Cyber security professionals top the list of IT professionals in hot demand this quarter as companies invest in developing stronger defences against cyber-attacks, according to recruiting experts Hays.
The latest Hays Quarterly Report reveals many companies are creating new headcount during the January to March quarter to bring on cyber security talent to bolster their defences against attacks on data integrity, big data systems and more.
“Trying to stay one step ahead of hackers and cyber crime is a crucial issue for organisations and governments the world over with major financial hubs like Hong Kong particular targets,” says Dean Stallard, Regional Director for Hays in Hong Kong.
“A company’s cyber defence capabilities are fast becoming significant factors in a range of business areas from how a company is viewed by investors, clients, insurers and potential business partners to reputation and issues management,” says Dean. “Having the best cyber security talent on board and retaining that talent is crucial this quarter and beyond.”
Other IT talent in demand from January to March includes developers with java and oracle expertise to work with large MNCs increasing product and business lines this year. Temporary business analysts and project managers are also keenly sought after to work on expanding pension and multi fund services (MPF) projects this quarter but also further into the year.
Meanwhile, employers will need to streamline recruitment processes and find ways to promote their employer brand to entice quality candidates to move jobs instead of hanging back to wait for bonuses to be paid in March.
Pay rises are another factor influencing the candidate market. Our research shows many candidates who are in two minds about switching jobs are weighing up their options and how best to increase their salary – a pay rise with an existing employer or an increase in salary with a new employer? This quarter will typically see candidates ask for a salary increase of 8-12 per cent and those deemed most valuable are likely to get what they want.
We are also seeing many candidates embark on professional development in their own time with most choosing to pursue a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) or Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) qualification.
To read the full Hays Quarterly Report, including candidate and employer trends and future issues, please visit https://www.hays.com.hk/report/index.htm
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About Hays
Hays plc (the "Group") is a leading global professional recruiting group. The Group is the expert at recruiting qualified, professional and skilled people worldwide, being the market leader in the UK and Asia Pacific and one of the market leaders in Continental Europe and Latin America. The Group operates across the private and public sectors, dealing in permanent positions, contract roles and temporary assignments. As at 30 June 2016 the Group employed 9,214 staff operating from 252 offices in 33 countries across 20 specialisms. For the year ended 30 June 2016:
– the Group reported net fees of £810.3 million and operating profit (pre-exceptional items) of £181 million;
– the Group placed around 67,000 candidates into permanent jobs and around 220,000 people into temporary assignments;
– 22% of Group net fees were generated in Asia Pacific, 45% in Continental Europe & RoW (CERoW) and 33% in the United Kingdom & Ireland;
– the temporary placement business represented 58% of net fees and the permanent placement business represented 42% of net fees;
– Hays operates in the following countries: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Chile, China, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UAE, the UK and the USA.