Careers Slideshow:
IT Jobs: Robert Half Hiring Forecast, 2Q 2011

By now, it’s hardly new that many indicators project that the economy is on the rebound. But many are watching the state of job growth closely, given that the overall employment picture’s lasting improvement will go a long way toward a sustained recovery. Fortunately, for the technology industry, these prospects continue to look positive, according to the quarterly hiring index from Robert Half Technology . There are more CIOs planning to hire IT talent than those who are preparing to reduce staffing, according to the survey. If you're one of the lucky ones to plan to hire, here are five can't-miss interview questions to ask job applicants. Many tech execs remain very confident in their organization’s growth prospects for 2011, which should translate into a higher degree of tech investment. "Companies recognize that moving ahead with formerly delayed upgrades and implementing new technologies can give them a competitive advantage," said John Reed, executive director of Robert Half Technology. "Firms are investing in projects designed to create business efficiencies and help improve service levels. They often need more IT personnel to support these initiatives, particularly if their teams have been understaffed in recent years." The Robert Half IT Hiring Index and Skills Report is based on telephone interviews with more than 1,400 CIOs from companies across the United States with 100 or more employees. It was conducted by an independent research firm and developed by Robert Half Technology, a provider of IT professionals on a project and full-time basis.