IT staff need strong people skills

IT professionals should demonstrate good people and social media skills when applying for jobs, according to the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA).

Employers now expect IT professionals to possess a broader range of skills, technical know-how isn't enough, said Peter Wood, a member of the ISACA.

Addressing the Infosecurity Europe conference in London, Peter Wood said employers are demanding strong communication skills from IT staff with the ability to get on with people - as well as a strong grounding in IT.

This is particularly relevant as the world turns to social media to build new relationships with its tech-savvy customer base.

According to You At Work, Wood said: "Increasingly, as we see a change in the landscape with the way that IT is implemented with consumerisation, personal devices and social networking, boundaries are genuinely being eroded now."

So, how should prospective employees show their people skills? According to Mr Wood, ask not "can I do this?" but "how will I do this?"

"(Ask yourself) What's my favourite platform, what's my favourite social networking site?

Employers will be looking to adapt to change and take advantage of that next generation of workers and make sure they have what they need in order to be productive.

"The skills required from both an IT and an IT security perspective [are] a lot more people skills, sensitivity and sympathy towards what people's working objectives are, presentation and listening skills would also be vital for those who wish to have upward mobility within the business world claimed Wood, as cited by the Institute of Leadership and Management.