T he main purpose of this survey is to obtain quantitative data on the IT employability competency model drafted via qualitative and secondary research. Results will be used to update the IT competency model across technology-centric
industries. The objectives of this research include:
- Evaluate the draft version of the IT competency model
- Validate the IT skills of most importance to employers when hiring for IT positions
- Assess additions / revisions to the model obtained through the qualitative phase (focus group and in-depth phone interviews)
- Develop the second version of the IT competency model
The survey was administered online during the period November 24 — December 6, 2015 and was targeted to managers involved in the hiring or managing of IT staff. CompTIA employed the services of a dedicated research panel provider to procure the
sample. A total of 200 US IT hiring managers at companies with at least 25 employees across a mix of industries completed the survey.* Note that most respondents are from large organizations.
CompTIA is responsible for all content contained in this summary. Any questions regarding the study should be directed to CompTIA Research & Market Intelligence staff at [email protected].
CompTIA is a member of the Marketing Research Association (MRA) and adheres to the MRA's Code of Marketing Research Standards.
State of IT Skills Gaps Among New IT Employees
91% of US IT hiring managers indicate some degree of gaps in IT skills between what their organization needs from new IT employees and the IT skills they possess.
Level of Agreement with Main Areas of Common IT Employability Skills Model
The great majority agree (89% NET) that, overall, these 7 main IT areas cover the most important common IT employability skills.
Importance of Each Main IT Skills Area
Most indicate that each of these IT areas are important to their organization when considering IT job candidates.
IT Skills Rated as Having Greatest Importance:
IT Support*
Most important skills to employers when hiring for these related IT positions.
IT Skills Rated as Having Greatest Importance:
Information Security
Most important skills to employers when hiring for these related IT positions.
IT Skills Rated as Having Greatest Importance:
Programming, Development, and Engineering*
Most important skills to employers when hiring for these related IT positions.
IT Skills Rated as Having Greatest Importance:
Software Testing and Quality Assurance*
Most important skills to employers when hiring for these related IT positions.
IT Skills Rated as Having Greatest Importance:
Infrastructure Administration*
Most important skills to employers when hiring for these related IT positions.
IT Skills Rated as Having Greatest Importance:
Strategic Planning / Business Management*
Most important skills to employers when hiring for these related IT positions.
IT Skills Rated as Having Greatest Importance:
Information Management and Analytics*
Most important skills to employers when hiring for these related IT positions.
Appendix
Top Business Priorities
Over the next 12 months
Respondent Profile
IT hiring managers in the US at organizations that had IT job openings over the past 12 months.
Additional Resources
- CompTIA Cyberstates 2016: The Definitive State-by-State Analysis of the U.S. Tech Industry https://www.comptia.org/resources/cvberstates-2016
- CompTIA IT Employment Midyear Update 2015 https://www.comptia.org/resources/it-ernployment-midyear-update-2015
- CompTIA IT Career Insights — US summary https://comptia.box.com/s/e6r7wudkhxim5IxrgluaranI5ddeov4o
- Additional CompTIA IT workforce-related industry research, for example:
- IT Industry Outlook and Quarterly IT Industry Business Confidence Index
- IT Career Insights (Canada, Middle East, South Africa, UK, US)
- Managing the Multi generational Workforce
- HR Perceptions of IT Training and Certification
- Cyberprovinces
- International Technology Adoption & Workforce Trends
- The Impact of CompTIA Certification
- Building Digital Organizations
- Military Career Path Study: Assessing the role of training and certifications
- Information Security Trends
- CompTIA premier members, partners & registered users can access research here:
Read more about IT Workforce.
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