Advertised positions for senior technology executives have experienced a sharp decline over the past six months, according to research.

Data from 6,500 UK roles advertised for senior executives during that period suggests that relative demand for top IT professionals has fallen by three per cent, while public sector and medicine job ads grew by 13 per cent and 10 per cent respectively.

Consulting and real estate were amongst the other sectors affected, both with demand decreasing by more than 10 per cent.

According to the study, the fall in the number of vacancies in the IT sector is a reflection of reduced IT spend, so those job hunting won't need reminding of the increased competition for fewer positions.

"They [IT executives] will need to work harder to stand out from the crowd by updating their CV, working their networks and by using job websites and social networks," says the study.

"This doesn’t suggest that employers in the IT sector can rest on their laurels though. The current buyers’ market does not necessarily mean that the number of candidates with the relevant skills has increased, and recruiters should take their time to ensure that they are filling vacancies with the right people.”

The research was carried out by online executive jobs web site Experteer.