Jun 22, 2017   SOURCE: PR NewsWire

Phoenix CIOs Forecast Increased Hiring For Second Half Of 2017

PHOENIX, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Phoenix-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. In addition to hiring plans, the report also highlights skills in demand, CIOs' top concerns and factors contributing to local hiring growth.

"Tech company expansions and relocations are contributing to hiring," said Kathleen French, metro market manager for Robert Half Technology in Phoenix. "The most highly sought-after professionals are in the Windows administration, network and database management arenas. Digital marketing and big data initiatives are also causing companies to add to their teams."

Hiring Plans and Challenges
According to the report, 22 percent of Phoenix CIOs plan to bring on more IT talent during the next six months, up eight points from the previous report in December. An additional 53 percent expect to maintain staff levels by filling vacant roles. An active hiring environment is contributing to a competitive market for IT talent: 64 percent of Phoenix 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 Phoenix
When asked what factors are most contributing to local hiring, nearly a third (29 percent) of respondents said that more businesses are moving to the area and creating jobs in technology. Other factors impacting tech hiring in Phoenix include:

    --  Increased big data initiatives (27 percent)
    --  Increased digital marketing initiatives (23 percent)
    --  Increased mobile initiatives (17 percent)

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

    1. Windows administration (60 percent)
    2. Wireless network management (55 percent)
    3. Network administration (54 percent)
    4. Desktop support (52 percent)
    5. Telecommunications support (51 percent)

Top Concerns
When asked to name their top priority for the next six months, 28 percent of Houston CIOs said they will be focused on innovation and helping to grow their businesses. Other priorities will include:

    --  Technology innovation and investing in new technologies (22 percent)
    --  Upgrading existing systems for business efficiency (18 percent)
    --  Maintaining security of IT systems and safeguarding company information
        (16 percent)
    --  Staff retention (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