The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that from 1994 to 2005, computer-related employment will jump by an estimated 60 percent nationally. Companies are working on various solutions to solve the shortage. Virtual Solutions regularly searches overseas to recruit employees, according to chief executive Mike Baldwin, who says he spends over 30 percent of his time looking for talented techies. And many are turning to the Internet. Some Richardson companies are forming a coalition to help them recruit candidates from other regions rather than pilfer employees from each other.
Recruiters also are a popular way to fill an empty job, the companies say.
Allen Kriesman, a programmer analyst, said he was consistently called by recruiters hoping he would jump ship from American Airlines. A lucrative salary offer encouraged him to move to Chicago Title, a mortgage company. Kriesman said he still gets an occasional call from a searching recruiter. I'm surprised there is as much of a demand for programmers as there is,'' he said.