Hays Information Technology - January 2010
Hotspots
Helpdesk candidates with excellent communication skills and appropriate security clearances are sought by managed service companies to work with the client's site.
Following signs of increased government project activity, private companies are seeking Network Engineers with clearance, preferably at the secret or above level.
Business Analysts are needed as a result of mergers, restructures and new projects based on enhancements. Infrastructure Team Leaders have also become an area of demand as headcounts are relaxed and teams grow once more.
As workloads begin to increase again following the decline of 2009, Project Managers and System Engineers are also sought. The shortage of Senior .Net Developers will continue this quarter.
In Queensland, Mining Site Support candidates are required for companies expanding mine operations and requiring additional onsite support.
The coming quarter
As workloads increase, employers are more inclined to hire additional staff. Non-ongoing and contract positions are expected to increase further this quarter as projects recommence, while permanent positions should increase as employers respond to the economic recovery.
Employer trends
The temporary-to-permanent recruiting option suits many employers and candidates at present. Candidates are willing to take a temporary assignment when a stable permanent offer is forthcoming.
Employers are very selective when recruiting. Only a highly-skilled candidate who is an exact fit for their role will be successful. Salaries remain stable, with most employers still seeking value for money.
Candidate trends
Despite a willingness to enter the job market, rising vacancy activity means the overall number of available candidates decreased over the last quarter of 2009. There is a major shortage of experienced and qualified IT candidates.
