Phoenix CIOs Reveal Fourth-Quarter Hiring Plans
Robert Half Technology Survey Shows IT Hiring Plans
MENLO PARK, Calif., Sept. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Nine percent of Phoenix-area chief information officers (CIOs) recently surveyed expect to expand their IT teams in the fourth quarter of 2013, according to the just-released Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Forecast and Local Trend Report. This compares to 10 percent in the previous quarter. In addition, 64 percent plan to hire only for open IT roles in the upcoming quarter, 21 percent plan to put hiring plans on hold, and 3 percent expect to reduce their IT staff in the fourth quarter.
Phoenix IT Hiring Forecast |
Q3 |
Q4 |
CIOs adding more staff to IT departments |
10% |
9% |
CIOs planning to hire only for open IT roles |
55% |
64% |
CIOs who plan to put IT hiring plans on hold |
29% |
21% |
CIOs who plan to reduce their IT staff |
5% |
3% |
Don't know future hiring plans |
0% |
2% |
*Numbers may not total 100 percent due to rounding. |
"Companies continue to look for IT professionals with specialized skills," said Thor Oakley, Phoenix metro market manager of Robert Half Technology. "Many employers are beginning to increase compensation and offer perks, such as telecommuting, in an effort to retain top talent."
The IT Hiring Forecast and Local Trend Report results reflect a two-quarter rolling average based on interviews with 200 CIOs from a stratified random sample of companies in the Phoenix area with 100 or more employees. The survey was developed by Robert Half Technology and conducted by an independent research firm. In order for the study to ensure that companies from all segments were represented, the sample was stratified by number of employees. The results were then weighted to reflect the proper number of employees in the greater metropolitan Phoenix area. Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of IT professionals on a project and full-time basis and has been tracking IT hiring activity in the United States since 1995.
Recruiting Challenges
Sixty-six percent of Phoenix CIOs said it's somewhat or very challenging to find skilled IT professionals today. It is most challenging to find skilled talent in the functional areas of networking (18 percent), help desk/technical support (14 percent) and data/database management (12 percent).
Confidence in Business Growth and IT Investments
The survey results suggest that Phoenix CIOs are optimistic about their companies' growth and IT investments. Eighty-four percent of CIOs reported being somewhat or very confident in their companies' prospects for growth in the fourth quarter of 2013. This compares to 88 percent in the previous quarter.
Sixty-two percent of CIOs also said they were confident that their firms would invest in IT projects in the fourth quarter of 2013. This compares to 63 percent in the previous quarter.
Skills in Demand
Fifty percent of the Phoenix technology executives surveyed said that network administration is among the skill sets in greatest demand within their IT departments. Windows administration and desktop support followed, with 48 percent and 46 percent of the response, respectively.
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 www.rht.com. Visitors can also request a copy of the Robert Half Technology 2013 Salary Guide, which includes a wide range of IT job descriptions.
SOURCE Robert Half Technology
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