MENLO PARK, Calif., May 3, 2006 -- Those seeking employment in the technology sector should hone their business skills, a new survey suggests. Forty-one percent of chief information officers (CIOs) polled said they are placing greater emphasis today than five years ago on job candidates' knowledge of business fundamentals when considering them for information technology (IT) positions.

The national poll includes responses from more than 1,400 CIOs from a stratified random sample of U.S. companies with 100 or more employees. It was conducted by an independent research firm and developed by Robert Half Technology, a leading provider of information technology professionals on a project and full-time basis.

CIOs were asked, "When evaluating candidates for IT positions with your firm, has the importance you place on knowledge of business fundamentals, such as accounting, finance and general operations, increased, decreased or stayed the same in the last five years?" Their responses:

    Increased                                  41%
    Stayed the same                            54%
    Decreased                                   3%
    Don't know                                  2%
                                              100%

"Technology is integrated into all aspects of business, which means technical aptitude alone will not suffice for IT candidates," said Katherine Spencer Lee, executive director of Robert Half Technology. "Employers need professionals who can work and communicate effectively with colleagues in all departments."

Lee recommends job seekers at all levels develop business proficiency, including at least a cursory knowledge of finance, marketing and management. "IT professionals who know the industry and business, and can demonstrate their understanding of the company's core processes, customer base and culture, are in the best position to land -- and keep -- the best jobs."

With more than 100 locations in North America and Europe, Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of technology professionals for initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems integration to network security and technical support. Robert Half Technology offers online job search services at http://www.rht.com.