

IT Jobs: How to approach career conversations with confidence
Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, a pay rise or simply looking to progress in your role, career conversations can feel daunting. But in the fast-moving world of IT jobs, standing still for too long isn’t an option. Tech professionals need to know how to advocate for themselves effectively.
Here’s how to approach those conversations with confidence, backed by expert tips from TechNET IT.
Pick the right moment
In the IT industry, timing really is everything. End-of-year reviews or quarterly check-ins can be natural opportunities to bring up career development. But don’t wait passively. If you’ve just wrapped up a major project, hit a big target or received glowing feedback, that’s a great time to start the conversation.
TechNET IT Top Tip: Use internal wins to your advantage. We advise our candidates to keep a personal log of professional highlights and outcomes throughout the year. It’s easy to forget what you’ve achieved when you’re deep in delivery mode – having it written down makes it easier to identify the perfect moment and walk in prepared.
Come prepared with evidence
Simply saying you “deserve more” isn’t enough, especially in IT roles where impact is measurable. Bring data and context. Demonstrate your achievements using KPIs: project delivery times, system performance gains, team contributions or successful deployments. Evidence builds credibility and makes the discussion objective rather than emotional.
TechNET IT Top Tip: We work with candidates to help them build impact-driven CVs that also double as great tools for internal review conversations. When preparing to talk career progression, think like you’re presenting to a hiring manager – quantify your work, outline problems solved, and highlight tech stack mastery.
Frame it around value, not entitlement
A good way to build buy-in is to focus on how you’ve contributed to the team and how you plan to grow. It shifts the tone from a personal request to a strategic conversation. Be collaborative and constructive, and show that you’re invested in the business’s goals, not just your own.
TechNET IT Top Tip: When coaching candidates for interviews or promotions, we always stress this mindset: show how your growth helps the company grow. If you can link your goals to business success, such as improving infrastructure reliability or helping reduce dev backlog, you’re more likely to get leadership support.
Know your market worth
Understanding what your role is worth on the open market is a smart foundation for any career discussion. Use industry-specific salary benchmarks and insights to compare your compensation with current demand. Tech salaries can shift quickly, especially with emerging skills like AI, DevOps and security.
TechNET IT Top Tip: We are always on hand to help our candidates with the latest market salary trends. We also offer one-to-one insights – if you’re unsure how your role stacks up, our consultants can guide you through a salary comparison based on your experience, skillset and job market conditions.
Be ready for negotiation – and next steps
Your manager might not give an immediate yes – and that’s OK. A productive career conversation often opens the door to a longer-term plan. Ask for clear milestones or goals that would justify a pay rise or promotion in the future. And if negotiation is on the table, think beyond base pay – flexibility, training budgets, or leading key projects can also support your progression.
TechNET IT Top Tip: In our experience, the best negotiations are the ones where both sides feel heard. We always advise candidates to go into conversations with a range – what’s ideal, what’s acceptable and what alternatives would support their goals. It makes the dialogue flexible and solution-focused.
Are you looking for your next IT job?
Talking about your career can feel like a big step, but with the right preparation, timing and insight, you’ll approach it with confidence and clarity. Whether you’re growing in your current role or exploring a move, it’s all about taking control of your future.
TechNET IT is here to help. From coaching you through salary discussions to helping you land a role that truly values your skills, we support IT professionals through every step. Submit your CV today to register!