The IT job market continues to rebound from the recession, and the need for IT staffing is growing again as companies across all industries revive IT projects and goals that were placed on the back burner during tougher times. However, the skills desired in IT staffing candidates have changed somewhat. Certifications are no longer valued as much as they were in the past, and higher-education degrees in IT and CS are becoming the standard.
The biggest difference, though, is that technology staffing agencies are increasingly looking for non-technical skills in IT job seekers. Here’s a look at some of the non-technical skills information technology staffing firms prize in their IT staffing candidates:
Time management. What can be really frustrating for IT managers is having an employee or contractor who has the raw IT skills and natural talent but lacks in the area of time management and accountability. This may not seem like a huge issue for general, day-to-day IT tasks, but when it comes to large projects or rolling out hardware and software updates, time management and accountability are crucial skills for any IT staffing candidate.
Sociability. Most office-based employees have, at one time or another, worked with an antisocial IT employee. One could argue that the more quiet and awkward IT staffing candidates can be some of the most talented; however, as technology staffing agencies are highly aware, it really pays dividends to have an IT staff that is sociable and able to get along with people across all departments.
Business knowledge. In addition to specific IT skills, information technology staffing firms look for candidates who possess general business knowledge. Not only do business-savvy IT staffing applicants have the potential to better understand how IT fits in with the rest of the company, but they may also be IT project manager or future CIO material.
Communication skills. Reading, writing, speaking – these skills matter in any job or industry, and technology staffing agencies vastly prefer candidates who possess them over those who don’t. When it comes to managing relationships between the IT team and other departments, exceptional communication skills are highly valued in any IT staffing candidate.
