brought up social media:

Get Your Social in Order.

If you’ve been out even for a short period of time, social media sites like Twitter and LinkedIn have grown in popularity as tools hiring managers are using to fill positions. Make sure your online presence is what you want it to be, that it tells the story you want it to tell.

Be Patient.

Finally, you’re probably going to need to be patient in your search. Things could take longer but don’t sell yourself short. Things have a way of working out if you give it time.

About NextGen

NextGen is the brainchild of longtime telecom professionals with nearly 50 years of experience and millions of dollars in Telecom Recruiting Services. We focus on establishing long term relationships with our clients and candidates so we can recruit the best and the brightest in the telecom industry. This ‘quality over quantity’ approach is at the heart of everything we do and has resulted in successful job placements at Fortune 1000 firms worldwide.