Identifying Skills Suited to the Evolution of the Tech and IT Sector
Artificial intelligence, automation, cloud computing, blockchain... companies in the Tech and IT sector are constantly seeking new ways to improve and push the boundaries of existing technology. To remain competitive, they must be agile and source talent with specific skills. What are these skills? How can organizations attract, recruit, and retain talents in this rapidly changing sector?
Essential Skills for Success in the Tech and IT Sector
The sought-after skills include:
- Programming skills: knowing how to code in multiple programming languages.
- Knowledge of emerging technologies: staying updated with the latest technologies.
- Data analysis skills: data manipulation, statistical analysis, data visualization, and predictive modeling given the increasing amount of generated data.
- Cybersecurity skills: risk management, intrusion detection, data protection, and incident response to protect systems and data considering rising cyber threats.
- Project management skills: planning, execution, control, and communication to ensure the successful delivery of technological solutions.
- Critical thinking and problem-solving: being able to analyze complex problems, propose innovative solutions, and make informed decisions.
- Communication skills: effectively communicating with technical and non-technical colleagues and clients to collaborate effectively and ensure understanding of technological requirements and solutions.
- Agility and adaptability: being able to quickly adapt to technological changes and new challenges in a constantly evolving environment.
Recruiters in this sector now attach as much importance to soft skills (behavioral skills) as they do to hard skills (technical skills). According to a Deloitte study, leadership skills (54%), problem-solving and decision-making (47%), interpersonal skills (44%), creative and innovative thinking (41%) precede data analysis (40%) as the top essential skills in Tech-IT professions for the years to come.
Tips for Recruiting Talent in the Tech and IT Sector
- Specify the required skills (hard skills and soft skills) in the job description.
- Communicate your employer brand, company culture, and the benefits offered as part of the position. Tech and IT profiles are attracted not only by attractive compensation but especially by good working conditions.
- In addition to job sites and social networks, take an interest in dedicated forums, Tech events, hackathons, establish partnerships with training institutions and schools, consider co-option in this highly community-based field.
- Test candidates to identify their skills and use digital tools (remote testing and interviews) that reflect the innovative technological environment of the employer.
Strategies for Evaluating Required Soft Skills
There are various methods:
- Problem-solving scenarios to observe how a problem is approached, available options analyzed, and solutions proposed.
- Technical case studies (challenges encountered during software development, implementation of IT infrastructure solutions, or data security management) to assess the ability to quickly understand technical issues and propose effective solutions.
- Coding and programming tests, to measure a candidate's ability to solve problems logically and effectively, their ability to learn new programming languages, or adapt to specific development environments.
- Psychometric tests evaluating critical thinking, cognitive abilities, or intellectual aptitudes to assess candidates' learning and adaptation potential, their problem-solving abilities. Personality inventories will provide insights into their communication skills.
Tips for Retaining Tech-IT Talents
- Offer continuous training programs
According to Sacha Kalusevic, Director of Michael Page Technology, "There should be more continuous training to support employee progression. To attract more IT candidates, companies could highlight the skills that their future recruits will develop in the projects they will undertake and offer them a training program to update or develop certain technical skills."
- Encourage self-learning and career development
Tech profiles, accustomed to self-learning, want to enhance their skills to stay aligned with market needs and those of their employers. It is essential to support this and support their career development.
- Create a stimulating work environment
It is essential to offer flexible/hybrid work environments (telecommuting, flexible hours, flex office, four-day week) as well as meaningful work with missions, a vision, and clear objectives.
The profile of talent in the Tech and IT sector has evolved. Individuals are now recruited not only for their technical abilities but also for their behavioral skills; they are even considered a priority. Such skills should therefore be evaluated during the recruitment process and, also developed among existing employees.