Survey: Local firms forecast increase in IT hiring

A net 12 percent of chief information officers in the Boston area expect to hire information technology professionals in the first quarter of 2009, according to Robert Half International Inc.

The California firm just compiled the latest Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Index and Skills Report. According to the firm, 1,400 executives were questioned in the process of compiling the index.

The information gathering process included interviews with 200 chief information officers in the Boston area, said the firm, which provides corporate customers with information-technology professionals on a project or a full-time basis.

In the Boston area, 15 percent of executives surveyed said they plan to add staff in early 2009, and 3 percent anticipate reductions in personnel, Robert Half International said.

To view a press release on the national results on information technology hiring, please click here.

In a separate survey that examined hiring in another job sector, Robert Half International said that the hiring of full-time accounting and finance professionals in the Boston area is also expected to increase in the first quarter of 2009.

According to that survey, 8 percent of the chief financial officers who were surveyed indicated thaty they plan to add staff during the quarter while 2 percent anticipate reductions in personnel.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)