It’s all about recruitment reviews in IT projects

As the government tackles wider economic issues, it is recognised that continued investment in IT related projects are key to delivering long term cost and process efficiencies. As a result we are seeing an increase in the need for IT specialists in this market.

There is of course still pressure on the amount of money being spent and what benefits are being realised as a consequence. That’s why we are seeing a proliferation of much tougher project reviews and healthcare checks ensuring that projects are being well delivered and hitting the agreed milestones and timescales.

Interviews are much more rigorous in both structure and length

With any review of this kind it is only natural to also assess the current staffing resources of each project. As we’ve already said we haven’t seen a marked decrease in the number of roles for IT project professionals through government frameworks. But what is changing is the: interview process, the length of contracts and the demands on the contractor and their recruitment consultancy.

Interviews are much more rigorous in both structure and length often incorporating biographical and competency-based questions and a number of interviews in the process. Typically senior project roles are recruited on a six to twelve months basis but now we’re seeing employers be more cautious. The average initial contract currently tends to be between three months and six months, however for the most part, these are being extended, but it ensures that organisations are forced into assessing the resources needed on a regular basis.

Now more than ever it’s critical that employers make the most of their contract resource. The most successful contracts we’ve seen are when there is a comprehensive breakdown of skills and competencies required, an in-depth interview, a clear set of objectives for the individual, and ongoing reviews of what is being delivered.

For those looking to secure a role in a central government or NHS IT contract position, demonstrating your experience in line with what the hiring organisation requires has never been so important. This means showing how your involvement and successes in a similar project in a succinct and measurable way; an exercise we expect to see continuing as competition for roles may increase if projects are subject to cost cutting exercises following the announcement of the 2009 budgets.