Hays Information Technology - January 2008

New Zealand

Hotspots

Project support and management in addition to level 2 desktop support are the key requirements, with employers reacting to the skills shortage by recruiting junior staff into these roles and allowing rapid career progression. New projects and turnover created by the large number of vacancies in these areas continue to fuel this demand, with average tenure for these candidates falling.

The coming quarter

While some employers filled their vacancies before Christmas, the majority are waiting to recruit this quarter, which will ensure overall activity will be high as businesses prepare for the year ahead.

Executive recruitment

Senior project vacancies and management vacancies created by restructures are indications New Zealand's executive IT recruitment market remains healthy. There is no reason this should change.

Salaries

Salaries remain reasonably stable at present, however as we approach the end of the quarter we do expect them to rise as New Year roles are filled, the candidate market becomes stretched and companies compete for good staff. This pressure is likely to see salary offers increase.

Candidate trends

An initial abundance of project management staff has reversed due to the subsequent levels of demand. Skilled technicians are always required and we expect more will be attracted to the opportunities available over the New Year period.

Traditionally, an influx of international applicants arriving into the Australian market occurs in January and February and this may help ease some of the skill shortages employers face.