Linux Skills Remain In Strong Demand In the Job Market

For many people who are still unemployed, this year's top resolution will be finding a job. We've reported before on how acquiring skills with open source technologies can be an effective differentiator for the tech job seeker. In the latest roundup of data from job site Dice.com, based on survey responses from employers, Linux skills are emerging as one of the most valuable differentiators of all in the job market.

According to DIce's 2012 Linux Jobs Report:

"Eight in 10 (81%) survey respondents say that hiring Linux talent is a priority in 2012. This pressing matter is particularly evident when Linux demand is compared to hiring in other skill sets: 63 percent of hiring managers are increasing Linux hires relative to jobs created in other skill areas. The issue? A full 85 percent say finding Linux talent is somewhat to very difficult, making Linux professionals some of the most sought talent in 2012."

In today's job market, of course, the key is to have a resume that stands out from the very large pile of resumes that employers receive for nearly every available position. And if you do land a job where Linux skills are valued, note this from the Dice report:

"Linux professionals garner more full-time positions and better salaries, bonuses and perks. While the pay increase for tech professionals averaged just two percent in 2011, Linux professionals have seen a five percent increase in salaries year-over-year and a 15 percent jump in bonus payouts."

Dice's findings are bolstered and corroborated by similar findings from The Linux Foundation.  You don't have to assume that all attractive positions in the Linux job market are necessarily full-time office jobs. Computerworld recently ran an interesting story on how human capital is becoming virtualized, which means there will be more room contract-based workers, rent-a-coders and other non-full-time employees. Contract positions can often lead to hiring for a full-time position.

If you do have Linux skills and want to go beyond just sending resumes out, showcasing your skills online can be a good step. TwitterJobSearch, Elance and many other sites are good places to look for Linux and open source work. While you're at it, put a citation up for your skills on RentACoder.

Along similar lines, register on oDesk and get hired for Linux-related jobs. Guru and TopCoder are two other sites that hook your skills up with remote employers around the world.

Also, remember that you can showcase your skills here on OStatic. Just create an account, and follow the instructions down the right rail of our home page for how to fill out your profile and reach out to others.