San Francisco Bay Area CIOs Plan To Increase Tech Hiring From 2017

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Technology hiring in the Bay Area should start 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 four percentage points from a year ago. Another 65 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.

"IT hiring has seen consistent growth in the Bay Area and we anticipate it will continue as we go into 2018," said Heather Johnston, district president for Robert Half Technology in the San Francisco Bay Area. "Right now, we're seeing particular demand for web developers and cybersecurity talent."

Hiring Challenges and Skills in Demand
It continues to be a competitive hiring environment: 61 percent of CIOs in the San Francisco Bay Area 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. Cybersecurity (51 percent)
2. Wireless network management (46 percent)
3. Telecommunication support (45 percent)

Top Priorities
When asked to name their top priority for the next six months, 26 percent of San Francisco Bay Area CIOs 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 (20 percent)
• Innovation and helping to grow their businesses (20 percent)
• Technology innovation and investing in new technologies (18 percent)
• Staff retention (15 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