We all know The Stones sang that “you can’t always get what you want,” but in an economic downturn companies just don’t think it applies to them. Face it the few companies that are hiring feel that the streets are littered with strong candidates just waiting to take their jobs, but the reality of the market doesn’t match those expectations.

First of all most jobs that are open in this tight IT market are highly specialized roles lined up with very visible projects and specific technologies (areas include DW/BI, ERP role & security) and needless to say these positions have always been difficult to fill. Secondly with every company (even those hiring) looking much more critically at costs we’re seeing salary offers that are either below the recent market or at best flat. Finally most companies (as noted in our prior blog here) just aren’t hiring candidates that require relocation even if they have the funding available to them.

So to sum up the situation just because some of the talent you want is on the streets and looking for jobs now it doesn’t mean you’ll suddenly see a flood of highly qualified, local and under priced talent at your door ready and willing to accept your position.