Los Angeles CIOs Reveal Hiring Plans For Second Half Of 2017

LOS ANGELES, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Eighty-three percent of Los Angeles CIOs say they plan to hire professionals, to either grow or maintain their technology teams, 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.

"The hiring environment for tech talent in the greater Los Angeles area is competitive," said Paul Flaharty, Regional Vice President for Robert Half Technology in Los Angeles. "It's not uncommon for skilled IT workers to be evaluating three or more job offers concurrently, creating a bidding war. Competition for tech professionals is especially fierce for those with cybersecurity expertise who can help ensure data protection." 

Hiring Plans and Challenges
According to the report, 15 percent of Los Angeles CIOs plan 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: 59 percent of Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles
When asked what factors are most contributing to local hiring, a third (33 percent) of respondents said that more businesses are moving to the area and creating jobs in technology. Other factors impacting tech hiring in Los Angeles include:

• Increased cloud and big data initiatives (25 percent)
• Increased marketing initiatives (24 percent)
• Increased mobile initiatives (16 percent)

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

1. Wireless network management (51 percent)
2. Windows administration (48 percent)
3. Database management (45 percent)
4. Desktop support (44 percent)
5. Network administration (39 percent)

Top Concerns
When asked to name their top priority for the next six months, 30 percent of Los Angeles CIOs said they will be focused on maintaining security of IT systems and safeguarding company information.  Other priorities will include:  

• Staff retention (27 percent)
• Innovation or helping grow the business (17 percent)
• Upgrading existing systems for business efficiency (16 percent)
• Technology innovation and investing in new technologies (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 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

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