IT employment outlook in New Zealand

80% of IT executives surveyed said they are more confident in New Zealand’s economic growth when compared to last year, and 87% said they are more confident in their own company’s growth prospects this year versus last.

In comparison to Australia, IT executives in New Zealand are planning to keep their staffing levels relatively static. One in five CIOs and CTOs surveyed plans to add permanent IT staff to their teams, and almost three-quarters (72%) expect to keep headcount for permanent IT staff the same during the first half of 2012.  

Although the majority of executives plan to hold staffing levels steady, there is a shortage of quality IT candidates within New Zealand and many employers are sourcing candidates from overseas.

Companies that are hiring are staffing up to facilitate business growth and IT systems upgrades, according to survey respondents.

The industries showing the highest levels of IT recruitment activity in New Zealand are financial services, particularly banking and insurance, as well as the utilities industries. New system implementations and upgrades as well as regularatory changes such as PCI regulation are fuelling this demand.

Source: 100 CIOs and CTOs in New Zealand

Highly sought attributes

Hiring managers are looking for talented individuals who are willing to invest a number of years in the organisation. Demand is greatest for mid-level management technology professionals, who will not only bring technical and systems experience to the organisation but who are also able to grow with the company and eventually take on leadership roles. Demand for senior and entry-level professionals is less strong as there are a finite number of roles at these levels within the IT space. 

Companies are being increasingly selective when hiring those just starting their careers, since these professionals require more supervision and are less apt at dealing with fluctuating business needs. It is important however that organisations fuel this lower level pipeline in order to develop the business leaders of tomorrow.

Along with the requisite technical abilities, employers seek candidates with strong communication skills, who can share information effectively with business managers throughout the organisation.  Those who possess an ideal combination of soft skills and technical experience are among the most highly sought after.

Technology and software skills in demand

In New Zealand companies are looking for IT professionals with .Net with a focus on web services and multi-tiered architecture, as well as those with Microsoft Business Intelligence skills. In addition, New Zealand candidates with ITIL, CBAP, IIBA and Agile/Scrum certifications are in demand.