DETROIT — What economic slowdown?
While national surveys show the pace of economic expansion to be flagging a bit, Detroit-area technology executives are on a hiring binge.
In the latest biannual Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Forecast and Local Trend Report, 26 percent of CIOs say they plan to add staff to their IT departments in the final six months of 2016. That’s up from 20 percent in the survey from six months ago and 23 percent in the survey taken a year ago.
Another 62 percent plan to hire only to fill open positions, up from 58 percent six months ago and 61 percent a year ago.
A mere 8 percent say their plans are on hold, down from 21 percent six months ago and 13 percent a year ago.
The only evidence of a slowdown, and it’s still a small number, is the 4 percent of CIOs who say they plan to cut staff, up from 1 percent in both surveys from six months ago and a year ago.
Robert Half officials said the survey has a 1.6 percent margin of error at the 90 percent confidence level.
“Detroit employers are hiring IT staff across multiple industries and investing in their internal business applications,” said Jeremy Brodsky, Detroit branch manager for Robert Half Technology. “We’re seeing increased demand for network engineers and web developers, especially in the high-tech, healthcare and automotive sectors.”
Brodsky added: “Most employers are aware of the tight market for top IT talent, but those who recognize the need to consolidate the interview process and make a decision quickly are winning the battle for the best tech talent. Those who don’t act fast often lose great candidates to competing offers.”
Hiring forecasts are based on interviews with more than 2,500 CIOs from 25 major U.S. markets who were asked to provide a six-month hiring outlook.
Recruiting Challenges and Skills in Demand
Hiring challenges remain, as 56 percent of CIOs said it’s somewhat or very challenging to find skilled IT professionals today. The skills in greatest demand within their organizations, according to respondents, include:
* Database management (62 percent)
* Desktop support (54 percent)
* Wireless network management (53 percent)
* Windows administration (53 percent)
For more information about Robert Half Technology, including online job search services and a copy of the Robert Half Technology 2016 Salary Guide, which includes a wide range of IT job descriptions, visit www.rht.com.
