Seven Hot Tech Skills That Employers Need: Page 2

5. Help desk and systems administration. Help desk and systems administration may not be among the most talked about areas of IT, but companies will continue to depend heavily on professionals with these skill sets, as well as those who manage them. New technology initiatives are causing a significant increase in help desk call volume. In fact, help desk/end-user support is the IT job category experiencing the most growth, according to the latest Robert Half Technology IT Hiring Index and Skills Report, which surveyed more than 1,400 CIOs about their third quarter hiring plans.

6. Windows administration. Another unheralded but highly sought skill is Windows administration. Currently, employers are having a tough time finding the skilled professionals they need. Nearly three-quarters of the CIOs we surveyed said Windows administration (Windows Server 2000/2003) is the technical skill set in highest demand within their IT departments.

7. Soft skills. Underneath the changing technical proficiencies demanded by the industry, one thing remains constant: Companies of all sizes repeatedly emphasize the importance of soft skills such as communication and leadership. Firms seek IT professionals who communicate well, understand business fundamentals and are able to collaborate with diverse personalities throughout the organization, from engineers to executives. The most sought-after IT professionals don’t just know how the technology works — they also understand what it’s for.

Keep in mind that while talent shortages exist in a number of specialties, an ongoing commitment to learning and advancing your skills is more valuable than any individual technical proficiency. With an eye on the industry’s core specialty areas, you can insulate yourself against changes in the IT field and remain a hot commodity to employers.