NC high-tech job openings stabilize in December

The daily average of advertised information technology jobs across North Carolina remained unchanged from November, thus ending a five consecutive month decline.

However, openings remain below those listed in December 2012 and 2011.

The data comes from the latest N.C. IT Job Trends report from the North Carolina Technology Association. It is based on data compiled by talent management firm SkillProof.

The daily average of 3,230 in December was identical to that of November.

But the report notes that “volatility” has been the word to describe the recent job market.

For example, in December 2012 the daily average was 3,360. In December 2011, the total was even higher at 4,180.

“Individuals seeking employment in Information Technology occupations have been through significant market volatility over the last 2 years,” the report says.

“ After the recession employers remained unsure where the economy would take them which led to significant swings in labor demand. Optimism at the beginning of the year gave way to more realistic need assessments during the summer causing employers to withdraw openings during the second half of each year.”

Defense and high-tech sector recruiting improved but fell in financial services and banking last month, the report said.

Nationally, openings declined 0 6 percent.

For the year, the data was grim: Openings down 10.5 percent for the year.

IT Job Opening Estimates by Category, Dec ’13. ( Dec. ’12 total in parenthesis)