Expert: IT Hiring has ‘Stabilized’

The latest figures from TechServe Alliance confirm that IT hiring has taken a serious hit in the current economy. Figures released this week show a .9 percent drop, or some 34,800 IT jobs were lost in May of this year.

After peaking in November 2008 at over 4 million, IT hiring dropped off the next six months. Last month IT employment stood at 3,849,100. On a year-over-year basis, IT employment declined 3.51% since May 2008.

Mark Roberts, CEO of TechServe Alliance, said improvement in employment figures typically lags other economic indicators and the decline in IT employment wasn’t a surprise.

On a more positive note, he said there are signs IT hiring has “stabilized” even if a return to earlier levels is not in evidence.

“In our informal discussions with members asking about the next three and 12 months, the outlook 12 months out is very positive,” Roberts told InternetNews.com. “Three months out is less so and we’re not hearing talk of growth, but at least what we’re hearing anecdotally is that things are stabilizing.”

He also said IT hiring historically increases as the economy improves. “Our folks do well when the economy is better and they can take advantage of the opportunities that arise when companies are feeling more confident,” he said.

Formerly known as the NACCB (National Association of Computer Consultant Businesses), TechServe Alliance’s monthly IT Employment Index is based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. TechServe Alliance‘s stated mission is to advance excellence and ethics within the IT services industry by helping IT services companies deliver best-in-class IT services. The name change occurred in April. The group is based in Alexandria, Va., near Washington D.C.

Article courtesy of InternetNews.com.