Seattle CIOs Plan To Increase Hiring By Four Percent In The Second Half Of 2017

SEATTLE, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Seattle-area technology hiring is on the rise for the second half of 2017, according to the Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Forecast and Local Trend Report. Twenty-three percent of CIOs say they plan to add full-time technology professionals to their teams, up four points compared to the December 2016 report. In addition to hiring plans, the report also highlights skills in demand, CIOs' top concerns and factors contributing to local hiring growth.

"Technology hiring in Seattle remains active," said Sara Eide, Regional Vice President for Robert Half Technology in Seattle. "Seattle is a market with highly sought-after technology professionals, and local businesses are struggling to attract top talent. New software implementations, as well as web development and analytics projects, are all driving demand."

Hiring Plans and Challenges
In addition to the 23 percent projected tech hiring growth in Seattle, CIOs also plan to bring on more IT talent during the next six months. An additional 66 percent expect to maintain staff levels by filling vacant roles. An active hiring environment is contributing to a competitive market for IT talent: 73 percent of Seattle 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 Seattle
When asked what factors are most contributing to local hiring, 30 percent of respondents said that more businesses are moving to the area and creating jobs in technology. Other factors impacting tech hiring in Seattle include:

• Increased cloud or big data initiatives (27 percent)
• Increased digital marketing initiatives (24 percent)
• Increased mobile initiatives (19 percent)

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

1. Database management (53 percent)
2. Network administration (52 percent)
3. Wireless network management (50 percent)
4. Cybersecurity (50 percent)
5. Web development (49 percent)

Top Concerns
When asked to name their top priority for the next six months, 26 percent of Seattle CIOs said they will be focused on staff retention. Other priorities will include:  

• Maintaining security of IT systems and safeguarding company information (22 percent)
• Upgrading existing systems for business efficiency (20 percent)
• Technology innovation and investing in new technologies (20 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

https://www.roberthalf.com/technology