An analysis of the changing demand patterns for information technology professionals

Mike Gallivan, Duane P. Truex, Lynette Kvasny

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper examines trends in required job skills for IT professionals. Through an empirical study of a dataset of job advertisements for IT professionals over the past thirteen years, we evaluate whether the observed trends support earlier predictions offered by researchers who sought to anticipate future job and skill demands (Leitheiser, 1992; Trauth, Farwell, & Lee, 1993). We also looked for evidence for whether the so-called expectation gap between employers' demands and the skills provided by academic programs still exists (Lee, Trauth & Farwell, 1995). Many of the findings are consistent with previous studies and support the notion that employers are seeking an ever-increasing number and variety of skill sets from the new hires. Although we were unable to assess whether or how the expectation gap had changed, we did find evidence of a recruitment gap where, despite many firms' emphasis on well-rounded individuals with business knowledge and good "soft skills," the job advertising aspect of the recruiting process continues to focus on "hard skills." We speculate that this occurs because it is easier to screen for technical skills through such advertisements, whereas assessment of interpersonal skills requires a face-to-face interview.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the ACM SIGCPR Conference
Pages1-13
Number of pages13
StatePublished - 2002
EventProceedings of the 2002 ACM SIGCPR Conference - Kristiansand, Norway
Duration: May 14 2002May 16 2002

Other

OtherProceedings of the 2002 ACM SIGCPR Conference
Country/TerritoryNorway
CityKristiansand
Period5/14/025/16/02

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Software

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