Not surprisingly, knowledge of and experience with today’s tech tools makes a job applicant look very valuable, but that value makes finding those candidates all the more difficult. A new research report from tech recruiting platform Built In, the 2024 State of the Talent Industry, affirms that tech hiring is the number one strategic priority for companies today, followed closely by hiring for skills of the future. A full 75 percent of organizations surveyed indicate that tech recruiting is extremely challenging, and just 19 percent of respondents feel they have a larger tech talent pool because of a recent wave of layoffs.
“Our 2024 survey reflects the critical demand for highly skilled tech talent in the evolving tech revolution, which we see with our customers every day,” said Maria Christopoulos Katris, CEO of Built In, in a news release. “Given 2024 will be a pivotal year for AI and other innovative technologies, it’s no surprise that hiring for skills of the future is a high priority. Companies are rapidly seeking to hire the talent needed to support the next wave of innovation.”
Online platforms and employer branding are top tech recruiting strategies
A key part of the study is a ranking of top strategies and channels for reaching and recruiting tech talent. While most companies deploy a wide range of channels, the study revealed a focus on personalized approaches for best results. Respondents selected “online tech-specific platforms” as the most effective recruitment channel, highlighting the importance of engaging candidates through targeted methods.
The second most effective strategy noted was employer branding, suggesting that a company’s reputation and visibility are crucial in attracting tech professionals.
“What’s really interesting is that referrals and sourcing, historically the most impactful recruitment channels, ranked fourth and seventh,” Katris said. “This indicates a shift in the approaches to recruit tech talent that better align with how candidates are searching for roles.”
More than half will increase employer branding investments to attract tech talent
Reflecting employer branding’s rank as a top strategy, 56 percent of respondents indicated that their organizations will invest more in building their reputation as a tech employer of choice.
Download the full report here.
The survey, conducted in January 2024 in partnership with Brandata, involved 1,089 leaders in the talent industry across the U.S. Respondents predominantly represented middle and senior management in large and mid-sized businesses, but span the entire spectrum of company sizes. Those who participated in the survey were not affiliated with Built In.
