Atlanta CIOs To Boost Hiring In Second Half Of 2017

ATLANTA, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Metro Atlanta technology hiring is on the rise for the second half of 2017, according to the Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Forecast and Local Trend Report. Nearly a fifth (17 percent) of CIOs say they plan to add full-time technology professionals to their teams — up three points from the previous report in December. In addition to hiring plans, the report also highlights technology skills in demand, CIOs' top concerns and factors contributing to local hiring growth.

"It's a great time for tech in Atlanta for job seekers, as well as area businesses," said David Sheehan, Atlanta's branch manager for Robert Half Technology. "Along with application mobilization, there are many innovative projects driving specialized employment locally, including Windows 10 upgrades, new application development and software migrations with Angular, Xamarin and LAMP developers."

Hiring Plans and Challenges
In addition to the 17 percent of Atlanta CIOs planning to bring on more IT talent during the next six months, an additional 68 percent expect to maintain staff levels by filling vacant roles. An active hiring environment is contributing to a competitive market for IT talent: 66 percent of Atlanta hiring leaders said that it's somewhat or very challenging to find skilled IT professionals in today's market.

Factors Leading to Tech Hiring in Atlanta
When asked what factors are most contributing to local hiring, a quarter (25 percent) of respondents said that more businesses are moving to the area and creating jobs in technology. Other factors driving tech hiring in Atlanta include:

• Increased big data initiatives (31 percent)
• Increased digital marketing initiatives (21 percent)
• Increased mobile initiatives (19 percent) 

Skills in Demand
According to respondents, the skills in greatest demand within their organizations include:

1. Windows administration (60 percent)
2. Network administration (56 percent)
3. Desktop support (55 percent)
4. Database management (52 percent)
5. Telecommunications support (52 percent)

Top Concerns
When asked to name their top priority for the next six months, nearly a quarter of Atlanta CIOs (23 percent) said they will be focused on maintaining security of IT systems and safeguarding company information. Other priorities will include:  

• Upgrading existing systems for business efficiency (22 percent)
• Staff retention (20 percent)
• Innovation or helping grow the business (18 percent)
• Technology innovation and investing in new technologies (17 percent)

About Robert Half Technology
With more than 100 locations worldwide, Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of technology professionals for initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems integration to network security and technical support. Robert Half Technology offers online job search services at roberthalf.com/technology. Visitors can also request a copy of the Robert Half Technology 2017 Salary Guide, which includes a wide range of IT job descriptions.

Survey Methodology
The survey was developed by Robert Half Technology and conducted by an independent research firm. To ensure that companies from all segments were represented in the study, the sample was stratified by number of employees. Robert Half Technology has been tracking IT hiring activity in the United States since 1995.

SOURCE Robert Half Technology

Related Links

https://www.roberthalf.com/technology