* Results from Robert Half Technology's IT Hiring Index and Skills Report
IT hiring in the third quarter is expected to represent the largest increase seen in the last three years, according to the results of a survey from Robert Half Technology. A full 14% of CIOs expect to add full-time IT staff next quarter, while 3% anticipate cutbacks, equating to a net hiring gain of 11%. By comparison, the hiring forecast one year ago was a net 5% increase.
Robert Half Technology’s IT Hiring Index and Skills Report is based on responses from more than 1,400 CIOs who work for U.S. firms with 100 or more employees. Among the findings, 38% of the CIOs who plan to hire next quarter said business growth is the primary reason. Another 21% cited demand for increased customer and end-user support.
Windows NT administrative skills are in highly sought-after, as evidenced by the 77% of CIOs who reported a need. And wireless network management is also in high demand, as chosen by 48% of respondents. (Multiple responses were allowed.) Finally, 47% of IT executives identified SQL Server management as a needed specialty.
Help desk/end-user support moved up the list of job categories experiencing the most growth within IT departments, as chosen by 17% of CIOs. This tied with networking, a perennial leader which has long occupied the top spot of high-demand jobs.
“Newly initiated projects such as systems installations and the development of web-based applications necessitate additional support staff to help users take advantage of new tools,” says Katherine Spencer Lee, executive director of Robert Half Technology. “In addition, as firms become better able to offer promotions to retain and reward those who took on more responsibilities during the downturn, the entry-level help desk positions these individuals occupied must now be filled.”
If you’re seeking IT work, the survey findings indicate that New England is expected to lead the nation in IT hiring during the third quarter. CIOs in the region forecast a net 21% hiring increase, which is 10 points higher than the national average. The industry likely to experience the most staffing growth is the transportation sector, with projected net increase of 24%.
For more information and results, go to https://www.rht.com/PressRoom
