Seattle CIOs Reveal Hiring Plans For First Half Of 2018

SEATTLE, Dec. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Fifteen percent of Seattle said they plan to add full-time technology professionals to their teams in the first half of the new year, according to the Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Forecast and Local Trend Report. Another 69 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.

"It's continues to remain an active hiring environment for technology professionals in Seattle," said Sara Eide, regional vice president for Robert Half Technology in Seattle. "With more companies relocating to the market, local businesses are generating a high demand for security and software development professionals."

Hiring Challenges and Skills in Demand

It continues to be a competitive hiring environment: 63 percent of CIOs in Seattle 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. Database management (56 percent)
2. Cybersecurity (52 percent)
3. Telecommunications support (51 percent)

Top Priorities

When asked to name their top priority for the next six months, 26 percent of Seattle CIOs said they will be focused on maintaining security of IT systems and safeguarding company information. Other priorities will include:  

• Technology innovation and investing in new technologies (21 percent)
• Staff retention (20 percent)
• Innovation and helping to grow their businesses (16 percent)
• Upgrading existing systems for business efficiency (15 percent)

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.

SOURCE Robert Half Technology