Contractors and other professionals working in IT should be prepared to adapt to market demands, one expert has said.

Alex Farrell, managing director of The IT Job Board, said that those in the IT industry must work towards acquiring qualifications relevant to the industry and cater to core areas of demand.

Web 2.0 skills such as social and business networking abilities are proving to be critical, he adds.

"In spite of the skills shortage, recruiters and businesses will always go for the top talent. And, in the current economic climate, it is likely that the 'good people' will be in employment. IT pros can ill afford to 'rest on their laurels'; keeping on top of qualifications and obtaining experience will be key," he says.

This comes after Georgina Reed, HR expert and co-founder of Human Resources consultancy Reabur Ltd, said that in addition to technical abilities, people skills are also essential for a contractor who wants to be successful.