As Software Jobs Increase, So Do Those Requiring Agile Skills
It’s hard to imagine that we’re going to see a decrease in the number of jobs in the software development field, given the number of areas that currently need qualified developers and engineers. From mobile apps to security, from cloud computing to storage, the need for software professionals is at an all time high.
But there’s a new skill—agile—that recruiters and hirers are now looking for in ever-growing numbers. While still not embraced by every business, agile—not so long ago only a simple manifesto of ideas—is a skill that some believe will one day be more sought after than the previously stalwart HTML.
In the United Kingdom, IT recruitment services company CWJobs.co.uk reported the following steep climb in positions available for those well-versed in agile:
In the third quarter of 2010 CWJobs had 3,283 requests for CVs with agile present as a skill. This nearly doubled in the third quarter of 2012 to 6,441—only 129 requests short of HTML, which stands at 6,570 requests this quarter.
As software booms and more and more companies experience the benefits of agile development, their growth continues to climb.
According to Dice, a “thorough understanding of the software development lifecycle” gives applicants a very desirable grasp of QA and the ability to ensure that “a project, product, or service meets certain standards and satisfies requirements."
The adoption of agile is so widespread that those in need of a fully agile development team have options onshore, nearshore, or offshore. With clear and consistent communication important to agile's success, geographic and cultural differences need to be understood and overcome in cases where an onshore or possible nearshore option is not available.
As agile continues to grow in popularity, employers looking to hire skilled workers—and workers seeking development jobs—will find a growing market for agile software professionals.
Are you a manager who looks for agile experience when hiring? Or are you a job seeker who has applied for a position requiring an agile background? Do you think requiring this skill set is here to stay? Do you think it should be? Tell us in the comments section below.
