How to attract the top tech talent in 2023

By Fay Capstick

The IT and tech sector is changing in 2023 and big names have been streamlining their staff. Research has shown that a majority of tech workers are thinking of preemptively changing jobs to avoid potential redundancy. So what can you do to attract and retain the top tech talent during this period of change?

The IT skills gap means that people with in demand skills still have the ability to pick and choose which roles they want. However, there are things that you can do to give your company an advantage and the key point is that it takes more than offering a bigger salary to win an advantage over your competitors.

Have a solid business

Workers, both contractor and permanent, will be particularly sensitive to the idea that any company that they work for or might want to work for is cutting staff or not performing well. People want to know that they are working for a solid business and that their financial stability isn’t about to be pulled out from under them. If you are hiring but there are any negative rumours floating about, then be honest when asked about them.

Communication

Make sure that you are a company that communicates with your staff and potential staff. If you aren’t communicating in a timely fashion during the application process you will put any top tech talent off from working for you. Be open and honest and quick in your responses and approach to communication.

Progression

Top tech talent will always be looking to further themselves and their skills, so think about what you can offer beyond salary. Does your business have a training budget or allocate time during the week to further study to gain skills? Do you have the option to send staff to conferences? You could also offer progression in other areas, such as report writing and public speaking, that would improve your appeal to talent.

Progression and professional development will be particularly for the young talent tech worker towards the beginning of their career, when a nurturing environment is particularly important.

Extras

What can you offer tech talent beyond a job? Think about things that might be a nice extra for employees to have, such as gym memberships or subsidised travel. Little extras can sway a decision to work for your business or a competitor. And these sorts of extras could get you a good reputation among tech workers and encourage more top talent to join your business.

Purpose

Does your business have a purpose beyond simply turning a profit? Tech talent wants to know that you care about something beyond the business alone. Has your company worked particularly hard to become carbon neutral? Do you subsidise childcare? Is your office pet friendly?

Perhaps you have partnered with a social cause. Some investment banks have signed up to the Bookmark reading charity initiative (https://www.bookmarkreading.org). You provide an hour of your time a week online during school hours and help a child with their reading. This provides a boost for children that might otherwise slip behind and it is a fun time out from the pressures of the work day. At Parker Shaw some of our staff have signed up and find it very rewarding.

Presentation

Tech talent will be looking closely at your company before they decide whether to accept a job offer. Make sure that your social media and PR adequately reflect your business and its core values and motivation. Show your diversity and the opportunities that you offer. Your company should present as a dynamic and diverse place to work.

Final thoughts

At Parker Shaw we have been at the forefront of the sector we serve, IT & Digital Recruitment and Consulting, for over 30 years. We can advise you on all your hiring needs. If you are looking for your next job in the IT sector please check our Jobs Board for our current live vacancies at https://parkershaw.co.uk/jobs-...;