Hays Information Technology - July 2008

Hotspots

Business analysts are a prime hotspot of demand due to the number of projects underway that require skills to scope requirements. Testers are also a key hotspot area since a number of major projects are at testing phase.

Cutting edge Microsoft related technologies such as .Net for development and SQL for databases are in demand, while quality SAP candidates are required. Candidates with cross-platform experience in the networking space, such as Juniper, Nortel and Cisco skills are needed as many companies are turning away from using one platform or solution towards platforms that are more efficient in terms of costs and usability.

In the development space Java and Sharepoint experience is increasingly sought and VoIP and Unified comms are highly sought after.

IT co-ordinator/service delivery (ITIL) candidates with specific large-scale migration experience, for example Novell to Microsoft, in addition to traditional voice PABX toVoIP are required.

ERP skills are also required as a number of organisations are looking to implement, upgrade or expand their ERP systems.

Finally, desktop and network support professionals are needed as major business integration and infrastructure projects have increased the demand for these skills. Quality and customer service orientated contractors are in demand as the movement of candidates out of these functions into more specialised technical areas occurs.

The coming quarter

The market remains buoyant with a lot of projects taking place as a result of our solid economy and the upgrade of Windows systems (including Exchange) and improved WANs. We expect a solid increase in roles across the IT business with a slant towards non-ongoing roles. In general, IT employers are very positive about their hiring counts.

Executive recruitment

Towards the end of the quarter executive IT recruitment requirements are expected to increase. At present, quality senior contract managers, high-end program managers and IT managers/CIOs are in demand.

Salaries

The 2008 Hays Salary Survey, detailing typical salaries across Australia and New Zealand, has been released. The survey includes over 40 Information Technology roles in 8 locations and is available from www.hays.com.au/salary

Candidate trends

There has been an increase in project managers, technical writers and candidates seeking infrastructure support roles, however there has been a decrease in the level of available specialist candidates.

Candidates have become much more particular about positions considered. They will thoroughly research an organisation's opportunities and culture before accepting any role.