IT solution providers are now posting more contract-for-hire positions and permanent placement positions as the economy recovers and tech spending is coming back from a long recession and frozen IT budgets.
That’s according to SmartSource CEO Joe Iovinelli. SmartSource is a Chicago-based employment firm that specializes in the IT solution provider market and serving its needs.
“We are seeing a lot of VARs that are bringing on full time consultants,” Iovinelli tells Channel Insider. “The volume has doubled in the last six months in terms of permanent hiring.” The most senior level engineers are the most in demand, he adds, particularly Microsoft consultants, those who know Microsoft Exchange, and people who have Veritas experience. “These are all six-figure type people – those who make $85,000 and up. It’s encouraging to see that companies out there are so confident in the recovery.”
Iovinelli says the hiring comes as VARs are looking to bring these key skill sets back in-house after having contracted out for services while the economy still seemed shaky. Plus, salaries may be headed up as well. In situations where a candidate receives multiple offers employers will edge up the salaries a few thousands dollars, says Iovinelli – not like the hey day, but better than it’s been.
“We’ve had a lot of situations in the last 90 days where senior level candidates have gotten multiple offers,” Iovinelli says. “One to two to three offers. They have their choice of companies to go work for. That’s probably at least 30 percent higher than we’ve seen.” Those in demand with multiple offers are across the board in terms of skill sets, including telecom and desktop infrastructure.
Entry-level candidates are not having as easy of a time finding work, and there are still a huge number of people who can’t find jobs.
“All the VARs are fighting for the same senior level people, Iovinelli said.
