ITWire

In a newly released report, recruitment firm Ambition Technology says that as a consequence of the shift to short-term contracts, IT workers caught in the cycle of short-term project roles will choose FY2013 projects with care as they become tired of the churn process.

According to Ambition Technology managing director, Andy Cross, candidates have described the market as one of the most challenging they’ve experienced and “many have felt the pressure of budget constraints and a lack of engagement from organisations throughout the life of the project.”

Cross says that IT employers’ preference for short contract positions remained strong in the first half of 2012 as a result of tight budgets, corporate restructures and the fear of not hiring the perfect candidate.

“The feedback from candidates, particularly in the banking and financial services sector, is that they are increasingly feeling the pressure to achieve more with less.”

And, in a warning for employers, Cross says that organisations must carefully consider how they will attract wary IT talent as they move into the new financial year.

“Employers may be wary of volatile economic conditions, but they are still operating in a skills-short IT market.

“Interviewers and hiring managers need to sell the opportunity, the company and the role in order to secure top IT talent.”

Cross also says that currently the majority of contract workers are in a cycle of quick, high pressure projects, and many will be looking for “roles with organisations that will make them feel integrated and valued.”   

The survey by Ambition reveals that demand for candidates to fill short-term IT project roles is predominantly across the banking and financial services sector, as well as the telecommunications, gaming and infrastructure sectors.

While the ratio of IT candidates for each role increased slightly in Q2, Ambition reports that the IT sector is still affected by ongoing skills shortages.

Cross says that current skills in high demand from IT candidates include end-to-end project and lifecycle skills, stakeholder and communication management skills as well as strong technical knowledge.

And, he reminds employers that in order to secure the best candidates possible, “organisations need to remember that IT contractors have the same career aspirations and desires as those looking for permanent positions.”