Five In-Demand IT Jobs You Should Be Hiring for in 2023

Hiring Resources - October 22, 2023

in-demand IT jobs

No matter the size or goals of a business, an IT department needs to be staffed with the right people, not only to keep operations running smoothly, but to protect organizations from cyberattacks and other costly disruptions.

IT professionals should have not only the right technical acumen, but also the necessary organizational, business, and people skills to be valuable assets to any company. Your employees and your revenue will be grateful when you have the right folks in the right roles.

Here are five in-demand IT jobs you should be hiring for in 2023.

Tier 2 Help Desk Support

The cloud, cybersecurity, AI, machine learning, lots of new tech terms have been thrown around the last several years, but that doesn’t mean the help desk role is extinct. As technology becomes more sophisticated, IT professionals in help desk positions are as important as ever in making sure users experience minimal disruptions while working.

Tier 2 help desk support has greater responsibilities than tier 1 help desk support for a number of reasons:

Tier 2 solves the technical problems that tier 1 can’t solve, escalated incidents that require a more complex response.
Tier 2 is responsible for explaining the incident and updating the knowledge base with details about why it happened and how it was resolved.
Tier 2 installs network services and equipment on corporate devices.

Tier 2 help desk support also provides an additional layer of support that eases the burden of tier 1, which reduces stress in the IT department and minimizes the time it takes to solve your employees’ technical woes.

Regardless of tier, help desk is typically an end user-facing role. Whoever you hire for tier 2 help desk should have good people skills, patience, and a positive attitude when chatting with end users and addressing tickets.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer support specialist jobs are expected to grow by 5% from 2022-2032, which is “faster than average.”

Cloud Engineer

That said, the cloud, or cloud computing, is a big deal, so much so that a role exists for people who work with the cloud directly. If you haven’t yet hired a cloud engineer, you should strongly consider making it a priority.

Cloud computing is a way of providing all the IT resources an end user could want over the internet, without physical servers or data centers. Here are some services cloud computing saves time, money, and resources on:

Storage
Servers
Databases
Networking
Software
Analytics

Cloud engineers are responsible for building and maintaining all the cloud infrastructure that makes this experience possible. Here are some of their day-to-day responsibilities:

Migrating computer systems to the cloud.
Making sure software updates happen smoothly.
Creating apps and databases on the cloud.
Making sure the backup and storage of data is continuous and seamless.

American technological research and consulting firm Gartner reported in a 2022 study that public cloud services spending is expected to reach $598.1 billion in 2023.

cloud engineer

IT Project Manager

Let’s face it, any IT project, big or small, is a massive undertaking. All the technical skills and knowhow in the world can’t be put to productive use without planning and organization.

An IT project manager is crucial for herding the cats and aligning IT projects with the goals of the business.

While technical skills are integral to the role, an IT project manager should have outstanding soft skills. Here are some of the typical responsibilities for this job:

Setting the IT project plan, goals, and milestones.
Assigning the different tasks to the right IT team members.
Monitoring the plan’s progress.
Planning and leading meetings about the project.
Maintaining the budget and schedule.
Ensuring collaboration between all IT team members.
Informing key stakeholders of the project’s progress and any problems that might come up.

The Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is considered the gold standard for project managers because it prepares individuals with the skills and fortitude necessary to be successful in this role, whether it’s IT or another discipline. When you’re headhunting for your ideal IT project manager, keep your eyes on the certifications portions of candidates’ resumes.

Cybersecurity Analyst

Did you hear that hotel and casino company Caesar Entertainment had to pay tens of millions of dollars to hackers who held their company data for ransom?

How about how MGM Resorts had to shut down their computer systems after a series of cyberattacks?

Or that the Pentagon is overhauling its cyberdefense strategy in response to some serious cyberattacks from Russia and China?

The bottom line is that cybersecurity (often grouped in with information security) is no longer a plus but a must in IT departments these days. Every company needs protection against the ever-present threat of cyberattacks.

Having a cybersecurity analyst in your IT department is a great start to protecting against threats and attacks. Here are some of their responsibilities:

Monitoring IT infrastructure for incidents and breaches in security.
Evaluating computer systems and networks for vulnerabilities.
Fixing detected vulnerabilities.
Documenting incidents, how they were fixed, and lessons learned from the incident.

Cybersecurity is a vast field with titles for analysts, engineers, ethical hackers, penetration testers, and more.

The BLS predicts a 32% job growth for information security analysts from 2022 to 2032.

Network Engineer

A computer network needs an expert at the helm, and that’s where the network engineer comes in. No matter the complexity of your IT needs and business needs, a network engineer is the answer to your computer network prayers.

A network engineer plans, creates, and oversees the computer network infrastructure of an organization. Here are some of their day-to-day responsibilities:

Monitoring network performance
Troubleshooting network issues
Configuring and installing network devices
Manages upgrades to systems, servers, and other equipment

Network engineer jobs are projected to grow by 2% from 2022 to 2032, according to the BLS.

The competition for hiring top tech talent is fierce. If you need help in finding the right candidates for open IT jobs at your company, K2 Staffing can help. We specialize in filling open IT roles at companies like yours. Contact us today.

At K2 Staffing, we combine our expertise in Construction Recruitment and Construction Staffing to serve employers and job seekers alike. Our specialized recruiters support critical roles such as Construction Project Manager Recruiters in Los Angeles, Construction Superintendent Recruiters in Los Angeles, and Electrical Engineering Recruiters in Long Beach. We also excel with Mechanical Engineering Recruiters in Los Angeles and Construction Estimator Recruiters in Long Beach.

Why These Roles Stay in Demand

The five roles in this article share a common thread. Each one keeps business systems running, secure or moving forward, and each takes real skill to do well.

Technology Touches Every Part of Business

Companies of every size rely on software, networks and data. When a system fails, work stops. That reliance creates steady need for people who can build, protect and fix these systems. As more tasks move online, the need for skilled workers grows with them. Employers who plan ahead for these roles can avoid costly gaps.

Skills Take Time to Build

Strong IT professionals earn their skill through hands on practice, training and certification. That path takes time, so supply can lag behind demand. Employers often compete for the same small group of experienced candidates. Understanding this helps you set realistic expectations for how long a search may take.

Change Keeps Creating New Needs

New tools and threats appear all the time. Each shift creates demand for people who can learn and adapt. This is why curiosity and willingness to learn are as valuable as any single tool or credential in these fields.

Hiring Advice for Each Role

Each of the five roles brings its own challenges at the hiring stage. Here is practical advice for each one.

Hiring a Tier 2 Help Desk Technician

Look for people who can go beyond scripts. Ask how they handle issues that tier one could not solve. Check their comfort with documentation, remote tools and user communication. Candidates who enjoy teaching users and solving puzzles tend to do well. Also ask about their goals, since many want a path toward systems, security or cloud work.

Hiring a Cloud Engineer

Define which cloud platforms and services your team uses. Ask candidates to describe systems they designed or moved, and how they handled cost, reliability and security. Strong cloud engineers think about automation and about how changes affect the wider business. Ask about how they document designs for others.

Hiring an IT Project Manager

Look for a mix of technical understanding and leadership. The best IT project managers can talk with engineers and executives with equal ease. Ask for examples of projects that met goals and those that struggled. How did they manage scope, risk and stakeholders? Their answers reveal real experience.

Hiring a Cybersecurity Analyst

Trust and judgment matter greatly. Ask how candidates monitor for threats, respond to alerts and report incidents. Look for calm thinking and clear communication. Ask about their approach to learning, since threats change constantly. Check references with care because this role has access to sensitive systems.

Hiring a Network Engineer

Ask candidates to explain how they would design, secure and troubleshoot a network for a growing office. Look for methodical thinking and attention to detail. Ask about their experience with both on site equipment and cloud connections, since many networks now blend the two. For more on this topic, read about Construction Workers.

Career Advice for Job Seekers

If you want to enter or grow in one of these fields, planning your path can help you stand out.

Build a Strong Foundation

Start with the basics: how computers, networks and operating systems work. Practice at home with a small lab. Learn to document what you do. A solid foundation makes every later skill easier to learn, and it shows employers that you take the craft seriously.

Pursue Certifications and Training

Certifications can prove knowledge and open doors, especially early in a career. Choose ones that match the role you want, and pair them with hands on practice. Employers value people who can apply what they have studied, not only pass an exam.

Show Your Work and Your People Skills

Describe projects you have completed on your resume. Explain the problem, your actions and the outcome. Also highlight communication, teamwork and customer service. In every one of these roles, working well with other people is as important as technical skill.

How These Roles Fit Together

These positions often work side by side, and understanding the links can help employers build balanced teams.

From Support to Specialist

Many professionals move from help desk to network, cloud or security work. Strong support staff learn how systems fail and how users behave. That knowledge is useful in every specialist role. Companies that promote from within often build loyal and capable teams.

Security Across Every Role

Security is no longer a separate topic. Cloud engineers, network engineers and support staff all take part in protecting data. Look for security awareness in every candidate, not only in those with security in the title.

Project Leadership as the Glue

IT project managers connect technical teams, business leaders and vendors. Without strong management, even skilled engineers can struggle to deliver. Plan for this role as part of a healthy team.

Attracting and Keeping IT Talent

Finding talent is one challenge. Keeping it is another. For more on this topic, read about Mechanical Engineers.

Offer Clear Growth Paths

IT workers want to learn. Offer training time, support for certifications and chances to take on new projects. Discuss career steps openly during interviews and reviews.

Respect Work Life Balance

On call duties and urgent fixes are part of IT, but constant overload leads to burnout. Plan fair rotations and recognize extra effort. Employers who respect personal time keep their people longer.

Be Clear About Pay and Flexibility

Share pay ranges and working arrangements openly. Many candidates value flexible work options. Honest talk at the start builds trust and reduces surprises.

Planning Your IT Hiring Strategy

A little planning goes a long way when the market for technology talent is tight.

Match Roles to Business Goals

Before you hire, ask what the business needs to achieve. If the goal is to move systems to the cloud, a cloud engineer and a project manager may come first. If the goal is to reduce risk, a security analyst may take priority. Linking each hire to a clear goal helps you justify the role and measure success later.

Balance Permanent and Contract Help

Some needs are ongoing, and others are tied to a project. Permanent hires suit long term needs, while contractors suit short projects or sudden spikes. A mix gives you flexibility. A staffing partner can advise you on which model fits each role.

Prepare for a Competitive Market

Strong candidates often receive several offers. Move quickly, be clear about pay and show what makes your team a good place to work. A smooth interview process and honest conversation about growth can set you apart from other employers.

Review Your Needs Regularly

Technology priorities shift. Revisit your plan every few months to see whether your roles still match your goals. Regular reviews help you spot gaps early and avoid last minute searches under pressure.

Skills That Cut Across All Five Roles

Some strengths help in every technology job. Employers and job seekers alike should pay attention to them. For more on this topic, read about Leadership Roles.

Clear Written and Spoken Communication

Technology workers explain complex ideas to people who are not experts. Clear writing in tickets, reports and documentation saves time and prevents errors. Clear speaking in meetings builds trust. Candidates who can explain their work simply are often the ones who rise fastest.

Curiosity and Continuous Learning

Tools change often. People who enjoy learning new things stay valuable. Ask candidates what they studied recently and how they keep their skills current. Job seekers can stand out by sharing what they are learning right now.

Calm Under Pressure

Outages, security alerts and tight deadlines are part of the work. A steady attitude helps teams stay focused and fix problems faster. Behavioral interview questions can reveal how a candidate handles stress.

Teamwork and Ownership

Technology teams depend on shared knowledge. The best professionals help others, own their mistakes and follow through on promises. These habits make teams stronger and projects smoother.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which of these roles is the best starting point?

Help desk is a common entry point because it builds broad knowledge of systems and users. From there, people can move toward specialized paths.

Do these roles require a degree?

Requirements vary. Some employers prefer a degree, while others value certifications and hands on experience. Check each posting.

Can these roles be done remotely?

Some can, especially cloud and security work. Others, such as on site network work, may need a physical presence. Ask the employer about the arrangement.

How can a staffing agency help?

An IT focused agency can match employers with qualified candidates and help job seekers find roles that fit their skills and goals.

Next Steps

Whether you are hiring or searching for your next role, K2 Staffing is ready to help.

Employers can tell us which IT roles they need to fill.
Job seekers can share their skills and goals with our team.
Ask about openings that match your experience.
Contact K2 Staffing today to begin.

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