Wednesday, October 1, 2008
IT talent now demanding new rewards
The IT salary race has started to slow in line with a global economic slow down although demand for IT talent remains strong, according to a recruitment expert.
Malcolm Dunford, Chief Operating Officer of IT recruiters Sapphire Technologies, advises candidates to be realistic about the changing salary scene and to leverage off the demand to make other gains such as workplace flexibility and extra training.
"We have seen software developers, testers and business analysts benefit in the market with average salaries moving from $100,000 to upwards of $120,000," Mr Dunford said.
He said the days of "increasing salary offers by 20 per cent in order to secure talent are nearing an end".
"The demand for talent does remain high but we are seeing candidates leverage off that demand to secure rewards such as the ability to work from home and access to career paths."
Mr Dunford said the candidates in most demand "and shortest in supply" were software developers and applications developers in the Java/JEE and .NET space.
"Next on the demand list are roles in the architecture space and those with technology skills, with Oracle, PeopleSoft, SAP and CRM," he said.
"Candidates are saying 'fantastic I am coming into this business but after a period of time I will want to go further so what career path can you offer to keep me here?'
"Some of what an employer can offer will be money and perhaps a bonus but candidates want to know what training an employer can offer.
"Training needs depend on the individual whether that is training in the latest software languages, project management training, application focused training and so on."
To keep candidates in the loop, Sapphire has created a new online tool - the Salary Advisor - to provide salary ranges and updates on employee incentives. Mr Dunford said the information will be updated every six months or as new trends emerge.
"The Australian ICT market will become even more competitive over the next 12 months," Mr Dunford said.
"Hiring intentions appear strong across the country, buoyed by a number of infrastructure rollouts in NSW, the resources boom in Western Australia and ICT projects throughout Victoria."
"Although we may not see the same salary heights we experienced in 2007, employers will be complementing salaries with bonus schemes, lifestyle options and other employee incentives."
Mr Dunford's advice for jobseekers is to be "realistic" in their expectations of salary as the market slows over the coming months and look for other rewards that will deliver long term results such as career development.
Source: Kate, Southam, CareerOne
