The 2024 IT Consulting Job Market

The podcast discusses the current state of the IT consulting job market, particularly focusing on skills and opportunities in 2024. The conversation highlights the end of the post-COVID job market boom, noting that recruitment has slowed, with hiring managers delaying decisions and tighter budgets. However, there are signs of recovery with an increase in RFPs.

The job market trend is similar in both the UK and the US, though the US is slightly better off, with contractors getting renewed more frequently. During the post-COVID boom, even mediocre candidates demanded high salaries, which is no longer sustainable. Now, candidates need to upskill and be proactive.

Skills in high demand include pre-sales capabilities, combining product knowledge with the ability to confidently present to clients. Soft skills are emphasized as being equally important as technical skills. Companies are increasingly requiring employees to be in the office, at least part-time, to enhance learning and integration, especially for new employees. The hybrid work model is becoming more common, balancing office and remote work.

Job seekers are advised to be proactive by updating their CVs, tailoring them for each job, and engaging directly with employers and recruiters. Side projects and continuous learning can help candidates stand out.

There is growing demand for AI skills, but AI will not replace human roles entirely. It enhances human capabilities, and the best candidates will continue to improve and adapt. The importance of validating and understanding AI outputs, especially in critical fields, is highlighted.

The podcast concludes with a suggestion to make this job market update a regular segment to keep the audience informed.

Transcript

Andy:
Welcome to the Clearly Podcast. I'm Andy Clark.

Tom:
I'm Tom Goff.

John:
I'm John Stiles.

Andy:
Shailan isn't here again. Where is he this time?

Tom:
Not sure. We might need to consider firing him for absenteeism.

John:
Lovely idea.

Andy:
Let's do it. Anyway, this episode is timely for Shailan as we're discussing the current job market, focusing on skills and opportunities.

John:
Let's dive in. I'm John Stiles, founder and director of Northcote Dynamics. I’ve been in Microsoft recruitment since 2011, mainly focusing on contracts, especially around Microsoft Dynamics.

Andy:
John, what's the state of the job market for both contract and permanent roles?

John:
As of mid-2024, the post-COVID boom has ended. Recruitment is down, with hiring managers delaying decisions and budgets being tighter. However, there's an increase in RFPs, indicating potential recovery. The best candidates will always find opportunities, but overall, it's tougher now than it was a year ago.

Andy:
Is this trend the same in the UK and the US?

John:
Yes, although the US is slightly better off. Contractors there are getting renewed more frequently.

Tom:
During the post-COVID boom, even mediocre candidates demanded high salaries, which wasn't sustainable. Now, with more competition, candidates need to upskill and be proactive.

John:
Absolutely. Skills in demand, particularly in pre-sales, are crucial. Companies need people who not only know the product but can also confidently present it to clients. Soft skills are as important as technical skills.

Andy:
Are companies asking for more in-office presence now?

John:
Yes, more companies are requiring office attendance, at least partially. It's beneficial for new employees to learn and integrate better. The hybrid model is becoming more common, balancing office and remote work.

Tom:
It's important that office time is purposeful. Teams should be together to maximize productivity and collaboration.

Andy:
What advice would you give to job seekers in mid-2024?

John:
Be proactive. Update your CV, tailor it for each job, and engage directly with employers and recruiters. Side projects and continuous learning can make you stand out.

Andy:
Is there a growing demand for AI skills?

John:
Yes, but AI won't replace human roles entirely. It's a tool that enhances human capabilities. The best candidates will continue to improve and adapt.

Tom:
Absolutely, AI has limitations. It's important for candidates to validate and understand AI outputs, especially in critical fields.

Andy:
Thank you, John. Always insightful. Let's make this a regular segment to keep our audience updated on the job market.

John:
Sounds great. Happy to join anytime.

Andy:
Thanks everyone. Tune in next week for another episode. Goodbye!

John & Tom:
Goodbye!