Tech and Digital hiring strategies continue to evolve in a candidate-driven market
Tech and Digital recruitment is an exciting field that keeps evolving with the times. Nicole Dodd (nee Ramos), a Partner at REDi Recruitment along with Sarah de Roos (Senior Consultant) share their views on the current Tech & Digital recruitment market. As Tech recruitment specialists they have to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and demands in Technology. These days, the recruitment game has changed - technology is always advancing, and people are changing too.
COVID has shaken up the recruitment world. We live in a digital, always-connected era, which has pushed the digital space to be more advanced and interactive. It has a bigger and more demanding audience than ever before.
Right now, it's a candidate-driven market across all industries, companies are becoming more strategic in their hiring, focusing on critical future-ready skills. It's becoming harder to get candidates over the line in today's economy as candidates are looking for a different sell, that differentiating factor, that next top, leading or cutting-edge organization that would promise exciting exposure to new technologies, products, and projects with the combination of work-life integration.
In the past 10 years, Technology roles have transformed drastically. Technology keeps evolving, so candidates need to keep upskilling to stay relevant. They have more options now, while companies have fewer choices. Candidates are in high demand, receiving calls from potential employers daily, both locally and internationally. South African companies can improve their position and prevent talent from leaving by implementing effective solutions.
It is here, in this competitive market, where candidates prioritise a better work-life balance, spending time with family, and maintaining their fitness levels for stress relief and health.
What are candidates looking for in today’s market:
- Remote and Flexible Work Options
- Emphasis on Work-Life Balance
- Continuous Learning and Development Opportunities
- Inclusive and Diverse Workplaces
- Tech-Driven Work Environments
- Environmental and Social Responsibility
- Clear Career Progression Paths
- Health and Wellness Benefits
- Purpose-Driven Organizations
What are employers looking for in future talent:
- Digital Literacy and Tech Skills
- Adaptability and Resilience
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
- Emotional Intelligence and Soft Skills
- Creativity and Innovation
- Data Literacy and Analytics Skills
- Cultural Competence and Diversity Skills
- Leadership and Management Skills
- Cybersecurity and Data Privacy Knowledge
- Continuous Learners and Growth Mindset
To retain talent and keep morale high, companies should stay connected with their employees, have regular check-ins, and provide personal development plans. Encouragement, recognition, and team-building activities can also make a difference.
The closer a leader is to their team the more they will understand how better to support them as a whole and individually. Having a genuine and engaged rapport sets the tone for others to follow suit, creating a culture of sharing and productivity.
Candidates need to keep upskilling to stay competitive and attractive in the job market. Job seekers should also work on their industry network, as jobs are not only found and secured via traditional means but your contacts and ability to promote yourself should not be underestimated.
To be headhunted or to secure your next potential role your interpersonal skills need to be refined and this will contribute to you being offered a role over another worthy candidate. In-demand Technology skills include cloud computing, DevOps/SRE, cybersecurity, Data Science, Robotics & Artificial Intelligence, Solution Architecture and Software Development.
Industries leading the way in the tech and digital space are Telecommunications, Payment solutions, E-commerce, HealthTech, Insurance, FinTech, and Banking.
In summary, Tech and Digital recruitment is constantly changing and requires candidates to adapt. The candidate-driven market and technological advancements have reshaped the industry. To succeed, companies must understand what candidates want and create an environment that fosters growth and innovation.
By Nicole Dodd (Nee Ramos), Partner (Tech & Digital) at REDi Recruitment. Contact her at nicole.dodd@redirecruitment.co.za / www.redirecruitment.co.za