4 In-Demand IT Skills (And How to Hire for Them)

In a fast-paced and highly competitive market, the information technology (IT) industry has been responding to demand by introducing new smart devices, software and applications, artificial intelligence (AI), and other technological advancements. However, this also means IT professionals are needed for maintenance, instruction, security, and support to ensure everything is working smoothly and safely.

To make these rapid innovations possible, and to evolve with new technology, IT professionals need to upgrade existing skills and master new ones.

So, what IT skills are most in demand? And how does this influence hiring in IT?

What Influences Demand in Tech

A few questions will help you identify high-demand IT skills at any given time:

• What are the newest emerging technologies and current trends?
• How do/will they affect personal lives and business processes?
• What skills need to be updated or added to your IT staff to accommodate changing business needs?

In sum, watch for trends. Here’s an example of two technologies that have created shifts in the most needed IT skills.

The Cloud

In 2014, more companies adopted the relatively new cloud technology to save money and improve efficiency. Thus, employers looked for IT professionals with cloud-related skills.

AI and Machine Learning

Fast-forward to 2024. While cloud computing is still in demand, AI has become a major focus for employers. AI has tremendous potential to alter how we all work and live.

On the one hand, AI concerns some people who worry about the potential for fraud, cheating, and misinformation. On the other hand, others welcome AI and its potential for increasing efficiency by freeing people from lower-level tasks to focus on higher-level responsibilities.

IT professionals with the skills to develop and manage AI technology, including machine learning, are now in high demand. The rapid adoption of AI also increases the need for cybersecurity experts to protect against bad actors.

What This Means for Employers

Every year, as technology changes, employers need to look for IT professionals who are up to date with in-demand IT skills. Depending on industry and company size, this could mean:

• Upskilling current IT employees
• Updating job descriptions when backfilling IT roles
• Hiring entirely new IT positions

When looking for candidates with in-demand IT skills, it’s important to be realistic about years of experience in a new technology. It might be better to focus on proficiency in a specific technology, or even strong soft skills like adaptability and critical thinking. Think about what a new hire can learn on the job vs. what they need to know to get started.

Current In-Demand IT Skills

Based on current IT trends, here are some IT skills to look for while building out your IT team.

AI and Machine Learning

AI has a major influence on the need for IT skills. One study reported that 20 percent of companies were already using AI technology, and another 55 percent intended to implement it soon. IT professionals need at least a general understanding of AI, but also consider hiring for specific skills, including:

• Security combatting and preventing AI-driven threats
• Software development, including quality assurance and testing
• Machine learning, data structures, language processing
• Data management, including privacy management
• Machine learning skills include algorithms, deep learning, clustering, and kernels

Technical Support

As long as there are non-IT experts using technology, there will be a need for support. Whether they’re assisting coworkers or customers (in person or remotely), IT professionals need skills in technical problem-solving and troubleshooting. They also need good communication and listening skills to deal with often frustrated end users.

Networking

Employers need IT staff with networking skills involving protocols, network architecture, and problem-solving. Also necessary are skills for managing operating systems, hardware, software, networks (LAN, WAN, VPN), and support. Wireless networking skills have grown in importance as businesses increasingly use wireless devices in their networks.

Cybersecurity

Both individuals and organizations need protection from cybercrimes and other threats. IT teams need professionals with skills such as firewall installation and maintenance, data encryption, threat analysis and testing, and a firm understanding of applicable regulations and compliance. There’s a high demand for cybersecurity professionals, so this is an opportunity to upskill existing IT workers.

In-Demand IT Jobs

The labor market is competitive for in-demand IT jobs. Some of these include:

• Applications architect
• Cloud architect
• Data scientist
• Data security analyst
• Database developer
• DevOps engineer
• Network architect
• Software engineer
• Systems security manager
• Web developer

The U.S. Department of Labor points out that with the increasing use of remote and hybrid jobs, telehealth services (e.g., remote appointments and monitoring devices), and security needs, more IT jobs are entering the in-demand category. In addition to the jobs above, they also list:

• Computer and information research scientists
• Computer support specialist
• Computer systems analysts
• Information security analyst
• Network and computer systems administrators
• Quality assurance analyst

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) identified 20 occupations projected to grow the fastest between 2022 and 2032. On this list are four IT occupations:

Occupation	Projected Growth Rate
Data scientist	35%
Information security analyst	32%
Software developer	26%
Computer and information research scientist	23%

Further, BLS projects that, over the same time period, computer and IT occupations will experience above-average growth, with over 377,000 job openings per year.

RELATED: 7 Essential Roles Potentially Missing from Your IT Team

Hire In-Demand IT Roles with Insight Global

It’s hard to imagine a world without smart devices, quick access to data, and technology that promotes efficiency, entertainment, and so much more. There seems to be no end to new technology emerging and improving how we work and live.

IT professionals are at the heart of this technical revolution. When hiring for IT roles, one solution is partnering with an IT staffing agency like Insight Global. We’re already connected to top IT talent, so we can fill open roles in as little as two days. Fill out the form below, and one of our hiring partners will reach out shortly.