The IT Job Board has posted a couple of blogs in the past around the subject of professional networking as an emerging tool for job hunting. We decided to dig a little deeper into this new phenomenon and find out exactly how IT professionals are using these sites and how successfully they are doing so.

Use and abuse

So everyone’s talking about professional networking sites and anyone who’s anyone has signed up for an account. But what are IT professionals using these sites for?

While some (23.7%) use it to ask questions regarding a specific topic in their field of work that could help them with their day to day roles and gather opinions from their peers, most revealed they only joined because everyone else has (22.6%) and even admitted that they don’t really know how to use it.

The most common motivation for signing up to these sites was to build a profile of business contacts (52.8%). But what is the point of having all these business contacts if you are not using them for anything?

When asked if they use these sites to look for a job the response was near enough 50:50. Surprisingly, of those that do use this medium to search for jobs, 77% informed us that they do change their status to active when looking for a job. Given that you are generally connected to many of your current colleagues on professional networking sites, my personal concern would be that your current employer would see this.

However, 83% of our survey base was actively looking when they participated in the research, which could suggest that a good number of these respondents are out of work in which case you have no employer to hide anything from.

Those that do use it, do so regularly with people checking the site multiple times a day (21.5%), once a day (27.2%) or a couple of times a week (27.2%). Hardly anyone selected less frequently.

Bitter sweet success

But, as they say, the proof is in the pudding, and just under 80% revealed that they had never landed a job through one of these sites.

So where are candidates finding jobs?

Interestingly the channels ranked the highest by candidates were more direct (job boards & rec cons) whereas traditional mediums such as print were voted the lowest, but even online magazines were not rated highly.

As it turns out, LinkedIn and other such sites do have had a dedicated jobs section of which I was totally unaware. But perhaps the reason for its limited success is due to the fact these sites are global making it difficult to find jobs or candidates in your area and that they are not specialised enough.

The future is in our hands

Professional networking sites do not, therefore, seem to be a key channel for candidates when it comes to job hunting. Survey respondents revealed that the main routes for IT professionals finding a job remained job boards (41.6%) and recruitment consultants (29.5%).

Yet over 70% stated that they believe the use of professional networking in the job seeking process will only continue from strength to strength and is not just a fad that will disappear altogether. Now all we need to do is work out how to use it properly…

Back in December 2009 The IT Job Board predicted that wedding bells would be ringing for IT recruitment and the financial sector in 2010 following the results of a survey that revealed this sector as the perfect match for IT jobs.

At the start of the year there were anecdotal rumblings that this was set to be a reality and that the rumoured love affair between the financial sector and IT jobs would go the distance. Was it just a fling? We wanted to discover if our attempt at matchmaking paid off.

Making Up

An article published in the Financial Times last week reported a 60% increase in job vacancies in the square mile. A recent report by KPMG and the Recruitment and Employment Council (REC) also reported strong jobs growth across the board. But what about IT finance jobs?

Valentine’s Day marked the Q1 half way line so now that the roses have wilted and chocolates eaten, has the love affair between IT jobs and the financial sector also had it’s day?

Kyle Halsey of specialist IT recruitment consultancy Madison Black reported that ‘things are looking much better, particularly in this sector. But although there is a lot more interest and commitment, most of it is speculative with clients carefully considering where to increase headcount in Q2.’

So did we come on too strong with our predictions or were we right to announce a match made in heaven?

Taking things slowly

Halsey went on to explain that ‘the year got off to a slow start due to extended Christmas breaks and the snow. February is already much busier than January with contracts on the increase. Permanent IT jobs still make up the vast majority.’

So what’s the reality for finance?

A match made in heaven?

But when it comes to marrying the financial sector and IT recruitment Halsey is the eternal optimist:

‘Most companies’ budgets were renewed in January and some are waiting until April/May. Organisations are slowly releasing more budget and contractor rates are returning to what they were. The banking and financial sector has not exploded as yet but it is looking positive for later in the year, probably Q2 or Q3. The roles that are currently available in this sector are very specific and employers are still very cautious.’

How to woo your sweetheart

However, IT finance jobs are much better paid and there appears to be a lot of rivals competing to win the hearts of your potential employer. Halsey had this advice:

‘Don’t forget to look at the relevancy of the company, skills and role in general and match them as well as you can. If you have experience in banking and finance and you are going for a job in this sector, make sure you shout about it.
If you have worked in another sector, such as insurance, there may be similarities that you can draw upon. This could include policies & procedures, methodology frameworks, processes and structures and certain technologies associated with this sector in particular.’

Sparks will fly

In short the finance and IT recruitment industry may not be soul mates but the relationship will definitely hot up later in the year.

Don’t miss the latest IT finance jobs along with all IT vacancies on site now.

Copyright The IT Job Board ©
Source: www.theitjobboard.co.uk

The end of January saw the UK economy grow for the first time in six quarters, signalling what is being dubbed the end of the recession. In a poll conducted by the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 45% of the 157 firms surveyed expect conditions to improve and 36% of them have started recruiting in the past year.

The question on our minds is how will this affect the IT job market specifically?

The views are mixed and opinions divided.

On the one hand, organisations are still only just catching their breath from the hard knock of the recession to their revenues and to their staffing. Analysts fear that IT professionals won’t feel the effects of the upturn immediately.

The word from one IT recruitment specialist is that although organisations are still recruiting, they are exercising a high degree of caution and most organisations are waiting to see if the economy will dip again before investing fully into re-staffing.

On the other hand, one IT specialist believes that something is brewing; “My unemployed colleagues are reporting an increase in job postings and interviews. They’ve said the IT job market has significantly improved over 6 months ago…”

So, some organisations are raring to go and this will mean important decisions being made with respect to the directions of their IT requirements and whether to build up their in-house IT resources or outsource.

Although at first glance it seems more likely that companies will look to rebuilding their own internal teams, analysts have predicted that executive eyes will be casting elsewhere to boost recovery. This is evident in a statement given by Debra Logan, vice president at Gartner:

“Over the next two years, business demand for IT-driven growth and innovation will outstrip the supply of qualified people to fulfil job roles and, as a result, traditional IT tasks are moving outside the IT department”.

What does this mean for IT Job seekers?
Will we all be rolling in it, if not by the end of the quarter, then in the near future?

The Recruitment and Employment Confederation’s 2009 report says yes. It showed that the increase in demand for both permanent IT jobs and IT contract jobs has grown significantly. Out of all the sectors analysed, IT led the way for permanent roles, and came second only to secretarial work for temporary positions. This is not surprising considering the movement in the financial sector in anticipation of economic upturn, with Deutsche Bank announcing a major deal with SAP last month.

Despite talks of spending cuts, even the government looks to continue with its support of the IT bandwagon through the Digital Britain and the Operational Efficiency Programme and the Promotion of Digital Participation. It looks unlikely that the public sector will be a source of jobs for IT professionals in the coming year. However, such ventures guarantee stability in demand for IT professionals, if not with the public sector per se, then with the private companies working in these initiatives.

So what does this all mean?

It would appear that although it may take some time for the IT market in terms of recruitment to recover completely, wounds are definitely being licked and bandages applied. Organisations are recognising the need to put the recession behind them and IT professionals are on the road back to being the supermen and women of the business world.

Luckily, The IT Job Board is pleased to announce that we are the largest carrier of IT jobs in the UK with over 23,000 IT jobs online, so for those of you out there hoping to take the next step, search and apply here.

Copyright The IT Job Board ©
Source: www.theitjobboard.co.uk

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Dubai was once held as the world’s moneymaking Mecca with thousands of Brits, including many IT professionals, flocking to this oasis in the desert, relishing in the absence of the tax burden back home.

So the recent economic turbulence has come as a bombshell sending shock waves around the world. Back in October the Financial Times reported that many expatriates were losing their jobs while property construction slowed to a standstill amid mounting debt and waning demand.

How does this impact Brain Drain in the UK IT industry? Are people content resting on their British laurels? And if so, how will the return of expats affect an already saturated IT job market?

The IT Job Board spoke to Vik Nanda, Team Leader of IT recruitment consultancy Pathway in Dubai to find out what’s really happening in the UAE’s most popular region.

‘In the first half of 2009 Dubai was suffering along with the rest of the world, with the number of jobs fast decreasing. This continued until July/August when things slowly started to pick up.’

So has the situation changed?

‘Now, obviously recruiters are still cautious given that we have just witnessed one of the worst recessions since records began, it would be foolish not to be. But businesses are still winning new contracts and there are projects that still need to be finished. So if companies need IT professionals they are going to have to hire. And that’s what they are doing.’

Positive news then for IT professionals considering a change. When asked what advice he would give to IT candidates considering a move to Dubai he replied,

‘I can only give my personal opinion but now seems as good a time as any. The market is still strong, there’s plenty of sun and I love it.’

Although Dubai has felt the effects of the economic crisis it could be possible that the situation has been slightly exaggerated in the media. Yet even if this is not an elaboration it seems the IT industry has not been hurt as badly as other sectors. Construction, property and even tourism industries are bearing the brunt of the recent economic unrest.

But despite the recent bailout by neighbouring Abu Dhabi, there have been plenty of positive predictions for 2010 across most industries both in Dubai and here at home. The Financial Times reported on Monday that economists are describing a very optimistic outlook for Dubai in 2010 with their financial reserves poised to help the region to continue to develop. And with the opening of the world’s tallest tower this week, re-named Burj Khalifa, following the financial rescue, it seems Dubai is keen to show the world it hasn’t lost its sparkle.

What’s your opinion on the latest economic situation? Were you considering moving abroad for work? Or perhaps you think the grass is always greener and there’s no place like home? Leave a comment or write your own IT blog.

For all the IT professionals out there quite happy staying on home ground, don’t forget to visit www.theitjobboard.co.uk to find your next IT job.

As 2009 draws to a close, The IT Job Board team reflects on the year gone by and begin to question what lies in store for the IT industry in 2010. The latest survey results shed some light on what’s tipped to be hot and what’s not for the year ahead.

The Ghost of Christmas Past

The UK unemployment level reached a record high both in the UK and Europe this year and there is no doubt that IT departments across the country have suffered the effects of this. 82% of survey respondents informed us that the recession has affected their department over the past 12 months.

So it has been a tough year in the IT industry but how have things changed and what can we expect in 2010?

The Ghost of Christmas Present

Things are starting to look up with the BBC, among others, reporting that the unemployment rate has slowed and we seem to be on the road to recovery. Recent statistics in the media do give a very positive indication for IT jobs in the New Year, however our survey results paint a mixed picture.

71% of respondents revealed that they do not think the recession is over for the IT industry, and 44% of our survey base stated that they do not envisage the end of the downturn until 2011.

But are IT professionals being realistic or pessimistic?

The Ghost of Christmas Future

Perhaps IT professionals are airing on the side of caution given the events of the past year or so. And no matter how positive the numbers are looking, until you actually land your next job and sign on the dotted line, the numbers mean nothing.

However, The IT Job Board has noticed a dramatic increase in the average number of IT jobs on site over the past few months:

Sept – 8,409
Oct – 11,611
Nov 13,753
Dec – over 17,000

Peter Healey, Sales Director at The IT Job Board said:

“I believe that next year the finance sector will really pick up. Banking was the first to be hit during the recession, but it will also be the first to recover, and it will offer a lot of opportunity in terms of IT recruitment.”

Our survey also revealed certain skills that are expected to be in high demand in the coming year. One third of those surveyed selected .net as one of the hottest skills for 2010; 29% chose SAP and 26% voted for Java.

Healey believes that IT pros should look to adopt skills in the web services arena, and advised: “As we continue to get to grips with social and business networking, Web 2.0 skills will be critical, for example .net and Java.”

So the future is looking much brighter for IT jobs in 2010. For all the latest vacancies, visit The IT Job Board.

Last month over 1,500 employees of the IT services company Fujitsu voted in favour of taking strike action against the organisation following the revelation of plans to cuts jobs, pay and pensions. All are members of the union Unite, which claims that for some, the proposal could translate to a 20% reduction in pension value.

But is this fast becoming the norm in the IT sector or is this affecting some areas of the industry more than others? While some are working overtime to secure their place on the payroll, others are fed up with being forced to accept sub-standard working conditions and are resorting to strike action. The IT Job Board conducted some research to determine the extent to which IT salaries and benefits of IT professionals has been affected by the credit crunch.

IT Job Salaries

IT Jobs Watch statistics reveal an increase in average pay for IT professionals across the board in the UK. Looking at the salaries for Java Engineering jobs, Senior C++ jobs or Lead Test Analyst jobs as examples, they’re all up over 100% year on year. But could this mean that businesses are willing to pay more for the knowledge and experience of a highly skilled IT professional? Or could it be a reflection of growing confidence within a stabilising market and an optimistic outlook for 2010?

Was this the same story for the IT professionals that took part in our survey?
A mere 17.8% of our survey base informed us that their circumstances had not been affected by the market conditions of the past year. Yet a significant number (40.2%) said their salaries have been frozen and 7.5% have even had to accept a pay cut. A quarter of IT professionals in our survey had suffered redundancies (25.2%) so it seems wage freezes and pay cuts are the lesser evils given the circumstances.

Where redundancies, pay cuts and wage freezes have occurred, over 80% revealed that staff members at all levels were hit, indicating a reduction in the size of the workforce as a whole rather than chopping those at the top of the scale to make a quick saving.

Benefits of IT Professionals

Many IT professionals stated that additional benefits such as bonus pay have been revoked. But this is probably an understandable cut to make under the circumstances. There has also been anecdotal evidence that certain other benefits including payments in kind such as free lunches provided by the company have been scrapped. This may only seem like a nice-to-have but the cost of this can amount to in excess of £1,000 a year. Perhaps I’ll think twice before popping out for a spot of lunch in future.

The next step in IT

As we approach the last month of the year, this is a common time to start re-evaluating your position, your pay and your career progression. Many decide to rethink their situation and start contemplating a new challenge for the New Year. Yet although most of us are eagerly awaiting the holidays and dread starting the job seeking process until after the festivities have passed, getting a head-start on your job hunt is never a bad idea. Having said that, many companies’ budgets are renewed in January and this coupled with positive forecasts for the economy in 2010, could mean the New Year jobs wave will counterbalance the number of applicants. Fortunately, IT seems to be a thriving area that has not been as badly hit as some other industry sectors, so if you are considering a career move, there’s no time like the present.
Visit the IT Job Board for all the latest IT jobs.