Dec. 16--The job market for IT workers across the state has gone from bad to worse.

Information-technology job vacancies in North Carolina fell by about a third in November compared to the previous month, according to a new report. The 32.3 percent decline came on the heels of a 12.4 percent decline in October. November was the second straight month in which the state job picture was worse than the national picture.

The national IT job market declined 15.6 percent in November compared to the prior month, according to the report issued Monday by the N.C. Technology Association and SkillPROOF, which focuses on job market data and research.

"What it says is that employers are really throttling back on posting new positions," said Brooks Raiford, NCTA's president.

The number of IT job vacancies in North Carolina last month, 2,010, was down nearly 50 percent from a year ago, when there were 3,910 job openings.

It's not a pretty picture for IT workers who are seeking jobs, a group that appears to be growing in number.

A number of Triangle technology companies have laid off, or disclosed plans to lay off, employees in recent months. They include Hatteras Networks, Lenovo, IBM, Sony Ericsson, Nortel Networks, Lulu.com, Qimonda, ChannelAdvisor, Misys Health Systems, Allscripts, Amkor Technology and Alcatel-Lucent.

Raiford said he couldn't explain why the state IT job picture was worse than the national picture.

The IT job market in the state's two largest markets -- the Triangle and Charlotte -- posted a decline similar to the state's, according to the report. The report does not provide individual numbers for the two markets.

"We're definitely seeing a slowdown in the number of opportunities for consultants," said Diane Johnson, vice president for professional services for the southeastern region at Manpower Professional, a recruiting agency. "Our work flow has slowed down, but it hasn't shut down."

Johnson said that the market for IT contractors and consultants should bounce back before the market for full-time employees.

"The beginning of the year is hopeful, but I do think we will continue to see a slowness through the first quarter," she said.

That said, she added: "There is still work out there. We are still recruiting for the right talent and the right skill set."

david.ranii@newsobserver.com or 919-829-4877

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