Chicago CIOs Plan To Increase Tech Hiring From 2017

CHICAGO, Dec. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Technology hiring in Chicago should start off strong in 2018, according to the Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Forecast and Local Trend Report. Twenty-one percent of CIOs surveyed here said they plan to add full-time technology professionals to their teams in the first half of the new year, up 10 percentage points from a year ago. Another 63 percent expect to maintain staff levels by filling vacant roles. In addition to hiring plans, the report also highlights technology skills in demand and CIOs' top priorities for the first six months of the year.

"A growing number of Chicago companies are investing in their technology departments with a mix of project and full-time IT professionals, creating a marketplace of increased competition for top tech talent," said Joseph McIntyre, district president for Robert Half Technology in Chicago. "In the months ahead, we expect to see more infrastructure upgrades and new web-based applications that will drive demand for .NET developers, project managers and IT support professionals, especially within the financial, telecom and healthcare industries."

Hiring Challenges and Skills in Demand
It continues to be a competitive hiring environment: 62 percent of CIOs in Chicago said that it's challenging to find skilled IT professionals in today's market. The skills in greatest demand within their organizations, according to respondents, include:  

1. Database management (62 percent)
2. Telecommunications support (47 percent)
3. Business intelligence/reporting services (47 percent)

Top Priorities
When asked to name their top priority for the next six months, 28 percent of Chicago CIOs said they will be focused on technology innovation and investing in new technologies. Other priorities will include:  

• Innovation and helping to grow their business (25 percent)
• Maintaining security of IT systems and safeguarding company information (21 percent)
• Upgrading existing systems for business efficiency (15 percent)
• Staff retention (10 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 2018 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

http://www.roberthalf.com