IT Jobs in 2023: A Data-Backed Analysis

IT Jobs in 2023: A Data-Backed Analysis

in , ,

The global IT industry is evolving exponentially, and South Africa is no exception. Our country has one of Africa’s largest information and communications technology (ICT) markets. It is undergoing a steady digitisation and automation process that could result in a net gain of up to 1.2 million jobs in South Africa by 2030. This development will have a positive impact on the job market and recruitment services nationwide. Companies must move fast to capitalise on these, dramatically increasing the demand for IT professionals.

This article will present a data-backed analysis of the top seven IT jobs expected to be in high demand in South Africa in 2023. We will cover various areas, from artificial intelligence to cybersecurity and blockchain development, and discuss each field’s responsibilities, skillsets, and expected growth to help IT professionals better understand their job prospects in the next few years. We will also explore the five key industries requiring IT staff in 2023 and beyond. 

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have become critical components of modern technology. They enable computers to perform complex tasks that were once only possible for humans. These technologies are being used in various industries, from finance to healthcare, and their importance is only expected to increase.

Nearly half (46%) of South African companies are already actively piloting AI within their organisations. AI and ML experts are in high demand in South Africa, and this trend is set to continue. Some of the critical roles and responsibilities of AI and ML professionals include:

  • Developing and implementing AI and ML algorithms and models
  • Collaborating with other teams to integrate AI and ML technology into existing systems
  • Identifying and solving problems related to AI and ML applications
  • Staying up-to-date with the latest developments and advancements in AI and ML technology
  • Analysing data to improve AI and ML models and applications

With the increasing adoption of AI and ML technology in various industries, the demand for AI and ML experts is expected to remain high in South Africa. This presents an excellent opportunity for IT professionals with expertise in AI and ML to secure exciting and challenging roles in this field.

Full-Stack Developers

Full-stack developers are in high demand globally, and South Africa is no exception. When the tech industry faced global layoffs in 2022, less than 3% of South African developers were retrenched last year.

These professionals have a comprehensive understanding of both front-end and back-end development. They can work on the entire application, from the user interface to the server-side logic. Some of the key roles and responsibilities of full-stack developers include:

  • Developing and maintaining the front-end and back-end of web applications
  • Ensuring web applications are optimised for maximum speed and scalability
  • Collaborating with other teams to integrate web applications with other systems
  • Identifying and solving problems related to web application development
  • Staying up-to-date with the latest developments and advancements in web application development

With the increasing demand for web applications in South Africa, the need for full-stack developers is expected to remain high. IT professionals with expertise in modern front-end frameworks and back-end development are well-positioned to take advantage of this growing job market.

Cybersecurity Experts

Cyber-attacks constantly threaten businesses today, making cybersecurity experts and data protection specialists more critical than ever. In fact, South Africa has the third most cybercrime victims worldwide, losing R2.2 billion a year.

Cybersecurity professionals are responsible for protecting businesses’ sensitive information from malicious attacks, ensuring that data is secure and private. Some of the main roles and responsibilities of cybersecurity experts include:

  • Identifying and assessing vulnerabilities in systems and networks
  • Developing and implementing security policies and procedures
  • Conducting security audits and risk assessments
  • Monitoring networks and systems for security breaches
  • Responding to security incidents and investigating any incidents of data loss

 

As businesses become more digital in South Africa, the demand for cybersecurity experts is rising. Revenue in the cybersecurity market is projected to reach over R11,4 billion in 2023, and it is expected to continue to grow in the years to come. Cybersecurity experts with expertise in advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, are in particularly high demand. This presents an excellent opportunity for IT professionals with expertise in cybersecurity to secure exciting and challenging roles in this field.

Mobile App Development

Mobile apps have become integral to businesses’ customer engagement strategies in today’s digital age. With the rise of 5G networks and increased smartphone access, mobile app developers are in high demand globally, and South Africa is no exception. There are more than 5,209 apps from South African publishers on Google Play, with the most downloads of South African publishers being Capitec Bank, EskomSePush, MoyaApp and Takealot, to name a few.

Mobile app developers are responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining mobile applications that run on iOS and Android platforms. Some of the leading roles and responsibilities of mobile app developers include:

  • Collaborating with other teams to design and develop mobile applications
  • Optimising mobile applications for performance and user experience
  • Debugging and troubleshooting mobile applications
  • Staying up-to-date with the latest developments and advancements in mobile application development
  • Ensuring mobile applications meet security and privacy requirements

As more businesses in South Africa require mobile apps to engage with their customers, the demand for mobile app developers is expected to remain high. Mobile app developers with expertise in modern technologies, such as augmented reality and artificial intelligence, are mainly in high demand. This presents an excellent opportunity for IT professionals with expertise in mobile app development to secure exciting and challenging roles in this field.

Cloud Computing and DevOps

Cloud computing has become one of the most significant technological advancements in recent years. It provides a flexible, cost-effective way to store and access their data. According to survey results, 77% of South African businesses currently use cloud services in their IT department. As more move their operations to the cloud, the demand for DevOps engineers is rising in South Africa.

 

DevOps engineers manage the software development process from start to finish, including planning, coding, testing, and deployment. They work to bridge the gap between software developers and operations teams to ensure that software is released efficiently and with fewer errors. Some of the key roles and responsibilities of DevOps engineers include the following:

  • Designing and implementing software deployment processes
  • Building and maintaining automated testing and deployment pipelines
  • Ensuring the security and stability of software systems
  • Collaborating with developers and other teams to develop software
  • Monitoring and maintaining production systems
  • Staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in software development and deployment

With the increasing adoption of cloud computing in South Africa, the demand for DevOps engineers is expected to continue growing. This presents an excellent opportunity for IT professionals with expertise in DevOps to secure exciting and challenging roles in this field.

Blockchain Development

Blockchain technology has disrupted traditional industries, and its importance is only expected to increase. CV VC and Standard Bank’s inaugural African Blockchain Report found that South Africa raised R284.6 million to support five blockchain and cryptocurrency firms, making it one of the leading fundraisers for these new ventures in Africa in 2021.

Blockchain is a distributed ledger technology that enables secure and transparent data sharing between parties, such as businesses. Blockchain developers are responsible for building decentralised applications that operate on a blockchain network. Some of the top roles and responsibilities of blockchain developers include:

  • Designing, developing and testing decentralised applications that run on blockchain networks
  • Building and maintaining smart contracts
  • Collaborating with other teams to integrate blockchain technology into existing systems
  • Staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in blockchain development
  • Ensuring the security and stability of blockchain systems
  • Identifying and solving problems related to blockchain applications

As more businesses in South Africa explore the potential of blockchain technology, the demand for blockchain developers is on the rise. This presents an excellent opportunity for IT professionals with expertise in blockchain development to secure exciting and challenging roles in this field.

Robotics and Automation

Robots and automation are transforming how businesses operate, and their importance will only increase in the upcoming years. The projected revenue for the South African robotics industry is expected to hit R1.8 billion in 2023, with the “service robotics” segment expected to account for the largest portion at R1.6 billion. Robotics and automation experts are responsible for developing, designing, and deploying robots and automated systems that can perform tasks efficiently and with minimal human intervention.

These professionals work in various industries, including manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and retail, to develop and deploy automation solutions that optimise processes and reduce costs. The roles and responsibilities of robotics and automation experts include:

  • Designing and developing automated systems and robots
  • Testing and troubleshooting automated systems and robots
  • Integrating computerised systems and robots with other systems
  • Identifying areas for process automation and improvement
  • Collaborating with other teams to develop and deploy automation solutions

As businesses in South Africa embrace automation to improve efficiency and reduce costs, the demand for robotics and automation experts is expected to grow. Robotics and automation experts with experience in machine learning and artificial intelligence are in exceptionally high demand. This presents an excellent opportunity for IT professionals with expertise in robotics and automation to secure exciting and challenging roles in this field.

5 Key Industries that Require IT Staff in 2023

In addition to the top IT jobs in high demand in South Africa, several industries require IT staff to manage their digital transformation and technology needs. Here are the key sectors that will require IT staff in 2023:

  1. Finance: The finance sector is becoming increasingly digital, with banks and other financial institutions adopting new technologies to streamline their operations and offer better services to customers. IT professionals in finance are responsible for managing security, developing software applications, and maintaining hardware.
  2. Healthcare: Healthcare is another sector that is undergoing a digital transformation. Electronic health records and telemedicine have increased the demand for IT professionals to manage healthcare IT systems, ensure data privacy and security, and develop custom healthcare software.
  3. Retail: Retail businesses in South Africa are adopting new technologies to enhance the customer experience and streamline operations. IT professionals in retail are responsible for managing point-of-sale, inventory, and customer relationship management systems.
  4. Education: The education sector is adopting new technologies to provide a better learning experience to students. The demand for IT professionals in education is on the rise. They are responsible for developing e-learning platforms, managing student information systems, and ensuring the security of student data.
  5. Manufacturing: The manufacturing industry is also experiencing a digital transformation by adopting Industry 4.0 technologies. IT professionals in manufacturing are responsible for managing production systems, implementing automation technologies, and ensuring the security of manufacturing systems.

IT professionals with expertise in AI and machine learning, full-stack development, cybersecurity, mobile app development, cloud computing and DevOps are well-positioned to take advantage of the growing job market in these industries.

Final thoughts

The demand for IT jobs in South Africa is expected to grow in the next two years, driven by the surge in digital transformation, automation, and the need for data analytics. As technology advances, these seven IT jobs are expected to be in high demand. IT professionals with expertise in these areas will be well-positioned to take advantage of the growing job market in South Africa.

Furthermore, businesses can capitalise on the opportunities discussed in this article by partnering with a staffing agency to hire the required IT staff. MASA is a reliable staffing agency that provides tailored staffing solutions to businesses in South Africa. You can contact MASA to learn how we can help find the right IT professionals to take your business to the next level.

social media job search

Tips for Using Social Media as A Job Search Tool

in ,

As a leading staffing agency in South Africa, we understand how finding your dream job can be a daunting task. The older search methods may not always work, and you may find yourself submitting countless job applications with no response. Therefore, it may be time to switch up your job search strategy and consider using social media to find your dream job.

In this article, we’ll share some tips on using social media as a job search tool. By building your online presence and leveraging various social media tools, you can stand out from other job candidates and increase your chances of finding your dream job. Read on to learn how to upgrade your knowledge and maximise your chances of success with these practical job-hunting tips.

 

How to Use Social Media as a Job Search Tool:

 

Building Your Online Presence

Social media is transforming the recruitment process, and building an online presence is now an essential step in the employment industries for both companies and job seekers. By having a strong online presence, you can increase your chances of being noticed by hiring managers and get your foot in the door. Here are some benefits of building your online presence:

  • Increases visibility to potential employers
  • Helps you stand out from other job candidates
  • Demonstrates your professionalism and expertise in your industry
  • Provides an opportunity to showcase your personal brand
  • Enables you to connect with recruiters and potential employers directly

Building your presence on social media is like working on your personal brand. Enhancing your profile on a platform like LinkedIn can help you experience all the above benefits. Let us explore this job-hunting approach below.

Create a Professional LinkedIn Profile

As you begin your job search on social media, one platform you shouldn’t overlook is LinkedIn. It is the go-to social media platform for professional networking, with over 700 million users in over 200 countries worldwide. By creating a professional LinkedIn profile, you can showcase your skills, experience, and education to potential employers and recruiters. Here are some tips and best practices for building a strong LinkedIn profile:

  • Add a professional headshot: Your LinkedIn profile picture should be a high-quality headshot that showcases your professionalism. Avoid using selfies or casual photos.
  • Optimise your headline: It is the first thing people see when viewing your profile. Use it to showcase your skills and experience, and make it catchy and concise.
  • Provide detailed work experience: Provide detailed information on your work experience, including your job title, company name, location, and a brief description of your responsibilities and achievements.
  • List your education and skills: Include your education history and relevant skills. Be specific and use keywords that recruiters and hiring managers may be searching for.
  • Customise your URL: Customize your LinkedIn profile URL to include your name, making it easier for people to find you.

Following these tips, you can create a professional and complete LinkedIn profile to help you stand out to potential employers and get closer to your next position.

Using Social Media for Job Searching

Social media platforms have recently become a treasure trove for job searching. Here are some practical tips for leveraging social media to find your dream job:

  • Follow companies and recruiters: Follow the companies you are interested in working for and recruiters in your industry. This will help you stay informed about their job postings and hiring needs. LinkedIn is a perfect platform to follow companies and recruiters.
  • Use hashtags: Hashtags can help you discover job postings and connect with recruiters. When searching for jobs, use industry-specific hashtags in your posts and search for them as well.
  • Join relevant groups: Join LinkedIn and Facebook groups related to your industry or job search. Engage with members by sharing content, commenting on posts, and building your network.

By following these tips, you can enhance your job search on social media, enabling you to reach out to a broader range of recruiters and potential employers.

Engaging with Potential Employers

Engaging with potential employers on social media is an excellent way to stand out from other job candidates. Here are some essential tips for engaging with company leaders and hiring managers who may be actively looking for their next person:

  • Comment on their posts: When you see a potential employer post on social media, take the time to read and engage with their content by commenting thoughtfully and respectfully. This can demonstrate your interest in their company and help you build a relationship with the employer.
  • Share their content: Share an employer’s content on your social media platforms, briefly noting why you found it interesting. This can help you get noticed by the employer and showcase your knowledge and expertise in the industry.
  • Message them directly: Reach out to an employer directly through LinkedIn or email. Introduce yourself and express your interest in working for their company. Personalise the message by mentioning a recent post or news about the company.

Pro tip: Remember that the key to success in engaging with potential employers is to be professional and genuine. Avoid spamming or pestering employers with multiple messages.

By engaging with potential employers, you can stand out from other job candidates and increase your chances of finding your dream job. Engaging with potential employers is only the first step, so let’s explore how to monitor your online reputation to ensure your social media presence doesn’t negatively impact your job search.

Monitoring Your Online Reputation

Your online reputation can impact your job search efforts. Employers are increasingly turning to social media to screen job candidates, so it’s essential to monitor your online presence regularly. Here are some tips for monitoring your online reputation:

  • Set up google alerts: Set up Google Alerts for your name and any variations. This will notify you when your name appears online. This tool will also help you monitor any mentions of your name, so you can respond or take action if necessary.
  • Review your social media profiles: Regularly review them to ensure they are professional and appropriate for potential employers to view. Check your privacy settings and adjust them if necessary. Delete any inappropriate posts or comments.
  • Google yourself: Search for your name on Google to see what information comes up. Review the first few pages of search results to ensure no negative mentions of you or your brand.

Remember that your online reputation is crucial, and employers can form an impression of you based on your social media presence. By monitoring your online reputation, you can ensure that it stays professional and appropriate for potential employers to view.

Final thoughts

Using social media to find your dream job takes time and effort, but the payoff can be worth it. You can increase your chances of finding your dream job by building a strong online presence, using social media for job searching, engaging with potential employers, and monitoring your online reputation.

As a leading staffing agency in South Africa, MASA offers both companies and job-seekers opportunities to get ahead. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for assistance with your job search and career development. Job seekers – you can immediately head to our website to upload your CV and search for available vacancies.

Hiring companies can also visit our website to explore MASA’s staffing solutions and contact us directly to take the next step in the recruitment process.

WORD DOCUMENTS AND FILE SIZES

WORD DOCUMENTS AND FILE SIZES

in

What is a WORD document and how can I make sure it is 2MB?

 

A lot of our candidates are unsure when it comes to us asking them for a WORD document that is a certain size. We hope that this short blog article will help you better understand what we mean when we ask you for such a file to be uploaded to our database.

When reading this blog, we suggest you have a look at your CV, and check if it matches the information below.

WORD is a program created by Microsoft and it has a logo that looks like this:

WORD DOCUMENT LOGO

 

Our free online application process only accepts CVs that have been typed out in WORD format. You can also make sure your document is a word document by looking at the file name. If it says the file name and ends in .doc, you know it is a word file. Unfortunately, you cannot upload a scanned image or a PDF.

In order to make sure it is within the 2MB (2 megabytes) size limit, all you need to do is right-click on the file, go to properties and it will give you a file size. If it is over 2MB, you may need to take out some information or compress the file. You can find compress applications online, and they are free.

Microsoft offers some more information about how to reduce the size of your word documents here.

If it is a WORD document and less than 2MB, you are ready to upload your CV  to our online application!

 

Looking for a job?

 

Please visit our jobseeker page, and upload your C.V  to our nationwide database! Should a potential job offer open, and you are considered, we will contact you!

 

Looking for staff?

 

Let our dedicated and hard-working team of consultants find you the perfect candidate. Please visit our employer page and tell us what you are looking for!

WRITTEN REFERENCES - WHY DO YOU NEED THEM?

JOBSEEKER – HOW TO GET FOUND BY RECRUITERS

in ,

Job-search

Recruiters are very busy individuals and time is of the essence in this industry. When it comes to sourcing candidates that are looking for jobs, this process takes a while, especially when it comes to finding contact information! This blog post will highlight briefly, how the recruitment process works and some of the best practices when it comes to making yourself easy to find.

Here is a crash course in how the recruitment process works:

Summed up, a client needs a staff member, so they request the assistance of a recruiter in finding them the perfect candidate. The recruiter then needs to find candidates by any means necessary. The first way, is to go online, and try and locate candidate C.V’s. After they have found a few viable candidates, they need to contact those candidate. Now the problem is, a lot of people do not have enough of an online presence for them to do so, and then miss the opportunity to find a job or a better one in most cases.

recruitment sourcing procedure

How to increase your chances of being found: 

Online Job and Jobseeker Portals:

As you can see, recruiters use various online portals to source their candidates. This can be done by advertising and having the candidates apply, or actively looking for them on job seeker portals.

Here is a list of some of the portals they use:

One way of always making sure you can be found is having your UPDATED C.V on the various jobseeker portals, one example being Pnet. This is a portal where you can upload your C.V, elaborate on your qualifications and skill set, and leave contact information! This allows recruiters to save time by finding your updated C.V and having your contact information ready for them to call you.

Social Media:

Facebook and Linkedin are the primary social media portals that recruiters use to try and find extra information about the candidates they are trying to source. They look at:

  • Education (qualifications etc)
  • Employment History
  • How you present yourself

Advice to you is; always keep this up to date, and remember that your social media profiles speak volumes about you, and if you are in the job market, you want to make sure that your profile gives off a professional feel.

recruitment statistics

See how important social media presence and profiles are?

Looking for a job?

Please visit our jobseeker page, and upload your C.V to our nationwide database! Should a potential job offer open, and you are considered, we will contact you!

Looking for staff?

Let our dedicated and hard working team of consultants find you the perfect candidate. Please visit our employer page and tell us what you are looking for!