CIOs Place Increased Weight on Business Acumen When Evaluating Job Candidates
August 3 2006 - Those seeking employment in the technology sector
should hone their business skills, a new survey suggests. Forty-three per cent
of chief information officers (CIOs) polled said they are placing greater
emphasis today than five years ago on job candidates' knowledge of business
fundamentals when considering them for information technology (IT) positions.
The poll includes responses from more than 270 CIOs from a stratified
random sample of Canadian companies with 100 or more employees. It was
conducted by an independent research firm and developed by Robert Half
Technology, a leading provider of information technology professionals on a
project and full-time basis.
CIOs were asked, "When evaluating candidates for IT positions with your
firm, has the importance you place on knowledge of business fundamentals, such
as accounting, finance and general operations, increased, decreased or stayed
the same in the last five years?" Their responses:
Increased
Stayed the same
Decreased
Don't know
|
43%
47%
8%
2%
----
100%
|
"Technology is integrated into all aspects of business, which means
technical aptitude alone will not suffice for IT candidates," said Katherine
Spencer Lee, executive director of Robert Half Technology. "Employers need
professionals who can work and communicate effectively with colleagues in all
departments."
Lee recommends job seekers at all levels develop business proficiency,
including at least a cursory knowledge of finance, marketing and management.
"IT professionals who know the industry and business, and can demonstrate
their understanding of the company's core processes, customer base and
culture, are in the best position to land - and keep - the best jobs."
With more than 100 locations in North America and Europe, Robert Half
Technology is a leading provider of technology professionals for initiatives
ranging from web development and multiplatform systems integration to network
security and technical support. Robert Half Technology offers online job
search services at www.rht.com.
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