Dec 13, 2017   SOURCE: PR NewsWire

Washington, D.C., CIOs Plan To Increase Tech Hiring In 2018

WASHINGTON, Dec. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Technology hiring in D.C. should start off strong in 2018, according to the Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Forecast and Local Trend Report. Twenty-one percent of CIOs surveyed here said they plan to add full-time technology professionals to their teams in the first half of the new year, up five percentage points from a year ago. Another 67 percent expect to maintain staff levels by filling vacant roles. In addition to hiring plans, the report also highlights technology skills in demand and CIOs' top priorities for the first six months of the year.

"Tech hiring has been consistent in D.C. and 2018 looks to be more of the same," said Shafin Moledina, metro market manager for Robert Half Technology in Washington. "Local CIOs and CISOs are looking at big-picture projects -- focusing on innovation and growth. At the same time, they are aware of, and concerned with, the challenges brought on by cyber attacks that can threaten valuable company information."

Hiring Challenges and Skills in Demand

It continues to be a competitive hiring environment: 63 percent of CIOs in D.C. said that it's challenging to find skilled IT professionals in today's market. The skills in greatest demand within their organizations, according to respondents, include:

    1. Mobile development (54 percent)
    2. Database management (53 percent)
    3. Wireless network management (50 percent)

Top Priorities

When asked to name their top priority for the next six months, 31 percent of Washington CIOs said they will be focused on innovation or helping grow the business. Other priorities will include:

    --  Maintaining security of IT systems and safeguarding company information
        (21 percent)
    --  Technology innovation and investing in new technologies (17 percent)
    --  Upgrading existing systems for business efficiency (15 percent)
    --  Staff retention (14 percent)

Moledina added: "For CIOs and CISOs to focus on growth, they should have strong processes and policies in place and are looking for experienced tech professionals who can help in that area. Leaders should prioritize hiring plans and make strong offers quickly so they aren't missing out on top tech candidates."

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 2018 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.

View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/washington-dc-cios-plan-to-increase-tech-hiring-in-2018-300569696.html

SOURCE Robert Half Technology