The information technology job market isn’t going to set the world afire in 2010, according to staffing and recruiting firm Robert Half International. But those workers with lots of varied experience and the ability to adapt to new technologies and projects will have lots of opportunities. CIOUpdate explains why IT employment is still very much a buyer’s market and what specific technologies companies are willing to invest in today.
Often, for managers the start of the new year is a time to reassess staffing needs. For many, 2010 may mean the return to hiring. The most recent Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Index and Skills Report found that 7% of CIOs plan to add IT staff in the first quarter of 2010, and 4% expect workforce reductions. The net 3% increase is the strongest forecast since the first quarter of 2009.
While the results are promising, executives are taking a slow and steady approach to hiring. Companies remain cautious and are adding employees only after careful evaluation. Here are other key recruiting trends for 2010:
Companies are looking for jack-of-all-trades candidates who can adapt to changing business priorities and who are skilled in multiple technology specialties. By hiring these individuals, firms can cover varied needs within their departments in the face of limited budgets. Forty-three percent (43%) of CIOs surveyed by our company report being understaffed in relation to current workloads, reinforcing the value of bringing in individuals who can have the greatest impact.
There also is continued demand for workers with solid communication abilities, which have become imperative in the IT field. Firms want technology professionals who can interact well with people throughout the organization and have the expertise to explain how IT initiatives can support larger business goals.
