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Finding, keeping, and developing tech talent: Mission impossible?

Great tech talent is more than a nice-to-have – it’s crucial for any modern organisation.


How can you get a hold on these sought-after candidates? Then, once they're in your organisation - how can you nurture their skills and retain them for the long term?


We scoured the latest McKinsey research to find out what sets tech talent apart. It turns out that companies who set hiring goals and look ahead to map future skill trends are more successful. Crucially, leading organisations take a highly precise approach, identifying specific skills so they can target the right people and build effective training programmes.


In this blog, we examine the hiring practices that could help your organisation engage and cultivate tech talent effectively. (Spoiler: It’s not mission impossible but it does take some hard work and forward planning!)

Think quality, not quantity.


The need for tech talent is so high that it’s easy to focus on quantity over quality, but that shouldn’t be the case. A single highly skilled developer could be as productive as multiple newbies. The most effective IT organizations work around small hubs of high-performing, highly motivated people who have the space to effectively show off their skills. These tech superstars act as ‘anchor hires’. Paying a little more for them can attract others who are earlier in their careers and want to work with the 'best of the best'.

Focus on adaptable learners.


Technology evolves constantly and the speed of change is only accelerating. Most tech professionals are used to learning on the job as their specialism adapts and grows. This means you won’t always find the people who have all the skills you need right now. But as long as you find people who are committed to continual learning, you can still tap into the support you need. It’s also vital to create a work environment where learning is encouraged and celebrated and where people have the time and resources necessary to build their skills and follow a flexible career path.

Get your tech talent involved.


No one knows tech better than techies! So it’s important to make sure they are a central part of the process alongside your HR team. Connecting with great talent should include opening recruitment channels within the tech community - such as at developer conferences and hackathons. It’s important to remember that not everyone follows a traditional educational or career path in tech, so keep an open mind and focus on skills and adaptability.

Move fast.


The hiring market moves fast in the tech world. Jobseekers know they are in demand and often juggle multiple job-offers. This means that a quick recruitment process is not only expected, but essential. If you take too long, your perfect tech hire will be long gone.​

We know that finding tech talent within the constantly evolving market can be difficult. However, with this advice, the task should not be mission impossible. Our teams are here to support you in your search for the brightest tech-talent across Ireland. 
Click here to find out more about how we can support your organisations recruitment.

06 Feb, 2024
In the ever-evolving landscape of the professional world, many of us find ourselves at crossroads, contemplating a change in career or seeking new opportunities to ignite our passion.
By Shazamme System User 07 Sep, 2023
Summer is over. September is here. For you lovers of the summer this can often bring feelings of the blues, but September can represent a time for a fresh start. This time of the year can offer many opportunities for job hunters to find a new job that aligns with their skills, goals, and experience. Check out our top tips on how you can land your dream job this time around (and why you should work with Kelly). 1. Get Clear On Your Goals First and foremost, you must have a clear objective of what you want for your career. Searching for a new job can bring feelings of excitement and motivation but it can also be overwhelming for applicants. Having an idea of what industries, you would like to work in, the timeline in which you would like to find a job, and the companies you’re interested in will reduce those negative feelings but will also give you a sense of direction and focus. 2. Update Your CV The next thing you should look at is improving and updating your CV. Have you demonstrated your most valuable skills? Have you highlighted your most important accomplishments and achievements? Have you included your personal websites, business profiles, and your LinkedIn profile? These are some of the many things to consider when updating your CV. Job applicants should also keep in mind that you should adjust your CV for every job you apply for. You should customize your CV so that it reflects the job you’re applying for. 3. Work with a Recruiter Are you aware of the benefits of working with a recruiter? Recruiters are experts in the hiring industry. They can help save you a significant amount of time during your job search as they know exactly what jobs are available in the market and they can match you with a role that aligns with your experience. Recruitment consultants can help you improve your CV and cover letter as well as make sure you are prepared for interviews. If you would like to read more about the benefits of working with a recruiter, click here . September is an excellent time of the year to find that new opportunity that you have been longing for. By following these tips, you should be on the right course to navigate the job market and find a role that suits you. It’s important to stay positive during your job search as it can sometimes be a lengthy process. But just remember, the right opportunity can take time. If you would like assistance during your job search, please do not hesitate to reach out and email us at info@kellyservices.ie . Or click here to search our latest vacancies and apply today!
28 Aug, 2023
Rephrasing the famous song, “Love is in the air”, let’s talk about change is in the air – and everywhere. We grow. We change. Look at your childhood photos. Watch your kid, your nephew, your niece. The change is there, and it’s incredible. Nature is constantly changing. We wait for summer as the time to enjoy outdoor activities and gardening, for a quick visit to the beach, or simply take time to relax and spend time with family, friends and loved ones. We wait for winter (even if we never see snow falling) to decorate the house for the holidays, pack presents for the people we love and unpack our own. The colour of the leaves changes, the weather shifts, and flowers blossom in their time – the landscape is constantly transforming. The world around us is changing. We travel to other countries and learn new things, cultures and languages. We take on new hobbies. We get new skills. After a couple of minor kitchen accidents (sometimes), we can cook delicious dishes and get compliments from family and friends. We transform our bodies at the gym or simply by creating the habit of walking every day. We meet new people, we sometimes fall in love, we build families, we have kids. And if you step back for a second, you realise you might have met your other half by pure accident. But you took a leap of faith into the unknown. We embrace many types of unknown change, except for the one that can change how we live five days a week – to change jobs. “I am too old/too young to change”, “I’m used to this environment; It’s my comfort zone”, “Well, I don’t get any promotion, and what I do doesn’t change the world, but it’s stable”, “I am afraid to ask for more interesting projects. What if my manager fires me?”. We often don’t want to change because that step requires a vision, courage, external support, and a leap of faith into the unknown. Scary? Yes. But also promising. A step into the unknown? Yes. But it can open a new door. Do your inner values marry what you do? Yes, it is essential. There is nothing terrible about staying in your comfort zone. At some stage of your career, staying put can be an excellent decision. But if you feel that you need a change – talk to Kelly. We don’t mind going the extra mile and support your wish to embrace the change. The one which will give meaning to what you do, feel proud, motivated and fulfilled. Ready for changing? We’ll make sure your talent can truly shine.
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