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:
- Java EE, SE, ME
- Flex
- Linux
- Virtualization
- Microsoft .Net
- 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.