DETROIT — IT jobs will apparently become a bit harder to come by in the year ahead.
Sixteen percent of Detroit-area technology executives plan to expand their IT staff in the first half of 2017, according to the just-released Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Forecast and Local Trend Report. That’s down from 26 percent in the same survey six months ago, and 18 percent in the same survey a year ago.
In addition, 71 percent plan to hire only for open IT roles, up from 62 percent six months ago and equal to the 71 percent figure from the survey a year ago.
Another 12 percent plan to put hiring plans on hold, up from 8 percent six months ago and 10 percent a year ago.
Only 1 percent percent expect to reduce their IT staffing levels in the first six months of the year, down from 4 percent six months ago and equal to 1 percent in the survey a year ago.
Hiring is not all technology leaders are thinking about. In response to the question “In addition to recruitment, which of the following do you anticipate will be top-of-mind for you in the next six months?”, CIOs answered:
* Maintaining security of IT systems/safeguarding company information (24 percent)
* Helping grow the business (24 percent)
* Upgrading existing systems (20 percent)
* Staff retention (16 percent)
* Investing in new technologies (15 percent)
“We’re seeing more technology companies expanding their local presence or launching new websites in the Detroit area,” said Stacey Singleton, regional vice president of Robert Half Technology. “Software engineers, data architects, business intelligence analysts and network/systems engineers are a few of the most sought-after roles and skill sets, especially within the manufacturing, healthcare and banking industries. Much of the IT hiring is being driven by projects such as cloud-based initiatives, database/data warehousing, business intelligence initiatives, web/mobile development and system upgrades.”
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.
Hiring challenges remain, as 70 percent of Detroit 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 (42 percent)
* Desktop support (41 percent)
* Network administration (37 percent)
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.
Robert Half Technology has been tracking IT hiring activity in the United States since 1995.