Volatile and unpredictable are two words that perfectly epitomize the current state of technology and IT hiring. We’d even go as far as to say it’s unprecedented, with tech layoffs, especially from mature players like Amazon and Tesla, making constant headlines.
Still, the technology industry is not entirely dormant. In fact, some sectors are thriving.
Case in point: More than 377K computer and IT positions are expected to open each year from 2022 to 2032, while software developers, quality assurance analysts and testers, are projected to grow by 25%.
While growth is in the air for tech companies and hiring will remain on the minds of hiring managers at thousands of companies, we can’t lose sight of the fact that we’re in uncertain times that require an adaptable, agile, and most importantly, resilient workforce that can weather the uncharted waters.
Here are a few strategies to embrace to make sure you’re hiring the most resilient workforce in 2024 and beyond:
Prioritize Skills, Not Degrees
“Degree required” no longer has a permanent place in tech companies’ job listings. Are degrees still important? Of course, especially for specific leadership roles, but they should no longer be required. In fact, according to Gallup, the percentage of U.S. adults between the ages of 18 and 29 who view college as “very important” has dropped from 74% to 41% over the past six years.
At the end of the day, experience and expertise are what matter—and tech companies need to remember that. Luckily, they are, with big names like Apple, Tesla, and IBM no longer requiring a college degree for an interview.
Today, people have boot camps, certification programs, and more to hone their craft and set themselves up for successful careers. So, tech companies looking to stay ahead should ditch the dated mindset that degrees are required and instead look for candidates with the real-world experience and skills necessary to help them navigate the uncertainty.
Don’t Discount the Intangibles and Cultural Fit
At the same time, put a heavy emphasis on the intangibles and cultural fit of candidates during the hiring process. While skills and a proven track record are key to building a resilient workforce, those are only two cogs, and without the others—intangibles and cultural fit—the growth engine is incomplete.
So, when building a resilient workforce, look for candidates that display the intangibles you know will allow them to thrive in choppy waters, like:
- Adaptability
- A growth mindset
- Emotional intelligence
- Problem-solving skills
- Persistence
Cultural fit is equally important. For one, right-fit employees work better together, leading to better outputs, communication, and collaboration. On top of that, employees who align with your culture will be naturally more engaged, which will translate to better retention and allow you to maintain a stable and resilient workforce. By prioritizing cultural fit, you’ll also reduce the likelihood of losing an employee, which can impact your team’s growth, morale, and project progress.
Always Look Toward the Future
Think back to before the pandemic and ask yourself what skills or traits were essential to your success. Those might still be important to some degree, but the industry has evolved so much since then and subsequently brought new skill sets to the top of your list, like adaptability, artificial intelligence, and working in remote environments.
Those “must-have” skills and traits will continue to change, and to keep your workforce resilient, you need to enable your current employees (there’s no need to hire new ones) to learn the new ropes. To that end, always look toward the future and give your employees ample opportunities to learn, upskill their careers, and gain the necessary skills your company needs to remain resilient and successful, no matter what the tech world throws your way.
How Wellington Steele & Associates Can Help You Build a Resilient Workforce
We’ve been in the staffing and recruiting business for over two decades, and while our company has evolved, our mission has never changed: to help companies hire top talent who will help them grow today, tomorrow, and every day in the future.
Whether you’re working with us to hire contractors, permanent employees, executives, or something in between, it’s our mission to bring candidates to the table who have the right skills and intangibles that align with your company’s values, mission, and overall business objectives.
Want to learn more about how we can help you build a resilient workforce? Reach out today.