Top 10 skills and tips for IT staff to survive 2012

As the world teeters on the brink of a double-dip recession, workers across many industries will face a tough year in 2012 – and those in the IT sector are no exception.

Many large firms are already laying off staff, with more expected to do so in the near future. And despite the importance of technology to most businesses, the IT department is unlikely to be spared.

With this in mind, and with many workers seeing the New Year as a good time to search for a new job, V3 has put together some of best tips and skills you'll need to help you stay ahead of the pack in the year ahead.

10. Prepare to sell yourself on your CV and at job interviews

Losing your job is never a pleasant thought, nor is the prospect of having to apply for jobs or going through the process of interviewing. But it is not necessarily a bad thing.

While job interviews can seem daunting, they are a chance to sell yourself and open up the possibility of broadening your horizons, meeting new people and career progression.

Furthermore, when putting together your CV, think about the skills and talents that companies are looking for and how you meet those requirements. This will help you look more attractive to prospective employers. 

9. Become a whiz at smartphone app development

Undoubtedly, the smartphone platform is the place to make quick and easy money. But there is lots competition, with thousands of application developers out there.

Still, there are plenty of ways in: you can write your own applications from home and submit them for approval, or write them for businesses or other individuals with the ideas that need implementing.

The key question is which platform to specialise in: iPhone remains extremely popular, with a strong core of users. Android has the most users, while Windows Phone 7 probably gives you the best chance at being noticed more easily.