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Robert Half Technology Survey Shows Network Administration Skills in High Demand

TORONTO, June 21, 2016 /CNW/ - The majority (97 per cent) of CIOs are confident about their company's growth prospects in the coming months. According to the just-released Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Forecast and Local Trend Report, 13 per cent of Canadian technology executives surveyed expect to expand their IT teams in the second half of 2016. This is a six per cent increase from a year ago, and compares to 14 per cent six months ago. In addition, 57 per cent plan to hire only for open IT roles and 30 per cent plan to put hiring plans on hold. CIOs did not indicate that they would reduce their IT staffing levels in the next six months of the year.

View an infographic of research highlights.

"Technology is a pivotal aspect of business functions," said Deborah Bottineau, senior regional manager for Robert Half Technology. "With increasing focus on network security and digital privacy, companies are under pressure to find IT professionals capable of integrating and enhancing internal system requirements alongside compliance demands.  Hiring for IT continues to be a challenge moving into the second half of the year. Businesses must move quickly with a defined recruiting strategy in place so they don't lose potential employees to better offers elsewhere."

Bottineau added that technical abilities aren't the only skills IT professionals should cultivate. "Candidates must bear in mind that while their IT skills are crucial for landing a job, interpersonal skills and the ability to clearly communicate with managers and peers will help them excel in a role — and throughout their careers." 

Hiring forecasts are based on interviews with more than 270 CIOs in Canada who were asked to provide a six-month hiring outlook.

Recruiting Challenges and Skills in Demand
Hiring challenges remain, as 68 per cent of CIOs said it's somewhat or very challenging to find skilled IT professionals today. The skills in greatest demand within their organizations, according to respondents, include:

• Network administration (41 per cent)
• Desktop support (34 per cent)
• Database management (30 per cent)

About Robert Half Technology
With more than 120 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 www.roberthalftechnology.ca or visit our technology blog at blog.rht.com. Visitors can also request a copy of the Robert Half Technology 2016 Salary Guide, which includes a wide range of IT job descriptions. Follow blog.roberthalf.ca, and @RobertHalf_CAN on Twitter for additional workplace advice and hiring trends.

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 industry. The results were weighted to reflect the appropriate employee population in Canada. The margin of error is +/-5.0 per cent at the 90 per cent confidence level. Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of IT professionals on a project and full-time basis and has been tracking IT hiring activity in Canada since 1995.

Contact: Naz Araghian
416.865.2140
naz.araghian@roberthalf.com

SOURCE Robert Half Canada