Jun 22, 2017   SOURCE: PR NewsWire

Miami CIOs Expect Increased Technology Hiring For Second Half Of 2017

MIAMI, June 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- South Florida 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 percent of CIOs say they plan to add full-time technology professionals to their teams, up seven points from the previous report in December. In addition to hiring plans, the report also highlights skills in demand, CIOs' top concerns and factors contributing to local hiring growth.

"A very healthy startup environment is creating strong demand for IT talent in South Florida," said Michael Splittorf, division director for Robert Half Technology in Miami. "Many new South Florida startups are receiving venture capital or private equity funding and are establishing themselves in our tech space, leading to increased tech hiring."

Hiring Plans and Challenges

In addition to the 20 percent of Miami CIOs who plan to bring on more IT talent during the next six months, an additional 68 percent expect to maintain staff levels by filling vacant roles. An active hiring environment is contributing to a competitive market for IT talent: 65 percent of Miami 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 South Florida

When asked what factors are most contributing to local hiring, nearly a third (32 percent) of respondents said that more businesses are moving to the area and creating jobs in technology. Other factors impacting tech hiring in Miami include:

    --  Increased digital marketing initiatives (30 percent)
    --  Increased mobile initiatives (21 percent)
    --  Increased big data initiatives (15 percent)

Skills in Demand

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

    1. Business intelligence/reporting services (59 percent)
    2. Windows administration (57 percent)
    3. Database management (57 percent)
    4. Wireless network management (56 percent)
    5. Desktop support (55 percent)

Top Concerns

When asked to name their top priority for the next six months, more than a quarter (27 percent) of Miami CIOs said they will be focused on upgrading existing systems for business efficiency. Other priorities will include:

    --  Innovation or helping to grow their businesses (25 percent)
    --  Staff retention (22 percent)
    --  Maintaining security of IT systems and safeguarding company information
        (16 percent)
    --  Technology innovation and investing in new technologies (9 percent)

"Businesses remain optimistic and leaders are looking forward to a strong finish for the second half of the year," Splittorf added. "Companies are excited to get fresh and innovative projects off the ground and will be looking to bring on IT talent with experience in mobile and web application development and infrastructure virtualization."

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