Network, windows administration skills in highest demand
Technology executives expect information technology hiring to continue in the fourth quarter of 2011, according to Robert Half Technology’s IT Hiring Index and Skills Report.
In the latest quarterly survey, 24 per cent of the 270 chief information officers (CIOs) surveyed said they plan to expand their IT departments, and two per cent expect cutbacks, for a net 22 per cent projected increase in hiring activity. This is up eight points from the previous quarter's projections.
"A growing number of CIOs are optimistic about their hiring outlook, and there is greater demand for IT professionals who can help firms maximize their efficiencies with new and existing technologies," said Lara Dodo, a regional vice-president at Robert Half Technology in Canada. "Companies must also take steps to enhance their retention efforts, particularly with those positions in greatest demand, as these valued employees could be presented with other attractive opportunities."
Eighty-six per cent of CIOs reported being at least somewhat confident in their companies' prospects for growth in the fourth quarter of 2011; 61 per cent rated the probability of investing in IT projects a four or higher on a five-point scale, with five being the most optimistic.
The functional areas in which executives cite the greatest challenge in finding skilled IT professionals are systems administration (17 per cent) and networking (16 per cent). Applications development followed, with 11 per cent of the response, found the survey.
Network administration remains the skill set in greatest demand, cited by 76 per cent of CIOs. Windows administration ranked second, with 75 per cent of the response, followed by desktop support at 70 per cent.
Executives in the finance, insurance and real estate industry expect the most IT hiring in the fourth quarter. A net 31 per cent of CIOs in this sector plan to expand their IT departments. This was followed by the retail and transportation industries, each with a net 30 per cent of technology leaders anticipating hiring increases. Wholesale came next, with a net 29 per cent of executives planning to add staff, found the survey.
