Bangalore, Beijing, Taipei, Xiamen, Penang. Though still foreign sounding to many US recruiters, Asia is becoming an important player in IT recruiting today. Fortune 500 companies like Dell, HP, Motorola, Intel, and AMD are increasingly shifting business functions to Asia. What do these changes mean to US recruiters? In this article, Part II of a two-part series on the Asian IT migration, we speak to a veteran recruiter from Dell Computer Corporation about recruitment trends in Asia. We also explore ways US recruiters can capitalize on growth trends overseas.

The tech industry's migration to Asia is being driven by current recessionary trends. According to a recruiter from Dell Computer Corporation, companies are moving to Asia for one basic reason: lower costs. Companies are transferring cost centers such as R&D, call center, and manufacturing overseas to save money. Functions such as management, sales, and technical support are staying in the US. Fewer jobs in the US means waning opportunities for US recruiters. However, the tech migration has created a bona fide IT boom in Asia; spurring demand for skilled recruiters with global expertise.

How do US recruiters fit into the Asian IT equation? Strong opportunities exist for US recruiters who can bridge the functional and cultural gaps for American companies in Asia. "No one company has mastered globalization," according to Dell, and many companies are getting their feet wet overseas for the first time. International expertise, field experience, and networks in Asia will take recruiters far. Companies need help with everything from setting up operations and navigating language and cultural differences, to making contact with local talent. Whether you have a background in Asia or Asian business, are simply interested in the region, or enjoy startup environments, a slew of opportunities exist for recruiters.

Although job migration to Asia has prompted several US employers to reduce headcount, this does not mean the end of IT in the US. Dell and other IT giants recognize that there will always be a strong IT market in the US. Companies need to be physically close to their customers and not all support functions can be transferred to Asia. Complex ERP and IT systems, in particular, require hands-on support from skilled professionals. Dell, in fact, is growing in the US. Though an exception, Dell is creating new jobs and not replacing US heads one for one with new heads overseas. Dell's continued investment in domestic jobs underscores the longevity of the market for IT talent in the United States.

Global expansion is a vital, yet challenging area for US technology companies. As companies transition operations to Asia and other regions around the globe, strong opportunities exist for enterprising recruiters with international expertise. Recruiters who pursue business in the US can expect a challenging, yet stable recruitment environment. Competition for candidate placements will continue to remain tough, but should loosen as the economy recovers. According to Dell, fit and scalability within the organization will continue to be key candidate differentiators. To be successful, US recruiters should remain focused on delivering the best of the best to client companies.

Recruiters World Special Reports is a timely, in-depth news series that explores vital issues and trends affecting the human-capital industry. Published monthly, Recruiters World Special Reports is presented and distributed exclusively through Recruiters World in Review. Also watch for new articles as they appear on the Recruiters World home page.