Changing Patterns in IT Skill Sets1988–2003: A Content Analysis of Classified Advertising

This paper examines trends in required job skills for IT professionals. Through an empirical study of classified job advertising for IT professionals over the past 17 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). 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. In addition, we found ongoing evidence of a recruitment gap (Todd, McKeen & Gallupe 1995) where, despite many firms’ stated emphasis on well- rounded individuals with business knowledge and strong ”soft skills,” the job advertising aspect of the recruiting process continues to focus on ”hard skills”. The changing demand patterns for IT professionals necessitate life-long learning skills not only for IT practitioners but also for the academics who teach them.