In today's saturated IT industry, there are many capable employees who find themselves stuck in a help desk position. Many of these people have college degrees and even some more advanced certifications to their credit. Still, for many of these people, they are unable to find a way to break out of this entry-level IT position and avoid career stagnation.

I am going to share with you five key strategies that have allowed me to stand out in this sea of similarly qualified IT candidates and further my career. Like many of you, my first job was supporting software for customers in my company's help desk. I knew from day 1 that I could not let myself become complacent in that job. Here are five things I did to work towards getting out of that help desk:

1. DO work towards the more popular industry certifications.

Computer certifications such as Microsoft's MCSE and Cisco's CCNA may be more popular and widespread than ever, but that doesn't mean you should dismiss working towards and obtaining them. In fact, it should be the exact reason you WANT to obtain them. They've almost become prerequisites in many IT positions beyond the help desk. Employers EXPECT to see that you've taken the time to earn these popular industry certifications. There may be many candidates out there with them, but be certain you're not one of the candidates without them.

2. DO make your current employer aware of your desire to advance.

Don't wait for your boss to talk with you about more specialized positions in the company. You need to take the initiative and let them know that you're eager to be considered for positions that open up. If you don't show them that, then they will most likely be happy letting you stay at the help desk. After all, if you're doing a good job there and seem to be content...they have no reason to consider you. Make them consider you.

3. DO create an account and resume on the major IT job sites.

Tech job employers put many of their job openings on the major job search sites, such as Monster.com and Dice.com. Both of these sites allow you to create an account and resume that includes your skills and certifications. Often, just having your resume on those sites will draw employers to YOU if they are looking for certain skills. They may be looking to fill a position for a junior network admin and putting in "CCNA" as a keyword search. If your profile/resume contains "CCNA"...they may contact you to interview.

4. DON'T make yourself into something you aren't.

The IT industry is the wrong field to try and fake your way through an interview. If a job posting puts emphasis on SQL Server database administration for example, don't assume you can read a book on it and you're suddenly qualified. If you were to squeak by in an interview, you would certainly be found out while on the job. Shoot straight with employers. Let them know what you're really strong in and that you're willing to learn quickly in areas you're less qualified in. Honesty and enthusiasm in an interview are a much better policy than fluffing yourself up.

5. DO build up your skill set

The most important thing to employers in the IT industry is EXPERIENCE. They want to see that you have verifiable experience in the skills they're looking for. Education is important and can help in advancing, but an impressive skill set is worth so much more. Do you have experience administering Microsoft Exchange Server? How many years experience can you show them that you were a network administrator? Emphasize your skills and experience above everything.