As a new generation IT graduate it is almost certain that you will be bursting at the seams with computer know how and technical prowess, but how would you rate your communication skills?
Communication is an essential requirement of employers, but is something many IT students are often lacking, and this can be a huge downfall when it comes to job hunting.
Effective communication is all about conveying messages, ideas and thoughts to other people clearly and is essential to build a successful career in IT. This is because as the IT industry is evolving and becoming more business facing by the day, IT professionals need to be able to communicate with key business stakeholders.
Potential employees must be prepared for the fact that they will not just be sitting behind a computer all day. Collaboration with other areas of the business will mean communication with colleagues, employers and clients.
IT Jobs for Graduates have put together five simple steps to help you on your quest to make your communication skills fit for a business environment.
1. Communication begins in the interview
Before you apply these steps to your communication in the workplace you have to get the job first! When meeting with potential employers one word answers are a no go. Knowing about what is happening in the IT market is a minimum requirement so try to impress the interviewer with your knowledge of the market and the job which will also enable you to demonstrate you are a good communicator. It should also be noted that not everyone who interviews you will be an IT professional, a HR representative may also be present so remember that your language needs to be jargon free.
2. Understand your message
Before you communicate with anyone it is essential that you are clear on what you want to tell them and how you are going to do this. You should be clear, concise to ensure there are no misunderstandings. If you usually find it difficult to get your message across write down the key points you want to make so you are clear in your mind about what you want to say.
3. Understand your audience
You must be aware of whom you are communicating with. As you work your way up the ranks you will have to communicate with people from all functions of the business. When speaking with fellow IT professionals you can use ‘tech talk’ and jargon, as they will understand what you are trying to say. If you try and use the same language when speaking to someone in the Marketing department chances are they won’t have a clue what you’re talking about. Always be aware of whom you are communicating with and adapt your communication accordingly.
4. Be sociable yet professional
Interaction with others is key in the workplace. As an IT professional up to 95% of your day may be sitting behind a computer screen but don’t use this as an excuse to avoid contact with others. Move around the office and take the opportunity get acquainted with other colleagues and don’t hide behind your email. The more face to face practice you get the more your communication will improve.
5. Practise makes perfect
practise speaking in front of friends, family or work colleagues to perfect your communication techniques. You should speak clearly, control your fear and be aware of your tone and pace.
As well as our 5 simple steps to improving your communication keep an eye out for university or industry events, hobbies, courses and internships that interest you. Getting involved is an effective way of developing your interpersonal skills whilst doing something you enjoy. Also putting yourself forward for interviews or even practising in front of the mirror will all contribute to improving your communication skills and that could make all the difference.
Below you can find some useful courses that universities are running to help IT Students improve their communication skills:
University of Nottingham
1 day course on how to improve your communication skills:
Thursday, 29 October 2009 AM, 0930 – 1230
Thursday, 21 January 2010 PM, 1400 – 1700
University of Hull
10 week part time evening classes to improve communication skills:
Wednesdays 19.00-21.00 for 10 weeks contact the university for further information on start dates (www.hull.ac.uk)
Edinburgh University
Afternoon workshops for communication skills:
Contact Emma Quinn, Admin Asst for further details on any of EUSA’s Skills workshops 0131 650 2650
University of Bath
Downloadable a handbook on key skills, including communication:
http://www.bath.ac.uk/library/subjects/keyskills/
University of Manchester
Offer advice on their website about communication skills:
http://www.studentnet.manchester.ac.uk/
University of Staffordshire
Communication skills workshop
Contact professional.development@staffs.ac.uk for more information
University of Bristol
Free effective communication skills session:
Contact the communications and campaigns officer at ubu-communications@bristol.ac.uk for more information
University of Aberdeen
4 week business writing and communication skills course:
The course runs for a total of 4 weeks from Monday August 24 – Friday September 18, 2009
University of Bradford
2 part course on presentation and communication skills:
contact info-admin@bradford.ac.uk
