Cincinnati CIOs Reveal Hiring Plans For Second Half Of 2017

CINCINNATI, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Fourteen percent of Cincinnati-area technology executives surveyed recently expect to expand their technology teams in the second half of 2017, according to the Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Forecast and Local Trend Report. In addition to hiring plans, the report also highlights skills in demand, CIOs' top concerns and factors contributing to local hiring growth.

"New implementations and integrations are the top drivers of hiring at the moment," said Jason Miller, regional vice president of Robert Half in Cincinnati. "Hiring managers are seeking tech professionals with versatile skill sets, and those who can take sole responsibility for workloads that were previously handled by multiple people."

Hiring Plans and Challenges
Fourteen percent of Cincinnati CIOs plan to bring on more IT talent during the next six months, down nine points from the previous report in December. An additional 65 percent expect to maintain staff levels by filling vacant roles. An active hiring environment is contributing to a competitive market for IT talent: 59 percent of Cincinnati hiring leaders say that it's somewhat or very challenging to find skilled IT professionals in today's market.

Factors Leading to Tech Hiring in Cincinnati
When asked what factors are most contributing to local hiring, more than a quarter (27 percent) of respondents said that businesses are increasing digital marketing initiatives.

Other factors impacting tech hiring in Cincinnati include:

• Increased mobile initiatives (26 percent)
• More businesses moving to the area and creating jobs in technology (23 percent)
• Increased cloud or Big Data initiatives (22 percent) 

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

1. Telecommunications support (53 percent)
2. Database management (50 percent)
3. Windows administration (47 percent)
4. Wireless network management (47 percent)
5. Network administration (41 percent)
6. Business intelligence/reporting services (41 percent)
7. Cybersecurity (41 percent)

Top Concerns 
When asked to name their top priority for the next six months, more than a quarter of Cincinnati CIOs (28 percent) said they will be focused on innovation and helping to grow their businesses. Other priorities will include:  

• Upgrading existing systems for business efficiency (21 percent)
• Maintaining security of IT systems and safeguarding company information (20 percent)
• Staff retention (18 percent)
• Technology innovation and investing in new technologies (13 percent)

"Cincinnati employers are realizing that top IT talent is difficult to find," added Miller. "Rather than settling for a potential bad hire, companies are waiting on the right talent, but moving quickly when it comes to making an offer."

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

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