We didn't go too far with him. They must have some business acumen. Because agencies are trying to build lasting relationships with their clients, they're seeking individuals who can help deliver a full-service solution. Stovepipe technical skills don't work and, by definition, when you're looking for people with multiple technical skills, it narrows the market. So you have a growing industry with a stagnant pool of employees, and salaries are accelerating rapidly.
All consultants are equal, but some are more equal than others.
And their salaries are accelerating rapidly, thanks to big bonuses. Despite reports that ERP implementations are slacking off, SAP consultants continue to command salary premiums and sizable sign-on bonuses. At Nichols Infotec, consultants are the only ones who are offered sign-on bonuses. In an effort to stem the rising tide of salaries and tame egregious expectations, many consulting agencies are retooling their human resources efforts, adding project completion, employee referral bonuses, mentoring programs and more benefits packages. Squeezed by clients that want to pay lower rates and consultants who want to earn more, they're turning their attention to retention, seeking to alter the image of the cold, uncaring body shop.