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Tech Leaders Name Top Priorities, Skills in Demand

TORONTO, Dec. 13, 2017 /CNW/ - Hiring for technology professionals is slated to hold steady for the beginning of 2018, according to the latest Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Forecast and Local Trend Report. Eight per cent of Canadian CIOs say they plan to add full-time technology professionals to their teams in the first six months of the year, the same as the second half of 2017, and up four points from one year ago at this time. In addition to hiring plans, the report also highlights technology skills in demand and CIOs' top business priorities.

"In the coming months, Canadian technology leaders look to cultivate teams of highly specialized professionals, specifically those with networking and desktop support skills," said Deborah Bottineau, a district director for Robert Half Technology. "To land these candidates, organizations must act quickly, and be prepared with competitive and attractive compensation packages that fit a variety of work-styles and needs."

Hiring Plans and Challenges
More than three-quarters (76 per cent) of technology leaders expect to maintain staff levels by filling vacant roles. It continues to be a competitive market for technology talent, with 34 per cent of hiring leaders say that it's somewhat or very challenging to find skilled IT professionals.

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

1. Wireless Network Management (69 per cent)
2. Desktop Support (67 per cent)
3. Network Administration (67 per cent)
4. Database Management (66 per cent)
5. Windows Administration (65 per cent)

Top Priorities
When asked to name their top priority for the next six months, 35 per cent of CIOs said they will be focused on upgrading existing systems for business efficiency. Other priorities will include: 

• Innovation and helping grow their businesses (30 per cent)
• Maintaining security of IT systems and safeguarding company information (22 per cent)
• Staff retention (6 per cent)
• Technology innovation and investing in new technologies (6 per cent)

"IT leaders are charged with, not only maintaining and securing data, but also spearheading the integration of new technologies to enhance business processes and efficiencies," added Bottineau. "Successful organizations recognize that talented professionals drive these initiatives, and make recruiting and retaining top talent an ongoing priority."

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.ca/technology. Visitors can also request a copy of the Robert Half Technology 2018 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 number of employees. The results were weighted to reflect the appropriate employee population in Canada. The report is based on telephone interviews with more than 270 CIOs in Canada who were asked to provide a six-month hiring outlook. The margin of error is +/-5.0 per cent at the 90 per cent confidence level. Robert Half Technology has been tracking IT hiring activity in Canada since 1995.

SOURCE Robert Half Technology