IT Jobs Outlook Grim For 2011

Prospects for IT-related jobs remain generally grim, according to an analysis of the latest U.S. Labor Department statistics by IT analyst firm Foote Partners.

While the Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed a net gain of 6,500 IT-related jobs in September, David Foote, CEO and chief research officer of Foote Partners, said that demand for most full-time workers in IT haven't "gained the kind of momentum that many analysts and pundits had been predicting earlier this year."

"Foote Partners has not changed its prediction from last November that there is a slim to no chance for meaningful IT jobs recovery in 2010 and well into 2011, despite recovery in the equity markets," David Foote said in a statement.

The computer systems design (and related services) segment showed gains of 9,800 jobs in recent months, although there was a slim net job loss in the category in September. Most IT job segments remained volatile and Foote believes the volatility will remain in force in the future as employers seek to strike the right balance between costs, agility and intense competitive market pressures.

"With so much economic pessimism out there it is certain that this volatility will persist, thwarting any positive momentum that might show up from time to time," said Foote.

To prepare for the brave new world of IT employment, Foote recommended that IT managers in charge of hiring develop good forecasting skills and identify and rank skills and certifications that will rise in value for their organizations over the next three to six months. David Foote suggested, for instance, if a particular skill is likely to be in short supply in a few months, that the skill be acquired through hiring now rather than waiting when the particular experienced job category pool might be depleted.

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