Hays Information Technology - Public Sector
January - March 2012
Hotspots
Within the public sector there will continue to be a need for rollout staff for Windows 7 and for candidates with VMWare skills. Business Analysts are still in demand. There is an increased need for Microsoft Developers.
These hotspots of vacancy activity are the result of organisations upgrading their operating systems, focusing on process and systems improvement and increasing the number projects in data migration and upgraded environments.
Overcoming skills shortages
Those organisations that move quickly from the interview to offer stage are securing their preferred candidate. Some employers are becoming more flexible in the skills they will consider and most are offering additional benefits, such as longer contracts, to help attract and secure the best candidates.
The coming quarter
Within much of the public sector, particularly state governments, there is a freeze on permanent hiring and the focus is instead on temporary assignments. Employers are also offering PSM or fixed-term contracts and we expect to see a steady stream of project based contract roles come onto the market.
In Queensland, the government IT contracting market will be relatively quiet until March or April due to the upcoming election.
Employer trends
In some cases employers are placing more emphasis on a candidate's soft skills, such as communication and interpersonal skills. They expect to see fewer CVs and they are more flexible in the technical skills required, which allows them to consider more candidates and identify the right fit.
Candidate trends
We have seen a decrease in the number of highly skilled available candidates. The market has shifted and there are now a number of opportunities presented to candidates. Those in demand can have up to two or three offers at one time.
There is an active market for temporary assignments in state government as people move on to other roles. This is keeping candidate momentum high. But an increase in the number of new projects will shrink the candidate pool this quarter.
The exception is Queensland, where some candidates in the contract market are taking permanent roles in the private sector until the state government recommences hiring.
