Good news for technology job seekers

Robert Olivier, of recruitment company Olivier Group, said February was likely to be a leading month for recruitment this year.

"I am worried of the volatility of December and January because of the seasonal factor, but this month we'll have a clear picture of where things are heading," he said.

The latest Olivier Job Index, released last weekend, found the IT employment sector was flat in January, climbing just 0.28 per cent, seasonally adjusted, but it noted a strengthening in the market. "The growth rate within the month exceeded that of previous years and suggests it has been a good start, and that will probably be better reflected in February's growth," Mr Olivier said.

The data shows IT&T vacancies advertised online in January were 18.9 per cent below the same time last year, but up 7.7 per cent, compared with six months ago. There were 17,321 IT&T positions vacant on commercial job sites last month.

Software development and engineering roles rose 3.6 per cent for the month, and internet graphics and multimedia positions were up 2.4 per cent. However, management and sales vacancies slipped 8.2 per cent, and database development and administration roles were down 7.3 per cent.

The overall national job market rose 3.59 per cent last month. Western Australia led the country, growing 7.47 per cent.

According to Spark Recruitment director Luke Singleton, there is significant pent-up demand from passive job seekers.

"They have had some time to draw breath and reflect on their current roles and what they want to achieve in their careers now the worst of the global financial crisis is hopefully over," he said.

Mr Singleton said there was more opportunity coming through in mid to senior level roles, which attracted packages worth $125,000 to $160,000-plus.

Candidates at this level are all eager to hear the market situation and what the prospects are going to be like for them in the next few months.

Mr Singleton said staff retention would be the litmus test as to whether companies had effective leadership, internal communication and employee support structures throughout the tough times. "There is a mild feeling of panic starting to develop in those organisations that cut too deep as the business demand starts to flow through," he said.

Hays IT regional director Peter Noblet said there was growth in permanent and temporary recruitment. "Things are quite buoyant at the moment across IT and the majority of specialist skills we recruit in," Mr Noblet said.

So, good news for people looking for jobs in the technology sector.

Credits to:Australian IT