CIOs Struggle To Find Qualified Workers
According to the latest Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Forecast and Local Trend Report, which surveyed more than 2,500 Chief Information Officers from 25 US markets, 27 percent of technology executives in the Miami area anticipate expanding their IT teams in the second half of the year, the Miami Herald reports. This represents a nine percent rise from the start of 2015 and an 11 percent increase since mid-2014. An additional 65 percent are planning IT hires, but only for current vacancies. Meanwhile, seven percent are freezing hiring and one percent plan to reduce IT staff. The biggest challenge remains finding skilled IT professionals, “particularly in Windows administration, wireless network management, network administration and database management,” the survey found, with 62 percent of Chief Information Officers saying they struggled in finding qualified staff. An infographic released with the survey shows 50 percent of CIOs plan to do more networking to find staff, while other CIOs will use strategies like outside headhunter agencies, employee referral bonuses, and hiring consultants to work as contractors. Overall, Miami was a top 5 US market for IT hiring this year. Robert Half Technology’s Miami Regional Vice President, Matt Bourdeau, said, “We’re seeing increased demand for IT talent, particularly within the healthcare industry. In addition, the financial services and telecommunications industries are significant drivers for local technology hiring.”
What This Means For Small Businesses
Survey data showing confidence in IT sector hiring is encouraging for small businesses across the Miami metro area, many of which are linked to the IT industry. Overall, this is an indication that Miami’s small business community is feeling more comfortable growing there.
Additional Reading
NFIB previously covered Miami’s tech sector.
