Employers have crucial decisions to make that will have a major impact on how their needs are met. The decision of whether to hire a permanent or contract IT specialist depends a great deal on the specific needs of each company, down to each project.
Hiring permanent employees is the right move in a number of circumstances. For example, an hourly model may not make financial sense or may be inappropriate if a worker’s responsibilities will continue beyond the end of a particular project. In this case companies may want to hire entry-level candidates that can go through their own training programs if talent is in short supply.
49% of survey respondents were in contract roles.
61% of survey respondents were looking for contract roles or for both contract and permanent positions.
It may also be more sensible and practical to make permanent appointments if there are gaps in leadership and long-term knowledge. Or, if there is a need to fill a gap in a succession plan. However, a company hiring an app developer, for instance, might want to consider a contract worker, since the average lifecycle of an app is two years.
Employing IT contractors can provide access to specific skills and help to overcome gaps within a permanent team. They provide expertise that a company otherwise would not have or does not have sufficiently. They allow companies to access knowledge when they need it and adjust the workforce accordingly, both precisely and flexibly. The experience and technical competence brought in by external contractors can be put into practice immediately and they may bring experience from a range of projects and industries. Bringing in contractors has the benefit of providing specialist knowledge instantly.
Across the world, more than 49% of candidates who responded to the SThree survey said they were in a contract position, compared with just under 40% who were in permanent roles.
What is the outlook of the tech talent market for companies in need of top tech talent?
The landscape of the hiring market changes with such rapidity that only a few authoritative sources can accurately opine on the state of things and things to come.
Our new white paper, The Rise of the Tech Talent Shortage, is an exploration of the state of the current market, and informed predictions for the future.
- IT professionals' expectations have risen rapidly since the Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated the supply shortage.
- Employers will need the support of specialist recruitment firms to access the most qualified talent.
Download Our White Paper: The Rise of the Tech Talent Shortage
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Computer Futures supports the world's largest and most innovative tech companies by providing comprehensive staffing solutions that add value.
We create true partnerships by providing the best talent within their sectors through a consultative approach beyond a traditional recruitment service.
Extensive market knowledge, innovative resourcing techniques, and proprietary networks allow us to develop a strategic campaign tailored to a client's specific needs.
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