Specialist IT Skills Still Sought After Despite Recession

Experienced IT candidates able to demonstrate a number of highly-sought after skills are still very much in demand; according to recent trends identified by specialist IT recruiter, First Point Recruitment.

ëHot areasí still attracting and employing candidates include software development and software testing, in addition to business analysis, where there is large demand for those with strong project management skills.

Tom Fahey, First Pointís Managing Director, maintains that opportunities still exist for the right individuals.

ìAs a result of the credit crunch, companies are trying to keep overheads as low as possible,î he explains. ìThis means experienced candidates able to work across different roles are very much in demand, as employers look to make the most of available IT expertise.

ìFor example, e-commerce businesses are looking for software performance testers that understand website building and architecture, as well as front end management. Equally, test managers with ëhands-oní experience are also in demand, as companies look to combine ability with people management skills. In software development, demand continues for those experienced in Agile; Scrum; .Net 3.5; Silverlight and Microsoft SharePoint.

ìWe are seeing many organisations reducing the contract base to save costs and demanding more from permanent employees. This places increasing importance on being to operate across roles. Despite an influx of competent individuals, specialised skills set the best candidates apart.

ìWe advise candidates to focus their attention on the key areas currently seeing an increase in availability. Now is the time for experienced candidates to shine. There are still plenty of opportunities for those with the right skill sets.î