As businesses across Australia and New Zealand continue their digital transformation in 2025, certain tech skills are becoming highly sought after by employers.

Whether you’re an IT professional looking to future-proof your career or aspiring to become a tech specialist, developing expertise in these key areas can boost your employability and give you an edge in this year’s hiring market.

Let’s get into the top five tech skills in demand for 2025, their applications across the top industries hiring these specialists, and the online courses available via LinkedIn Learning, and Skillsoft Percipio which is free for Talent contractors through our ENGAGE platform.

1. Data Architecture

As companies generate and use increasing amounts of data, they need structured frameworks to ensure data is accessible, reliable, and secure. This is where data architects come in, with their role involving designing, managing, and optimising the way data is stored, processed, and kept secure within an organisation.

This year, the top industries hiring for data architecture professionals and potential applications within these organisations are Finance & Banking (managing vast transactional and compliance data), Healthcare (securing patient data management), Retail & eCommerce (optimising customer and sales data) and Government & Public Services (handling citizen data securely).

Key specialisations within this area are Data Governance & Compliance ensuring data policies align with regulations, Cloud Data Architecture which entails designing scalable cloud-based data systems, and Big Data Solutions to manage large datasets for analytics and AI.

Online courses to get you started as a data architect are ‘Learning Data Architecture’ on LinkedIn Learning and ‘Data Architecture Fundamentals’ on Skillsoft Percipio.

2. Azure SQL

Microsoft’s cloud-based database services, Azure SQL enables businesses to store, manage, and analyse structured data efficiently. Organisations migrating to cloud-based infrastructure requires specialists skilled in Azure SQL administration and development.

In 2025, the top industries hiring for Azure SQL experts and their potential applications are Corporate IT & Enterprise Solutions (managing company-wide data), Healthcare (handling electronic health records securely), Manufacturing & Logistics (optimising supply chain data), and Telecommunications (scaling large databases for millions of users).

Key Azure specialisations are Azure SQL Database Administration to configure, manage, and optimise cloud-based databases, Data Integration with Azure to connect Azure SQL with other cloud services, and Performance Tuning & Security ensuring database efficiency and security.

Online courses to gain a better understanding of this skill area are ‘Microsoft Azure SQL for Beginners’ on LinkedIn Learning, and ‘Azure SQL Administration Essentials’ on Skillsoft Percipio.

3. ITIL Implementation

Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) is a framework for IT service management (ITSM) helping businesses deliver high-quality and efficient IT services. ITIL-certified professionals can streamline IT processes, reduce downtime, and improve service delivery.

This year, the top industries hiring for ITIL experts and what the role could entail are Banking & Financial Services (ensuring IT systems run smoothly), Telecommunications (optimising IT support services), Government & Public Sector (implementing efficient IT service management), and Enterprise IT Departments (standardising IT operations and processes).

If we were to break this specialisation down even further, these would be: ITIL Service Strategy & Design to align IT services with business goals, ITIL Change Management ensuring smooth updates and system changes, and ITIL Service Operations to optimise help desk and IT support services.

Two online courses to get you started are ‘Foundations of ITIL’ on LinkedIn Learning, and ‘ITIL 4 Foundation Certification Course’ on Skillsoft Percipio.

4. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)

SIEM solutions collect, analyse, and respond to security threats in real-time by monitoring logs, detecting anomalies, and automating incident responses. With cybersecurity threats on the rise, businesses need SIEM experts to protect critical systems and data.

In 2025, these are the top industries hiring SIEM specialists and its potential applications: Cybersecurity & IT Services (detecting and preventing attacks), Healthcare (protecting patient records from breaches), Government & Defence (securing sensitive information and critical infrastructure), and Retail & eCommerce (preventing fraud and cyberthreats).

Key specialisations within this skill area are SIEM Platform Management to configure and optimise SIEM tools like Splunk, IBM QRadar, and Microsoft Sentinel, Threat Intelligence & Analysis to identify security threats before they escalate, and Incident Response & Forensics to investigate and mitigate security breaches.

Online courses to get you started are ‘Introduction to SIEM’ on LinkedIn Learning and ‘SIEM Essentials’ on Skillsoft Percipio.

5. Microsoft Azure Machine Learning

Azure Machine Learning is a cloud-based AI and machine learning platform enabling businesses to build, deploy, and manage AI models at scale. With AI-driven automation and analytics becoming a core business function, expertise in Azure ML is highly valuable and sought-after.

In 2025, the top industries hiring for Azure Machine Learning experts and potential use-cases are: Finance & Banking (fraud detection, risk assessment), Healthcare (predictive analytics for patient diagnosis), Retail & eCommerce (personalised recommendations, inventory forecasting), and Manufacturing (automated quality control, process optimisation).

Specialisations within this area are AI Model Development, building and training predictive models using Azure ML, MLOps (Machine Learning Operations) to deploy and maintain ML models efficiently, and Deep Learning & Neural Networks to develop advanced AI applications.

Online courses to gain a better understanding are ‘Azure Machine Learning Fundamentals’ on LinkedIn Learning, and ‘Microsoft Certified: Azure AI Engineer Associate’ on Skillsoft Percipio.

Conclusion

To remain competitive in a market that is currently in an employer’s favour, it’s important to continue developing your skills and specialties. Whether you’re interested in data, cybersecurity, cloud computing, or IT service management, mastering any of these above skills can unlock new career opportunities.

If you’re part of our contractor community at Talent, reach out to your Contractor Care point of contact and ask how you can join our all-in-one contractor hub, ENGAGE. With free Skillsoft Percipio courses on offer, now is the best time to invest in your professional development.

Learn more about contracting through Talent here, or if you’re on the search for a new job head to our jobs board. If you’re curious about what tech professionals in these fields are earning across Australia and New Zealand, head to our Salary Guide filled with all the latest data.

The interview is undeniably the pivotal moment in the hiring process. This article offers four essential tips to help candidates stand out and perform exceptionally well during their next job interview. Whether it’s your first professional position or you’re seeking a new opportunity, mastering the interview process is key.

1. Dress in professional attire: Making a strong first impression is crucial, and your attire plays a significant role. Opt for formal business attire, such as a suit and tie for men or a business suit or blouse with a skirt for women. Grooming is equally important, so ensure you are well-groomed and presentable. Looking sharp when entering the interview room sets a positive tone and demonstrates your professionalism.
2. Bring copies of your resume: Anticipate that hiring managers will delve into the details of your resume during the interview. While you’re well-acquainted with your own experiences, bringing multiple copies of your resume ensures everyone is on the same page. Be prepared for potential group interview scenarios by bringing extra copies. It’s a simple yet effective way to facilitate a smooth discussion about your qualifications.
3. Practice your answers:  Bring your expertise into the conversation using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and practice potential interview questions before the big day. Download a copy of our How to Nail Your Interview Questions Guide to learn how you can ‘wow’ hiring managers.
   
4. Research the company: Demonstrate your genuine interest in the potential employer by conducting thorough research on the company. Beyond the initial job search, stay updated on the latest company news and industry trends. This knowledge not only showcases your preparedness but also allows you to engage in meaningful conversations about the company during the interview. A well-informed candidate stands out in the eyes of the interviewer. Check out our Interview Preparation Guide for more tips.
5. Ask questions at the conclusion: While you’re the one being interviewed, take the initiative to prepare a list of questions for the conclusion of the interview. This not only gives you an opportunity to seek clarification but also reinforces your level of preparation and interest in the role. Thoughtful questions demonstrate your engagement and commitment to understanding the company and the position.

Mastering the interview process requires careful preparation and attention to detail. By focusing on professional attire, bringing copies of your resume, conducting thorough research, and asking insightful questions, you position yourself as a standout candidate. As you embark on your job search journey, these tips serve as a valuable guide to excel in your next interview.

It’s interview time. If you want to make a good first impression with an employer, you should always have questions ready to throw their way when the opportunity arises. A well-thought out question can be what separates you from the pack. So, what questions can you ask? Let’s explore:

1. “What are the most important qualities needed to excel in this role?”

Talent Melbourne’s Managing Director, Simon Yeung, suggests asking this question, as it highlights that you want to learn what you can do to be a great candidate. It demonstrates that you are willing to self-reflect and determine whether you have these qualities, and if not, that you are eager to bridge the gap. You are demonstrating drive and motivation to succeed. By learning what you can do to excel, you can take the steps to apply this and be the exact candidate they are seeking.

Remember, it’s not always about the experience or skills you have. Your attitude, motivation and passion can be equally, if not more, important in helping you land your dream role. So, make sure you communicate this in the interview room. Communicate your drive and eagerness to learn within the role in order to put your best foot forward.

2. “What will be expected of me in the role within the first 30 days, 60 days and year?”

Yeung suggests asking the interviewer this question as it will not only provide you with an insight into what the role will involve, but also allows you to communicate that you are someone that works well to the expectations placed upon them. It highlights that you will be a candidate who is eager to deliver on their goals and objectives, which is something every hiring manager wants to see. It also demonstrates to the interviewer that you are not only concerned with what you can get out of the role, but of what you can do to provide value to the company. Your value is what you really want to communicate.

3. “What do you like best about working for this company?”

Yeung recommends asking this question as it will provide you with an insight to the company’s culture and will allow you to determine whether it’s the right fit for you. If they enjoy a certain aspect, say, the company’s flexible working arrangements or the friendly work relationships, then it can indicate whether you too will enjoy the role and fit in well at the company. At the end of the day, the company needs to be as much of a right fit for you as you for them.

You should exercise caution when asking this question though. You don’t want to come across as someone who is only interested in the perks they can get out of the role. Remember, you want to demonstrate your value and highlight how you can help the company achieve its goals.

4. “What is the culture like at this company?”

You want to know whether this company is the right fit for you and you for them. That’s why determining what the culture is like from the outset is important. Yeung suggests asking this question as it highlights to the interviewer that you care about working in an environment that aligns with your values and attitudes. You can make a judgement from what the interviewer says, about whether this is a company that you will fit in well at, or whether you should be looking elsewhere. They can also make a judgement about you as to whether you will be the right fit for them. It’s a two-way street. Demonstrating that you have taken this into consideration will give you a step up in the interview process.

If you’re looking for your next exciting opportunity, check out our job search.

The time has come. You’ve decided to dip your toe into the job market and make your next move. In a competitive market, you want to stand out from other candidates and make a good impression. So, what steps can you take to achieve this and secure your ideal role? Let’s jump into it:​

1.     Look at job boards

When applying for a job, you may first begin by looking to job boards for positions best suited to your qualifications and skills. It’s a great idea to scan company job boards to see who is recruiting and to assess the openings available. Alternatively, you can use the services of a recruitment agency like Talent, to help guide you through the entire application process, including locating tech roles that would be a perfect match for you.

2.   Sign up for job alerts

It’s a great idea to sign up for job alerts, be it through job sites or platforms such as LinkedIn, to constantly stay in the loop about which companies are hiring in your industry and field. Job alerts will allow you to save time and effort in constantly sifting through hundreds of job listings online. You will instead be notified of the most relevant roles for you and can quickly jump on the opportunity to apply.

3.   Use your network

It’s not always about what you know, but who you know, so use your network wisely. It can be your greatest asset – you never know who could help you land your next dream job! Professionals within your network can alert you of job openings, refer you to others who could give you a step up in the application process, or afford you other opportunities which can lead you one step closer to securing your ideal role. Taking the steps now to build up your professional network will stand you in good stead when it gets to crunch time.

4.  Strengthen your resume

Now is the time to take the plunge and apply for that role you’ve spotted. According to Anthony Whyte, Talent Adelaide Managing Director, “When applying, your resume should be in reverse chronological order and highlight all your achievements and outcomes”. In other words, make sure your most recent employment roles are listed first so the hiring manager can easily see a history of your working life, with the most relevant roles located at the top. Your achievements should also be front and centre. You’ve earned them, so show them off! You want to demonstrate to the hiring manager that you are an ideal candidate for the role because of your past experience, achievements and skills. But remember, above all, keep it relevant – tailor your resume to the job description to ensure you have the greatest chance of scoring an interview.

5.   Tailor your cover letter

Whyte suggests formulating a “short succinct cover letter tailored to the job and addressed to the appropriate person” when applying for a role. Keep it relevant and make sure it specifically addresses the job description. You want to demonstrate that you have the skills and characteristics that the position demands. As Whyte explains, it is also a good idea to determine who exactly the cover letter should be addressed to. It shows that you have done your research. Bonus points for locating their name and not just their title. It is a respectful move which demonstrates that you not only value the hiring manager and their time, but also value the position and want to make a good impression.

6.   Follow up

So, you’ve submitted an application. Now what? Whyte suggests following up by phone or email after this step. This will not only help you move to the forefront of the recruiter or hiring manager’s mind, but will also communicate a sense of ambition and eagerness – two qualities that anyone would want in a new recruit. It will show that you are keen to work, suggesting that you will be a strong performer in the role.​

7.   Be accessible

If you want to be a front-runner in the candidate pool, Whyte notes that it’s important you be accessible, “it sounds obvious, but if we were to call you, you need to pick up your phone”. Hiring managers want to know that you will be a reliable worker. Accessibility can be a strong indicator of this. Make a good impression during the application stage and you will be a shoe in for landing your dream role.

At Talent, we can help you through each stage of the job application process. From locating available positions, to placing you in the perfect role, we’ve got you covered every step of the way. Get in touch with us today to see what we can do for you or check out our jobs board.

What’s the latest in Australia’s project services hiring market? From investment in digital transformation projects through to the demand for top talent, we look into the latest trends when it comes to project hiring across the country – particularly, the top project areas companies are investing in.

The project services hiring landscape in Australia

The project services hiring market is complex and varied across Australia. In some regions,
the market has remained steady, while in others, demand has slowed as confidence in the economy declines. However, with project manager positions expected to grow by 6.1% within the next 5 years, the demand for skilled candidates is expected to return in these regions.

While some regions across Australia, such as WA, SA & QLD, have seen steady project activity, others, like NSW, VIC & ACT have seen a slowdown. Despite this, there are several project areas where companies are investing, particularly when it comes to tech.

Top project investments

1. Cybersecurity

When it comes to the projects companies across Australia are investing in, cybersecurity tops the list. Talent Melbourne Managing Director, Simon Yeung notes that, “Industry adoption of AI, machine learning and automation will continue to expand, but will only represent a small proportion of most companies’ IT budgets as they prioritise more urgent infrastructure, transformation and cybersecurity projects.”

Talent Canberra Account Manager, Connie Tong, also observes that this is the focus for Government employers, “Cybersecurity and AI are major tech projects for Government, and all these projects will have recruitment activities for both IT skills and non-IT skills”.

2. Data

Across Australia, companies are increasingly seeking to leverage data to drive efficiencies and make data-informed decisions. So much so that when it comes to the importance of emerging tech, 91% of respondents in a survey of Australian and New Zealand consultancies, have cited data analytics as important for their companies. Additionally, in another survey of over 600 data leaders, 100% cited that they have planned to invest in their data management capabilities over 2024.

So, what does this look like in practice? Companies in different industries across the country are focusing their efforts on data migration and uplift projects. Talent Sydney Principal Account Manager, Majella Sanders, notes that, “Many universities are assessing their enterprise systems including their ERP and cloud platforms, student systems, data analysis and management. As such, there is significant demand for business analysts and data specialists.” Talent Melbourne Practice Lead, Kylie McManus, also notes that, “In financial services, NAB has completed a Teradata migration for data analytics, and is now optimising with Databricks, HVR/Fivetran, PowerBI, AWS, and Azure.”

3. Defence

Digital projects are also being locked down in the Defence sector in South Australia, where there has been significant investment in naval shipbuilding projects alongside cyber solutions to bolster the country’s defences. Projects such as the construction of nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy, as well as major tier 1 surface combatant ships, will generate strong demand for talent over the coming years. Talent Adelaide Managing Director, Anthony Whyte, comments, “In Adelaide, defence-cleared personnel continue to be in high demand and will do so for the next decade.”

In Melbourne, defence projects are also taking off, alongside other digital transformation programs of work. Talent Melbourne Practice Lead, Kylie McManus notes, “Large government modernisation programs across Defence, the NDIS crackdown on fraud, and Salesforce programs are absorbing resources. At a local government level, implementation of TechnologyOne and Smart Cities continue to hire.

4. Renewables & green energy

Digital transformation is also taking hold across the energy, mining and resources sector throughout Australia.

In Western Australia, Talent Perth Senior Consultant, Kristen Stewart observes that investment in projects in this sector is on the rise, “Companies are investing in their capabilities and project execution. They’re modernising their IT capability, and redesigning and refreshing legacy systems to make them more fit for purpose.” Alongside the growing integration of technology in this industry is the increased risk of cyber threats. Talent Brisbane Account Director, Jane Knapp comments, “As more clean energy enters the market, there are more entry points from distributed energy resources to the grid, which is creating greater security considerations. Operation Technology (OT) Cybersecurity is therefore a key project being invested in.”

Talent Melbourne Practice Lead, Kylie McManus, notes that, “The utilities, energy, resources sector’s focus is on renewables and green energy, as well as upgrading ageing data and comms networks and datacentres. CEOs and Boards are prioritising organisational cyber-resilience, elevating CIO and CISO roles.”

Uncover more about the project hiring market in our Project Services Hiring Market Snapshot here.

5. Healthtech

Across Australia, the digital health market is booming, with revenue expected to reach USD$2.86 billion by 2028. Looking at healthcare in NSW specifically, digital transformation projects are taking centre stage. The NSW Government is working on a single digital patient record (SDPR) system, to streamline the recording of patient records. Talent Head of Government, Steve Tompkins notes that this project is seeing strong demand for project professionals, generating “300 permanent and fixed term vacancies, including project practitioner job openings”.

As tech continues to evolve, and companies increasingly prioritise digital transformation projects, the demand for top talent will only increase. It’s predicted that by 2025, the global digital transformation market will grow to USD$1009.8 billion, up from USD$469.8 billion in 2020 – seeing a CAGR of 16.5% over this time period. The growth in this market will call for skilled tech and project professionals who can lead the way to success.

So, are you ready to answer the call? Check out our job search for your next project opportunity.

Need top project professionals who can take your project to the finish line? We can help.

At Talent, we’ve been working with top talent since the birth of JavaScript, and place over 1000 project managers into new roles every year. We’re also a Platinum partner to the Project Management Institute and know what it takes to successfully deliver a project. Get in touch to uncover how we can help you find top-tier talent.

Ready to build a successful project team? Before embarking on your search for top talent, here’s what you should know about the hiring market. Hint: the project recruitment landscape is complex and constantly shifting. We dive into the latest trends in the project hiring market across Australia and New Zealand, sharing exclusive insights from our recruitment experts.

1. A global shortage of project talent

Research reveals that there will be an anticipated shortage of 25 million project candidates globally by 2030, and the shortfall of skilled project professionals is anticipated to have a significant impact, with the global GDP predicted to take a hit of approximately $345.5bn by the end of this decade. When looking at specific regions, however, the market varies greatly. Some are feeling the effects of this shortage while others are experiencing the opposite.

2. Market conditions vary based on region

In certain markets, particularly across New Zealand and some of Australia’s East Coast, an economic downturn, slowed project investment, and layoffs have seen more talent in the market than previous years. However, in other regions, especially across Australia’s West Coast, project activity remains strong. So, what does this mean for jobseekers and hiring managers trying to navigate this complex market? Companies and professionals need to remain agile and continue to adapt to changing market conditions.

3. A hiring slowdown for some

Several companies across New Zealand and some of Australia’s East Coast are placing projects on pause as confidence in the economy wanes. While this won’t last forever, it is affecting the current hiring landscape. According to Talent Head of Government, Steve Tompkins, “The largest employers of project managers and practitioners are putting projects on hold, cancelling some projects in flight and reconsidering what they are working on. This means a reduction of project practitioners, especially in local Government, as part of an overarching strategy of reducing contract labour spend.”

In New Zealand, Talent Auckland Senior Recruitment Consultant, Adeline Le Bris also notes that, “Most businesses are in a holding pattern, with hiring freezes common. Confidence is down, yet there is still a need and want to hire as there are vacancies in teams. However, approval is only being given to very select positions so there are only a few roles here and there. We see a high volume of candidates looking.”

4. A hiring boom for others

While some markets are seeing a slowdown in projects and hiring demand, others are booming. Talent Brisbane Managing Director, Keith Dixon, notes, “In comparison to other states, the Queensland market has held up well and proven to be quite resilient. Whilst numerous commercial technology projects have come to an end and other commercial employers choose to defer new projects, other companies have kicked off new transformation and technology programs of work, maintaining a strong demand for project management, architecture, business analysis and change management skills.”

Talent Perth Principal Account Manager, Edwin Foo, also observes “For both candidates and companies in Western Australia, the economic outlook remains highly optimistic, fuelled by substantial investments from WA-based organisations. While there might be a slight deceleration in employment growth, Western Australia is expected to outpace national growth. The resources (mining & energy) sector will continue to contribute significantly, thanks to ongoing investments in new projects and expansions. The construction industry also remains robust, with several large-scale projects in progress.”

5. A shifting contract & permanent landscape

Talent Auckland Practice Lead, JP Browne, notes that in the project space in NZ, “Contract business analysts are in most demand, although the levels are lower than normal. There simply isn’t the movement of permanent staff like we had during COVID. People are concerned about stability, so are willing to stick things out until the market picks up. This means there are fewer permanent candidates available, and the only other place to look is the contract sector.”

Demand for permanent professionals, however, is strong in other regions. In ACT’s public sector, for example, Talent Canberra Managing Director, Robert Ning, notes, “There will continue to be a push to increase Australian Public Service capability with permanent employees over contractors or consultants”. Talent Canberra Account Manager, Connie Tong, also comments “Government employers have been focusing on converting labour hire contractors to permanent roles as much as possible. This focus is mainly on supporting core functions such as project support, administration, finance, communications, and marketing. While demand for permanent professionals is strong, where there aren’t enough suitable permanent options and budget is available, employers will consider hiring contractors”.

6. A hiring market on the up

For the regions experiencing a hiring slowdown, it won’t stay that way forever. Projects are an essential component of business growth, and the right people are needed to bring these to life. Matthew Munson, Talent Sydney Managing Director notes, “We anticipate that the market will start to pick up again. The financial services sector, for example, had 12 months of consolidation, cost cutting and projects being put on hold. The initial signs are that hiring growth will return later in 2024 and 2025, with a number of large projects kicking off in Q4 this year.” Talent Adelaide Managing Director, Anthony Whyte, also observes an uplift in South Australia’s market, “While the latter half of 2023 saw the market drop due to increasing inflation, cost of living, rate increases and other world events, in 2024, the tech sector in Adelaide remains steady. We’re also seeing strong demand for Business Analysts, which is a promising sign of new projects on the horizon, plus continued interest and demand for skilled people in cloud technologies, AI and cyber.”

Uncover more insights on the project market in our Project Services Hiring Market Snapshot.

Ready to hire top tier project professionals?

We can help. At Talent, we’re experts in project management recruitment. As a Platinum partner to the Project Management Institute (and the only recruitment partner), we understand what – and who – it takes to successfully deliver a project.

Working with more than 11,000 project professionals around the world, and a global network of clients spanning across all industries, as well as placing over 1,000 PMs in new roles per year, we’re fluent in project management. Let us help you sprint to the finish line when it comes to hiring, by finding and placing top tier talent at speed. Ready to get started? Get in touch.

 

What does the digital project landscape look like across industries and how is this impacting demand for candidates? From Finance to FMCG, we look into the latest digital project areas companies are investing in and hiring for.

1. Manufacturing

Digital transformation is taking off in the manufacturing industry. From leveraging big data to make informed business decisions around supply chain management, utilising smart manufacturing and cloud technologies to generate efficiencies, and using AI and machine learning to analyse customer data and predict product buying patterns, there are significant programs of work being invested into in this space. The Project Management Institute even predicts that the manufacturing industry will see 9.7 million new job openings by 2027.

Adding to this growth in vacancies are the increasing cyber risks impacting the sector. Due to a growth in tech integrations, the manufacturing industry has experienced a significant amount of cybercrime, seeing a 24.8% share of global attacks in 2022. Resultantly, it’s projected that cybersecurity investment within the manufacturing sector will reach $29.85 billion by 2027, with a strong investment needed in security professionals who can assemble strong system defences. From professionals skilled in cloud through to AI, the sector is in search of candidates who can lead these digital projects.

2. FMCG

In 2024, research reveals that over half of consumer spending will occur online, with 60% conducted via mobile. As a result, key players in the FMCG sector must have a digital presence – or risk getting left behind.

It’s not as simple as merely having a digital storefront though – providing a personalised customer experience is essential. One survey found that 80% of customers are seeking personalisation from retailers, meaning that uplifting the customer experience should be a key priority, as is leveraging big data to provide a personalised shopping experience and drive sales. AI is also a top investment in this space, with retailers using the technology for demand forecasting, customer analysis, and retail AI chatbots. It’s estimated that by 2025, AI will power 95% of customer interactions.

Cybersecurity is also a key project area, as this sector is increasingly targeted by cyber criminals. Between 2021 and 2022, ransomware attacks increased by 75% in the retail industry. Handling stores of customer data, overseeing Cloud POS systems, and managing the supply chain, retail companies need to be prioritising cybersecurity to protect this endless aisle of sensitive customer and supplier information, and need the right people on board to do so.

3. Healthcare

In healthcare, AI projects are taking hold. Research highlights that AI-based medical tech projects such as the implementation of robotics in surgery, the personalisation of medicine, and the use of chatbots, are on the rise, with estimates that the global AI in healthcare market will grow by almost 19 times in 2025 compared to 2017.

Investment in Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and wearables within the health industry is also growing, with an increasing integration of devices to support patient care and assist in patient monitoring. So much so that between 2023-2030, the global Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 20.4%. With growing investment in new technologies, the need for skilled tech professionals will be on the up.

4. Financial Services

In 2023, the financial services sector was largely impacted by layoffs, with banks alone experiencing 60,000 retrenchments globally. This has had an impact, with the industry experiencing a slowdown in project activity, however, cybersecurity projects remain an area of focus throughout 2024.

As the rate of ransomware attacks in financial services soars, the need for project professionals who can be banked on to secure systems will only be on the rise. In 2022, the global rate of attacks in financial services sat at 55%, increasing to 64% in 2023. This is close to double the 34% noted in 2021.

A survey of global banks also revealed that 73% of Chief Risk Officers view cybersecurity as the biggest risk to their companies in 2024. However, according to this survey, only 4% of CROs feel they have the skills they need in their team to address this, with 62% citing they face the most challenges in attracting and retaining cyber talent. As cyber risks only become more prominent in financial services, the need for cybersecurity projects, and subsequently, skilled cyber professionals, will only grow.

To uncover the latest project trends across industries, download our Project Services Hiring Market Snapshot.

Embarking on a digital project? We can help you find top-tier project professionals.

At Talent, we connect experts in tech, transformation and beyond. Placing thousands of project and tech professionals across almost every sector to the world’s leading companies, we can find the candidates you need to lead your project to success.

So, if you’re looking to hire the perfect project manager, cybersecurity specialist, or data analyst, for your digital project, get in touch today.

 

First impressions matter. So, if you want to score your dream job, you need to present yourself in the best possible light to a potential employer. Let’s explore how you can do just this:

Get your timing right

It’s important to be on-time to your interview. Be respectful of your interviewer’s time and the time you have agreed upon to meet. If you find that you have arrived 30 minutes before schedule, then take this time to grab a coffee and calm your nerves. You want to go into the interview with a clear mind so you can really showcase how great of a candidate you are. Conversely, if you are late, it may come across as though you don’t value the interviewer’s time or care enough about the role. It’s best to arrive just a few minutes early so you are ready for a timely start and are calm enough to put your best foot forward.

Dress to impress

According to Forbes, it takes 7 seconds for someone to make a first impression. So, you’ll want to use those 7 seconds wisely. Your outfit speaks measures, so make sure it’s saying the right things. You want your outfit to say ‘I am the right fit for this role’. If you can dress the part, then you are part-way there. It’s about nailing the basics – it comes down to being neat and tidy and dressing in a way that is relevant for the role. If you are going for a role at a tech start-up, wear smart casual. If you’re trying to fit in in finance, dress corporate. If you’re unsure, follow Talent Adelaide Managing Director, Anthony Whyte’s golden rule: “when in doubt, overdress” . It doesn’t stop here though. Your overall physical presentation is just as important and the small details count. Make sure your hair and nails are well groomed and that you look put together. You want to show that you take pride in your appearance – it communicates to the interviewer that you will also take pride in your work and will represent the company well.

Know your stuff

You should have enough knowledge of the hiring company in your arsenal to draw upon when the tricky questions come out. Be aware of what the company does, what it wants to achieve, and what its values are. Use the interview as an opportunity to demonstrate that you share in the company’s vision and will work hard in the role. Doing this research will give you a boost in the interview process as it shows that you value the role and are eager to prove yourself. Conversely, a lack of preparedness may give the interviewer the impression that you are not serious about the position, and they will thus not consider you as a serious candidate.

Set yourself apart

Being prepared is important. Whyte recommends having some questions ready to throw your interviewer’s way – this communicates a level of interest which will work in your favour. Talent Sydney Managing Director, Matthew Munson’s sage advice: “steer clear of questions relating to salary and workplace benefits”. You want to demonstrate that you are interested in the actual role and have the qualities the company is looking for – not come across as someone who is only interested in what benefits they themselves can get out of the position.

You should also never underestimate the power of good conversation. If you can hold your own and communicate clearly, you have a major step up in the interview process. Articulate exactly what it is that you bring to the table and your interviewer will be impressed.

Make eye contact

Strong eye contact communicates that you are attentive, interested and respectful of the other person’s time. It can also make you appear more confident, which can never go astray. Your body language and eye contact can say a lot about you, so use it to your advantage to demonstrate that you are a great candidate from the get-go. Master this, and you’re one step closer to solidifying that great first impression and landing your ideal job.

Are you looking for a new role? At Talent, we can help you in nailing your next job interview and making that great first impression. See what opportunities we have available for you here.

As the hiring market shifts and the scales of power continue to tip between employers and candidates, it’s important to remain on your A-game as a jobseeker. If you want to get ahead in the current market and build your dream career in tech, transformation or beyond in 2024, here’s what you should consider:

1. Keep your skills fresh

As technology continues to evolve, it’s important to keep your skills up to date. Skilling up in in-demand competencies such as AI, cybersecurity, data analysis, cloud computing, and software development will hold you in good stead for the next 12 months. Talent Melbourne Managing Director, Simon Yeung notes that over 2024, “There will be a massive focus on network security, cyber, cloud security and data. The pressure to protect sensitive data and systems against evolving threats will persist, and demand for skilled professionals in cloud computing, data science, and software development should increase as businesses prioritise digital transformation.” In the US, it’s a similar story with Talent North America CEO, Colin Etheridge sharing that “Cloud Security and Data Analytics opportunities have seen high demand over the past year, and are two of the most in-demand skills.”

2. Be flex on flex work

The working landscape is shifting, so it’s important to be flexible on your expectations when it comes to flex work. Many companies, particularly across Australia and New Zealand, are increasingly seeking that team members spend the majority of their week in the office. So, to avoid limiting your opportunities, see if you can come to a happy medium with prospective employers. Saqib Zia, Talent Sydney Candidate Manager notes that “flexibility may not always equate to work from home days, but instead, can be negotiated and shown through different arrangements.” If flexibility can’t be provided by way of more remote work options, it could be presented in different ways to meet your needs, for example, compressed work weeks, amended start and end times, flexible hours, or time in lieu.

Uncover more about the latest in flexible work in our blog, Behind the headlines: What’s really happening with flexibility.

3. Tailor your resume

Where employers were more open to hiring candidates who weren’t an exact match for a role during the candidate-short market of the past few years, they are now in search of candidates who meet more of their requirements. Talent Sydney Managing Director, Matthew Munson notes that “companies are becoming fussier, with an expectation of an 80%-90% match to the job profile, whereas throughout the COVID period, candidates with a 60%-70% match were being hired.” Consider tailoring your CV to the role you’re applying for and highlighting transferrable skills to demonstrate how good of a match you are for the position.

4. Re-assess your salary expectations

Across a number of job families, especially Project Services, salaries are stabilising and seeing decreases. Talent Auckland Delivery Lead, Stefanie Mortimer, observes that “salaries have levelled out we are not seeing the steep incline we had been seeing in the prior year. We’re seeing companies standing firmer on their budgets and certain groups of candidates being more flexible on their expectations, particularly within Project Services.” As a result, you may need to adjust your salary expectations to align with the market and what employers are offering. With employers increasingly bound by tighter budgets and looking to cut costs, as well as more candidates on the market due to recent tech layoffs, many of the salaries that were on offer across the 2021-22 market boom are no longer being provided. Talent Wellington Managing Director, Nik-King Turner, notes that price could be the determining factor in being selected for a role “if organisations have two candidates that they can’t pick between, they will pick the best priced candidate.”

With that being said, professionals with in-demand skillsets, think – cybersecurity, AI, and data – have been able to continue attracting those higher salaries. Matthew Munson observes that while “we have seen the cooling of salaries across many job families, hard to find niche talent will always test the top end of what the market has to offer.”

5. Consider what’s important to you

If an employer can’t offer you the salary you’re after, consider what else they can bring to the table in terms of share schemes, flexibility, progression opportunities, and benefits. Matthew Munson notes that “with more candidates competing for jobs, the advice to candidates is to be flexible and think holistically around what matters most when considering an opportunity.”

6. See what’s on offer

If you’re considering a new role, uncover opportunities in tech, transformation and beyond that are best suited to you. Search our jobs board to find your dream role.

Which tech roles dominate the list when it comes to New Zealand’s highest paying jobs in 2024? From BI Architects through to Cybersecurity Managers, we look into the top 10 highest paying positions for the year ahead.

10. Data & Analytics Manager

The Data & Analytics Manager specialises in collecting, analysing, and reporting on data to make informed business decisions. With data-driven decision-making being a key priority for businesses across the globe, the need for professionals with data skillsets is only growing. So much so, that Data Analysis topped the list of in-demand skills for 2024 in our More Than Money Salary Guide, seeing those who are proficient in this space raking in the big bucks as demand soars.

Expect to earn (NZ average):

Permanent – $170k per year

Contract – $133 per hour

 

9. Business Intelligence Architect

The Business Intelligence Architect plays an integral role in company success, leveraging data to obtain new customer insights, improve processes, and guide business decision-making. With data dominating the list of fastest growing skillsets in 2024 according to LinkedIn Talent Insights – think a 56% growth in professionals with Microsoft Power BI skills since 2023, and a 50% growth in Microsoft Azure – it’s clear that data is a large focus area in the market. As a result, the Business Intelligence Architect makes the cut as one of the highest paying tech positions this year.

Expect to earn (NZ average):

Permanent – $170k per year

Contract – $138 per hour

 

8. Solutions Architect

Responsible for aligning a company’s IT strategy with business goals, the Solutions Architect is tasked with identifying business needs and leveraging infrastructure, software, and systems to best meet these requirements. They should also possess strong communication skills to best implement new plans, all the while bringing other departments along for the journey. Alongside these interpersonal skills, Solutions Architects in NZ are quickly skilling up in Data Analytics, seeing a 38% growth in uptake in the last 12 months, followed by DevOps at 18%, and Microsoft Azure at 15%.

Expect to earn (NZ average):

Permanent – $171k per year

Contract – $149 per hour

 

7. Agile Coach

As agile methodologies continue to permeate the market, driven by businesses prioritising efficiencies, the role of the Agile Coach becomes increasingly important. Tasked with helping organisations, teams, and individuals adopt agile practices and methods, they are responsible for embedding these values throughout the business. The industries in NZ that are after this talent most? IT Services and IT Consulting, Airlines and Aviation, Government, Telecommunications, and Banking are the top employers of Agile Coaches across the country according to LinkedIn Talent Insights.

Expect to earn (NZ average):

Permanent – $175k per year

Contract – $125 per hour

 

6. Development Manager

The Development Manager is responsible for developing growth strategies and plans for the business, and is the point of contact between customers and management, working to marry customer needs with business strengths. However, success in this position doesn’t only come through possessing technical know-how. Talent Auckland recruitment expert, Shweta Chopra, shares that leadership skills are just as important, “In our current market, there is a strong emphasis on softer skills, with someone that can inspire and help bring teams closer together”.

Expect to earn (NZ average):

Permanent – $180k per year

Contract – $135 per hour

 

5. Programme Manager

Responsible for overseeing designated projects for their company, the Programme Manager is tasked with planning and developing strategy, including defining the goals and timeline for the projects they supervise. According to Talent Wellington Managing Director, Nik-King Turner, “To be a successful Programme Manager you need to be experienced in both leading complex teams and projects and be adaptable to constant change.” Possess this business expertise and you’ll be one step closer to success in this position.

Expect to earn (NZ average):

Permanent – $180k per year

Contract – $150 per hour

 

4. Cybersecurity Architect

Increasingly necessary to an organisation in the years ahead are Security Architects, management-level professionals who oversee the security of an organisation’s network. Talent Wellington Managing Director, Nik King-Turner delves into the growing demand of those with security skillsets in Wellington, “The security field has been in strong demand due to the fact that many teams are working in hybrid setups and are potentially vulnerable to security issues. We are seeing a lot of security architecture roles that need cloud experience and system experience, mainly for highly regulated and complex organisations that deal with a lot of personal customer data”.

Expect to earn (NZ average):

Permanent – $185k per year

Contract – $145 per hour

 

3. Cybersecurity Manager

The Cybersecurity Manager is responsible for developing and implementing security strategies, managing a company’s security operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and leading incident response efforts. Talent cybersecurity recruitment expert, Elliott Howard, notes that demand for cybersecurity professionals is only on the up, “There have been supply and demand issues for cyber resources for a number of years, and recent high-profile cyber incidents have further exacerbated this. Demand has definitely increased as employers look to build up their existing cyber teams and defences.”

Expect to earn (NZ average):

Permanent – $185k per year

Contract – $150 per hour

 

2. Enterprise Architect

A technology agnostic mindset is key for the second highest paying tech job on this list – the Enterprise Architect. Tasked with ideating strategies in response to emerging technologies and their impact on the industry, Enterprise Architects need to be at the top of their game when it comes to being aware of the latest trends in tech. Hiring demand is strong for professionals in this space, with LinkedIn data revealing that in NZ, Enterprise Architects are most sought after by employers in the industries of IT Services and IT Consulting, Government, Airlines and Aviation, and Education.

Expect to earn (NZ average):

Permanent – $185k per year

Contract – $155 per hour

 

1. Technical Architect

The Technical Architect is tasked with utilising their knowledge of current business problems and future technological goals, to assist in the build, maintenance and implementation of new technology systems needed by the company. Talent Auckland recruitment expert, Shweta Chopra, shares that demand for architects is on the rise, “There have been recent mergers and acquisitions that resulted in large pieces of work consolidating and migrating data where architects play a key role.” This has seen demand – and salaries – for Technical Architects soar.

Expect to earn (NZ average):

Permanent – $185k per year

Contract – $158 per hour

 

Interested in the average salary for your role and how you can get ahead in the current market? Check out our More Than Money Salary Guide 2024. Looking for your next role? Visit our job search for hundreds of opportunities in tech, transformation and beyond.

 

*Excluding C-Suite roles

– Permanent salaries are exclusive of Kiwisaver

In 2024, we’re seeing the immense salary growth of the past few years start to plateau and salaries begin to stabilise. However, with skills in data, AI, and cybersecurity remaining in high demand, there are a few roles where candidates can expect to earn more. We look into the top 10 highest paying tech roles in Australia for the year ahead.

10. Senior Data Scientist

Providing advanced expertise on statistical and mathematical concepts for the broader Data & Analytics department, the Senior Data Scientist applies and inspires the adoption of advanced data science and analytics across the business.

So, which skills do you need to possess to succeed in this role in 2024? Talent Sydney recruitment expert, Alan Dowdall, breaks it down. “Buzzword bingo – Machine Learning, AI, Big Data and algorithms are part and parcel of a day in the life of a Senior Data Scientist. The ability to look at the big picture and identify value for companies is the role in its simplest form.” On top of being well-versed and skilled in data, Alan shares that “the best Senior Data Scientists will mentor more junior team members who are often coming from the education system with limited commercial knowledge”.

Looking to the year ahead, Simon Yeung, Talent Melbourne Managing Director notes that “data-driven decision-making will remain a priority. Companies will invest in advanced analytics tools, big data management, and business intelligence platforms to derive actionable insights and drive strategic initiatives.”, highlighting that demand for professionals with data skillsets is only set to grow.

Expect to earn (AU average):

Permanent – $186k per year

Contract – $140 per hour

 

9. Solutions Architect

Tasked with assisting in the build of new systems needed by their company, the Solutions Architect must be able to identify their business’ current problems and future technological goals. Talent Sydney recruitment expert, Elliott Howard, shares the technical know-how these professionals should possess and the soft skills beyond the tools they also need to hone. “Coming from a strong technical background, Solutions Architects are now at the point of their career where they are moving away from the day-to-day hands-on engineering to focus on design and architecting solutions. There is now a strong focus on Solutions Architects to work closely with business and technology stakeholders to understand their requirements before partnering with the engineering team to implement the design, and therefore require candidates to have exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with an ability to articulate and explain technical jargon in plain English”.

Expect to earn (AU average):

Permanent – $189k per year

Contract – $156 per hour

 

8. Infrastructure Architect

The Infrastructure Architect is responsible for assessing existing company systems to determine efficiency and security. They are tasked with designing and implementing information systems to meet business needs and improve performance. Taliya Lukeman, Talent Adelaide recruitment specialist notes that “when it comes to tech skills in demand, Infrastructure is at an all-time high”. With strong market demand for Infrastructure skillsets, the Infrastructure Architect is able to command higher salaries and rates – so much so that contract rates in this space have seen an increase of up to 35%, according to our Talent More Than Money Salary Guide 2024.

Expect to earn (AU average):

Permanent – $190k per year

Contract – $151 per hour

 

7. Business Intelligence Architect

The Business Intelligence Architect is responsible for processing large stores of information to draw intelligent findings and communicate these to the business. Alan Dowdall breaks it down. “BI Architects are the people who ensure companies are collecting the right data that drives business-focussed insights. They make the dark arts of Power and Tableau look extremely easy”.

With data skillsets dominating the list of fastest growing skillsets in 2024 according to LinkedIn Talent Insights – think a 56% growth in professionals with Microsoft Power BI skills since 2023, and a 50% growth in Microsoft Azure – it’s clear that data is a large focus area in the market, attracting those higher salaries in 2024.

Expect to earn (AU average):

Permanent – $195k per year

Contract – $142 per hour

 

6. Cybersecurity Manager

The Cybersecurity Manager is responsible for developing and implementing security strategies, managing a company’s security operations, ensuring regulatory compliance, and leading incident response efforts. As cyber threats only increase, Talent Sydney recruitment expert, Elliott Howard notes that demand for cybersecurity professionals is only on the up. “There have been supply and demand issues for cyber resources for a number of years, and the recent high-profile cyber incidents have further exacerbated this. Demand has definitely increased as employers look to build up their existing cyber teams and defences.” It’s the same story in Victoria, with Talent Melbourne Managing Director, Simon Yeung, predicting that over 2024, “with the persistent threat of cyberattacks, businesses will invest heavily in robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard their data, systems, and customer information.”

Expect to earn (AU average):

Permanent – $202k per year

Contract – $163 per hour

 

5. SOC Manager

With cybersecurity one of the biggest business priorities for the year ahead, it’s no surprise that another cybersecurity role makes the list of highest paying tech roles. The SOC Manager leads the security operations team, manages high-level IT security issues, and offers training and technical guidance to their people. Elliott Howard observes that demand is strong for SOC Managers in the market as companies look to lock down their systems, “Organisations are currently faced with either outsourcing their cyber protection to a third party vendor or trying to build this capability in-house. In the latter scenario, a SOC Manager is an integral piece of achieving this outcome”.

Expect to earn (AU average):

Permanent – $205k per year

Contract – $167 per hour

 

4. Programme Manager

Responsible for overseeing designated projects within an organisation, the Programme Manager is tasked with planning and developing strategy, including defining the goals and timeline for the projects they supervise.

So, what else is critical to achieve success in this role in 2024? “Programme Managers will have come from a strong project management background, with experience delivering a variety of projects, managing budgets circa $10 – 20M+, and reporting to steering committees on the progress of the program”, states Elliott Howard. Looking at the bigger picture, “they are ultimately responsible for the delivery of large project initiatives”.

Expect to earn (AU average):

Permanent – $210k per year

Contract – $160 per hour

 

3. Cloud Architect

With cloud-based technologies evolving and the growing dependence on these systems for information storing and sharing, the role of the Cloud Architect has become increasingly important. “The migration to cloud-based services and infrastructure will continue to accelerate. Investments will focus on optimising cloud environments, enhancing scalability, and integrating multi-cloud strategies to improve flexibility and performance” shares Talent Melbourne Managing Director, Simon Yeung. This is particularly true across the tertiary education sector in Australia, with Talent Sydney recruitment expert, Majella Sanders noting that “many universities are assessing their enterprise systems including their ERP and cloud platforms. As such, there is significant demand for cloud platform specialists, and integration and migration specialists”. As cloud migration projects grow in prominence, we can only expect that demand for these professionals will continue rise throughout 2024, seeing salaries remain at a high.

Expect to earn (AU average):

Permanent – $212k per year

Contract – $156 per hour

 

2. Cybersecurity Architect

Increasingly necessary to an organisation are Security Architects, management-level professionals who oversee the security of an organisation’s network. These professionals are needed when the network is first designed, built, and implemented, as well as throughout the entire lifecycle.

Elliott Howard shares the importance of this role in the modern workplace. “Cybersecurity is an essential component of any IT department’s makeup, with the Security Architect responsible for designing, building, and implementing security solutions within their IT environment. This can cover the full gamut of cybersecurity and as such, prospective employers will want candidates who have significant experience working across a number of cyber disciplines”.

Elliott also shares that harnessing transferrable skills can go a long way for those looking to break into this role. “We have noticed a trend of candidates with strong network security or defence experience transitioning into cybersecurity.”

Expect to earn (AU average):

Permanent – $222k per year

Contract – $164 per hour

 

1. Enterprise Architect

A technology agnostic mindset is key for the highest paying tech job on this list – the Enterprise Architect. Responsible for overseeing and maintaining their company’s IT services and networks, these professionals need to be at the top of their game when it comes to being aware of the latest trends in tech. According to Elliott Howard, “this is a big picture role, engaging with senior stakeholders from across the business, using their technical expertise along with their influencing and negotiation skills to help shape the technical direction and future state of their IT environment”.

Expect to earn (AU average):

Permanent – $234k per year

Contract – $172 per hour

 

Interested in the average salary for your role and how you can get ahead in the current market? Check out our More Than Money Salary Guide 2024. Looking for your next role? Visit our job search for hundreds of opportunities in tech, transformation and beyond.

 

*Excluding C-Suite roles

– Permanent salaries are exclusive of superannuation

As the US market landscape continues to evolve, one thing remains the same: the need for experts with niche tech skills. If you’re looking to put your best foot forward to employers this year, it may be time to upskill in one of these coveted competencies. Discover how these in-demand skills can pivot your 2024…

1. Cybersecurity

With cyberattacks on the rise, the need for cybersecurity professionals who can shore up company systems is only growing – however, the availability of this talent is scarce. It’s estimated that there is a shortfall of 3.4 million cybersecurity candidates globally. As technology continues to innovate, and cyber attacks rise, employers are going the length to secure top skillsets.

There are currently over two million cyberattacks recorded per year, and by 2025, these attacks are With cyberattacks on the up, companies are recognizing that now, more than ever, securing their systems needs to be a top priority. “It’s important now, more than ever, for employers to seek top cybersecurity skills such as risk and compliance, cybersecurity operations, and cloud” Senior Consultant and Talent cybersecurity expert, Emma Corcodilos shares.

In 2024 there has been a notable increase in AI demand and integrations within cyber technology. It’s been especially interesting to see how cyber and compliance has been impacted by the rise of AI. So far, these new innovations are ensuring that the demand for cyber skillsets is only growing.

Uncover more about the latest in cybersecurity in our Cybersecurity Hiring Market Snapshot here.

2. Artificial Intelligence

As AI takes off, the need for talent who understand the ins and outs of this cutting-edge tech is higher than ever. As generative AI becomes even more prominent in the US, Data from Oxford University also reveals that globally, the demand for AI skills has increased five-fold since 2015.

As companies continue to adopt this technology and cybercriminals increasingly leverage AI tools to develop more sophisticated attacks, demand is only set to increase for those with competencies in machine learning, data science, natural language processing (NLP), and beyond. In fact, it’s predicted that by 2025, 97 million new AI-related roles will be created, however, the supply of talent simply isn’t there yet – in the US and UK, 51% of organizations note that they currently don’t have enough appropriately skilled employees in-house to execute their AI strategy, while 20% of this group expects it will be a challenge to recruit the right talent. As such, AI can craft strategic threats making it impossible to provide a solid approach without the right people on board, driving significant demand for AI and cyber professionals.

AI is also integrating with Microsoft technologies in a product called Microsoft CoPilot, a large language model (LLM) to enhance Microsoft Graph and M365 workspace. This integration is both taking AI and the Microsoft space by storm, by changing the way we work, and creating a new wave of productivity that the industry has never seen before. Ultimately this will increase the need for professionals with skillsets in both spaces to provide optimal solutions.

3. Cloud Security, Infrastructure, and Data Analytics

Cloud Security, Infrastructure and Data Analytics opportunities have seen high demand over the past year and are a few of the most in-demand skills in the US market. As companies continue their Digital Transformation journeys, the need for skilled & experienced talent is on the rise. Dylan Cohen, Talent US Director of Microsoft and Cloud Solutions shares that, “Specialists in cloud security, infrastructure & data analytics have seen a large increase in their salaries & hourly rates over the last year, and I don’t see that changing.” In fact, it’s projected that the number of jobs requiring data analytics skills such as Power BI, Azure Data Factory, Synapse, AWS Big Query, will grow by almost 28% by 2026.

According to Talent North America CEO, Colin Etheridge, “These three areas (security, infrastructure, data) opportunities have seen high demand over the past year and are some of the most in-demand skills. Professionals who stay up to date on all the new certifications relating to these areas have a distinct advantage in their job search when compared to those candidates who are not up to date on their certifications”. Possessing these skills & certifications will set you ahead of the competition, especially as new technology emerges.

The growing integration of Cloud and Data Analytics technologies into businesses is also increasing opportunities for the market, with tech such as Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud Products (GCP) driving this market forward. “Everyone is looking to make a splash in their respective industries with these new technologies. Data and AI, along with security, are always at the forefront of most C-Suite conversations. If these executives really want to break from the pack, they’ll need to hire distinguished thought-leaders and elite engineering teams to drive this transformation” says Dylan Cohen.

4. Microsoft

As most Microsoft enthusiasts know, Microsoft is notorious for constantly evolving and changing their technology stack – and not just by changing the names of these products! With new developments across Dynamics 365, Modern Workplace, M365, and Azure, the demand for these skills are rapidly increasing as technology innovates. “In the Microsoft consulting space, and really in any D365 related role, delivery is expected on full project lifecycle responsibilities from pre-sales, implementations, to post go-live support” Senior Consultant Mike D’Esposito shares.

Microsoft Azure is still one of the leading cloud computing platforms. With the continuous enhancements to Azure Security, it will continue to dominate the industry in 2024 to help with ongoing user threats, as security threats increase. This combined with the demand for AI/Data has resulted in Azure skills demand increase of 50% within the recent 12 months. There has also been a notable increase in Microsoft Power BI tools of about 56% in the previous 12 months.

AI is also taking the Microsoft workspace by storm as they unveiled Microsoft CoPilot and Dynamics CoPilot. Each software takes large language models (LLM) and combines with data in the M365 and D365 applications, to turn words into productivity tools. These two new capabilities will take productivity to new heights and increase candidates with these skillsets to power new projects.

As the software need increases, the search for those skills is a necessity for any top employer looking to stand apart from the competition. Since these skills are in high demand across North America, the power is in the people. “I’ve seen a huge increase of salaried D365 professionals becoming independent contractors in hopes of demanding higher hourly rates, bringing home more than what they would annually as a salaried employee, while enjoying the freedom of being their own boss” Director Dylan Cohen has noticed.

Check out our job search for Microsoft opportunities available in 2024.

5. Engineering

The engineering market is positioned for a notable uptick in 2024 due to technological progress, sustainability initiatives, and evolving industry requirements. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, demand for engineers is expected to increase by 4%, adding a projected 65,000 jobs. Within the engineering space both Generative AI and Sustainable Technology are making a significant impact on the industry, as companies look for innovative ways to increase productivity while being conscientious of the effects it can have on the industry, people, and ultimately environment.

So what are the top skills needed to excel in this industry?  “Despite how this industry evolves, there are still a need for tech skills within the US job market such as TypeScript/TypeScript, React, Node.js, Python, Rails.” Director of Recruitment, Will Boulton shares. As technology continuously innovates to benefit the engineering industry, it’s imperative that the workforce has these dependable skills to evolve and keep up.

Within engineering, both Product Design and Project Management skillsets are also in high demand. Innovative leaders that can manage both high-level project and product development will take any organization to new productivity levels. Director of Recruitment, Will Boulton, shares that when searching for solutions, “strong design leaders are able to integrate data and user centric design principles, with strong understanding of how UX and Visuals affect the overall customer experience.”

So how can we stay ahead of the engineering curve? For professionals and businesses, it’s more than just keeping up with trends- it’s about leading the way.

 

Ready for your next career move in 2024? Check out our job search for opportunities in tech, transformation and beyond.