Jun 22, 2017   SOURCE: PR NewsWire

Des Moines CIOs Reveal Hiring Plans For Second Half Of 2017

DES MOINES, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Des Moines-area technology hiring is on the rise for the second half of 2017, according to the Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Forecast and Local Trend Report. Twenty-two percent of CIOs say they plan to add full-time technology professionals to their teams -- up 11 points from December's report. In addition to hiring plans, the report also highlights technology skills in demand, CIOs' top concerns and factors contributing to local hiring growth.

"Web application development, core conversion and cloud migration projects are driving much of the IT hiring in Des Moines," said Stacey Singleton, regional vice president of Robert Half Technology in Des Moines. "The war for tech talent shows no sign of diminishing, especially within hot industries such as agriculture, financial services and retail. More local employers are recognizing that they need to expedite their hiring process or run the risk of losing top IT talent to competitors."

Hiring Plans and Challenges
According to the report, 22 percent of Des Moines CIOs plan to bring on more IT talent during the next six months, and an additional 61 percent expect to maintain staff levels by filling vacant roles. An active hiring environment is contributing to a competitive market for IT talent: 67 percent of Des Moines hiring leaders say that it's somewhat or very challenging to find skilled IT professionals in today's market.

Factors Leading to Tech Hiring in Des Moines
When asked what factors are most contributing to local hiring, more than a third (34 percent) of respondents said increased cloud and big data initiatives.

Other factors impacting tech hiring in Des Moines include:

    --  Increased digital marketing initiatives (25 percent)
    --  More businesses moving to the area and creating jobs in technology (23
        percent)
    --  Increased mobile initiatives (17 percent)

Skills in Demand
According to respondents, the skills in greatest demand within their organizations include:

    1. Network administration (59 percent)
    2. Telecommunications support (54 percent)
    3. Windows administration (54 percent)
    4. Wireless network management (54 percent)
    5. Database management (52 percent)
    6. Desktop support (52 percent)

Top Concerns
When asked to name their top priority for the next six months, more than a quarter of Des Moines CIOs (26 percent) said they will be focused on upgrading existing systems for business efficiency. Other priorities will include:

    --  Staff retention (20 percent)
    --  Maintaining security of IT systems and safeguarding company information
        (20 percent)
    --  Innovation and helping to grow their businesses (17 percent)
    --  Technology innovation and investing in new technologies (16 percent)

About Robert Half Technology
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.

Survey Methodology
The survey was developed by Robert Half Technology and conducted by an independent research firm. To ensure that companies from all segments were represented in the study, the sample was stratified by number of employees. Robert Half Technology has been tracking IT hiring activity in the United States since 1995.

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SOURCE Robert Half Technology