A Hiring Shortage? Oh, Please

The recession and I go way back—almost back to the good old days of 2008. I work in an industry that’s been hit hard by the recession (publishing) and my spouse works in another industry that’s been hit hard, which is construction. So I’m ready to do two things at almost the same time when I see employment figures from the government or other organizations: 1) I’m ready to cheer, and 2) I’m ready to scoff.

So here comes the December report from Dice, the technology worker website. Dice’s email survey from November 8 to November 14, 2010 asked resource managers and recruiters from every region of the country about their recruiting and hiring plans.

Sure enough, the figures have me feeling both ways. I’m happy that the recent report says “Technology departments are set to get bigger, with six in ten hiring managers and technology recruiters expecting to step-up hiring in the first half of 2011 as compared to the previous six months.”

But I have to take this next part, if not in scoffing mode, at least with a grain of salt:

“At the same time, finding technology talent is becoming harder. Nearly half (46%) of hiring managers and technology recruiters note that filling positions is taking more time relative to last year. The number one reason is the inability to find qualified technology professionals, instead of caution related to the economy as reported just six months ago.”

No. No. No. I absolutely do not believe that they are unable to find “qualified technology professionals.” What do I base my evidence on? Well, purely personal experience—in my town, Kodak, HP, and Woodward Governor alone have laid off workers over the last few years, including IT people, not just middle management. Qualified people are out there.

I do like this part: “Emerging shortages will guarantee more calls from headhunters to technology employees, creating more pressure on retention and likely compensation.”

So how often do you get calls from head hunters? Think you’ll get some in 2011? Nice.

Dice says that besides seeking developers in nearly every flavor, the survey respondents' top 10 positions to fill include project managers, business analysts, and those with business intelligence and SAP expertise. (The tenth is security professional.) I saw no mention of SharePoint, even though the Twitter universe daily throws tweets out advertising for SharePoint pros and devs. And I can't believe there is no need for AD admins. What's with the disconnect here? Is it me? Is it what HR people tell Dice? I think I'm missing some part of the puzzle. I must be. Because I don't understand.