If you live in the Northeast and South Atlantic
regions, you are likely to see the most opportunities for technology job growth
in the next few months, says the Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Index. Jobs
in most demand include network administration, desktop support, Windows
administration, application development and help desk positions. From the
report's release (edited to include multiple sections):
"When asked which technical skill sets are most in demand in their IT
departments, 69 percent of technology executives cited network administration.
Sixty-four percent cited desktop support and 61 percent identified a need for
Windows administration expertise.
"Help desk/technical support and networking are the two job areas
experiencing the most growth, with 18 percent of the response each.
Applications development was cited by 9 percent of CIOs.
"CIOs in the business services sector are most optimistic about hiring
activity in the fourth quarter. Twenty percent plan to add staff and 3 percent
expect personnel reductions, for a net increase of 17 percent. The
transportation, communications and utilities sector expects to see notable
staffing activity, as well. Thirteen percent of CIOs plan to add IT employees
and 2 percent forecast personnel reductions, for a net increase of 11 percent."
So while jobs are expected to grow some, there
are still looming layoffs and reductions, something most employment and
economic experts have been long saying—that the overall unemployment rate is
expected to be about 10 percent for the remainder of 2009.
“Businesses are cautious about adding employees, especially if they’re watching
budgets for the remainder of the year,” said Dave Willmer, executive director
of Robert Half Technology in the release. “Companies that are hiring seek
candidates with diverse skill sets who can help teams operate with fewer
resources. Employers are willing to invest greater time in the recruiting
process to find individuals who meet all of their criteria.”
What other more specific skills are in demand in 2009? According
to recent Foote Partners report:
- Netweaver (SAP)/SAP
Service Management
- Business Process
Modeling
While technology is doing better than most industries now, hiring is
expected to be conservative for the remainder of 2009.
IT Management News & Reviews 
