American technology companies are planning to hire more people in the next six months as many key positions continue to remain vacant due to shortage of skilled professionals.

A study by job portal Dice.com, which polled nearly 900 hiring managers and recruiters, found that 65 per cent of respondents expect to hire more technology professionals in the second half of 2011, than they did in the first half.

The report said some key IT positions are staying open for months due to a shortage of qualified tech professionals. About 63 per cent of the respondents sighted talent shortage as the primary reason for lengthening of time to fill a position, which compares to just 46 per cent who felt that way six months ago.

Interestingly, more organisations would turn to external recruiters to find candidates, with 34 per cent of companies surveyed saying they would use this option in the next six months, compared with 29 per cent in November.

Besides, nearly half (47 per cent) of the hiring managers and recruiters surveyed said pay is slightly or significantly increasing for new hires, up from 29 per cent who said so six months ago.

“Now is the time to ask for more money,” the Dice Senior Vice-President (North America), Mr Tom Silver, said.

“Negotiate hard at the outset of a new job because that initial salary may set the base for the next three years,” Mr Silver added.

In terms of seniority, tech professional with six to 10 years of IT experience are most in demand, followed by those with two to five years of experience, and then by professionals with 10 years or more of experience.

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