Firm issues a report on local IT hiring

A net 8 percent of chief information officers in the Boston area expect to hire information technology (IT) professionals in the fourth quarter of 2008, according to a hiring index compiled by Robert Half Technology.

The firm said in a press release: "Thirteen percent of executives surveyed plan to add staff during the quarter and 5 percent anticipate reductions in personnel. The net 8 percent increase is up one point from the area's third-quarter 2008 forecast."

(At right, an image from the firm's website.)

"IT hiring projections for the last quarter of 2008 indicate increased activity in the Boston area compared to the third-quarter forecast," Katherine Spencer Lee, executive director of Robert Half Technology, said in a statement. "Organizations are directing recruitment efforts toward professionals who can provide essential services -- such as help desk and networking -- and support the launch of Web 2.0 based functionality."

Robert Half Technology describes itself as a "provider of IT professionals on a project and full-time basis, for initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems integration to network security and technical support."
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)