Jun 22, 2017   SOURCE: PR NewsWire

Dallas CIOs Reveal Increased Hiring For Second Half Of 2017

DALLAS, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Dallas-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-five percent of CIOs say they plan to add full-time technology professionals to their teams - that's up 9 points from the first half of the year. In addition to hiring plans, the report also highlights skills in demand, CIOs' top concerns and factors contributing to local hiring growth.

"Our city continues to attract new companies, and many local companies are expanding," said Nicole Sims, regional vice president for Robert Half Technology in Dallas. "This has created demand for technology professionals who can help support high-priority projects such as telecom and network upgrades and Windows administration. As projects shift and seasonal trends come into play, many companies will be looking to hire IT professionals on both a full-time and contract basis."

Hiring Plans and Challenges
In addition to the 25 percent of CIOs who expect to expand their teams, an additional 58 percent expect to maintain staff levels by filling vacant roles. An active hiring environment is contributing to a competitive market for IT talent: 59 percent of Dallas 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 Dallas
When asked what factors are most contributing to local hiring, 38 percent of respondents said that more businesses are moving to the area and creating jobs in technology. Other factors impacting tech hiring in Dallas include:

    --  Increased digital marketing initiatives (28 percent)
    --  Increased big data initiatives (17 percent)
    --  Increased mobile initiatives (14 percent)

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

    1. Telecommunications support (58 percent)
    2. Wireless network management (54 percent)
    3. Windows administration (53 percent)
    4. Network administration (52 percent)
    5. Business intelligence/reporting services (50 percent)

Top Concerns
When asked to name their top priority for the next six months, 30 percent of Dallas CIOs said they will be focused on upgrading existing systems for business efficiency. Other priorities will include:

    --  Staff retention (23 percent)
    --  Maintaining security of IT systems and safeguarding company information
        (16 percent)
    --  Technology innovation and investing in new technologies (16 percent)
    --  Innovation or helping grow the business (15 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