Technology Recruitment UK
01/11/2023
The technology sector is a quickly evolving industry in the UK, having grown exponentially over the last 20 years. With this in mind, technology recruitment must keep up with the changing landscape, ensuring quality candidates are matched with the most appropriate positions that require their specialist skill sets.
There’s been a surge in demand for tech talent, making the recruitment market in the UK particularly competitive. While this offers many opportunities for those seeking positions in everything from electronics to AI, tech recruitment is also beset with challenges.
A good tech recruitment agency seeks to find the best solutions to those trials to help drive innovation and growth. Understanding the current landscape and utilising the experience of individuals who’ve worked in various technology sectors themselves, IC Resources is well-placed to meet tech’s unique working requirements.
What does the technology ecosystem look like in the UK?
As a tech-driven economy, the UK can hold its own alongside other technology powerhouses. Specific programmes, such as the National Semiconductor Strategy and the International Technology Strategy, aim to ensure sectors remain competitive in the global marketplace. The thriving ecosystem is home to start-ups and scale-ups, as well as larger, more well-established tech companies.
Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Google, Microsoft and Tesla all have a strong presence within the UK. This attracts other firms looking to follow in their successful footsteps.
Where are the tech hubs within the UK?
Just as the US has Silicon Valley, UK tech companies converge in areas to form hubs of like-minded and innovative businesses. Most notably, they can be found in the capital cities of London and Edinburgh, but also in Cambridge, Oxford and Bristol where the tech sector is thriving.
Which technology sectors are recruiting in the UK?
When you think of tech roles, software developers and product engineers often come to mind. While UK tech companies are in need of candidates in these areas, rapid evolution in the sector means firms are working in an entirely different way to before. Sales and marketing roles, and C-suite recruitment are also crucial for success.
Which trends are shaping tech recruitment?
The competitive landscape forms the backdrop to every tech recruiting trend, pitting HR teams against each other as they look to bring in the skills needed. Turbulence in both the economic and political spheres has led to a greater reliance on technology, fuelling high demand for tech professionals.
A number of trends are currently shaping the tech recruitment landscape and being familiar with them will help candidates navigate the job search. Specialist tech recruitment agencies work with human resources departments to ensure the right individuals are brought forward and are kept up-to-date on the latest expectations from hirers.
What you can expect to see in a job ad
Time-poor quality candidates are now becoming more selective in the roles they apply for. Job ads without key information up front, including salary, location and benefits, will be overlooked in favour of those with comprehensive requirements. HR professionals should also ensure any flexible working practices are highlighted, as they’re more than just a nice-to-have for many jobseekers.
The role of diversity, equity and inclusion in technology recruitment
Recruitment software, such as an applicant tracking system, is becoming more widely used, but it’s not the only area where HR tech is coming into play. Many firms are utilising tools to improve the number of applications from underrepresented groups.
Having a diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) policy is no longer enough, and tech solutions are helping employers extend their reach with demographic and social mobility data. These types of solutions can include AI-powered diversity hiring insights, databases and recruitment analytics.
Why firms are using specialist technology recruitment agencies
Technology recruitment is often oversimplified and key steps required to attract candidates with the right experience are skipped. Working with a specialist technology recruitment agency means having a partner that fully understands the values and culture of your business, as well as the skills gaps that need to be filled.
Working closely with a recruitment agency allows HR teams to meet the most exceptional candidates, but it also ensures the process runs smoothly. In-depth insight into the industry can help influence offers and promote roles in a way that will be appealing to the most qualified candidates.
What challenges are there in technology recruitment in the UK?
From the fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic to the great resignation and the cost of living crisis, many of the challenges facing recruitment can be seen in the tech industry. Remote working has also expanded the talent pool, but means there’s more competition from global companies keen to take advantage of skilled candidates in the UK no longer confined by geographical location.
The top technology recruitment challenges
Skills gap
As technology evolves, candidates must refresh their skills to remain relevant in the job market. Many tech companies are having to work hard to find individuals with the knowledge and experience to drive innovation and growth in their businesses.
Inflated salaries
High demand for qualified candidates, which is outstripping supply, means hiring teams are making increasingly high pay offers. These inflated salaries mean other tech companies are having to increase their budgets in order to compete.
Turnover and retention
UK employers know that hiring is just the start of the process, as retaining talent and ensuring it isn’t tempted away to another company is key. The disruption to tech companies when there’s a high turnover of staff can be devastating to work processes.
How challenges are being addressed
Tech companies, candidates and specialist recruiters all need strategies to meet such recruitment challenges. Success is possible, but it involves a clear focus and techniques that benefit all parties, including:
Creating an appealing employer brand
With so much competition for top candidates in the technology sector, firms can’t afford to assume talented applicants will want to work for them. Displaying an inclusive environment and properly marketing a company is paramount.
Training and career development
It’s desirable to take on candidates with many of the skills required, but tech firms should also be prepared to offer on-the-job training and career development. Such investment in staff will help not just with the recruitment process but retention too.
Benefits and flexible working
Salary is a key consideration for tech candidates, but it’s not the only factor that can influence their decision. For many, additional benefits and flexible working arrangements are just as important, so companies without a huge hiring budget can set themselves apart in this area.
Utilising technology
Artificial intelligence, data analytics and other recruitment tools are helping to streamline the hiring process for many firms. When coupled with the expertise of a specialist recruiter, this software can make sure the best candidates are not being overlooked.
