In the latest episode of The Spotlight Podcast, Iwalola Sobowale dives into the burning question that plagues businesses of all sizes: Why is it so hard to find great tech talent? Joined by ex-Cowrywise HR Generalist, Emmanuel Faith, the discussion explored the key challenges companies face in attracting and retaining top tech minds.
So, why is finding great talent harder than plucking teeth from a bulldog?
Here’s what we learned:
There’s a major supply and demand mismatch
The tech industry is booming, with demand for skilled professionals far outpacing the available workforce. This competitive landscape makes it tough for companies to stand out and secure the best talent.
The tech landscape is evolving rapidly in leaps, bounds and sometimes sporadic skips
Tech skills can become outdated quickly with scary fast advancements in technological capabilities, so finding candidates with the right skillset for a company's specific needs can be challenging as new technologies emerge and software updates roll out.
Businesses often fail to look beyond salary
While competitive compensation is important, it's not the only factor that tech talents consider. Company culture, opportunities for growth, and a chance to work on impactful projects are all high on the priority list.
Great tech talent will be loyal
Many skilled tech professionals are already happily employed. Attracting these types of star candidates requires a strategic approach, showcasing your company's unique offerings and why they should consider a switch.
How can businesses overcome these challenges?
Here are some tips shared by our favourite HR buddy, Emmanuel Faith:
Invest in employer branding by telling a compelling company story that resonates with tech talent. Highlight your company culture, values, and the exciting projects your team tackles.
Invest in upskilling your team. Don't just look for talent externally. Be strategic about investing in training and development programs to help your existing team stay current with the latest tech trends.
Think beyond the usual recruiting process, and this could mean abandoning the search for that “shiny” talent. Explore alternative talent pools and recruiting methods. Partner with universities or tech bootcamps, attend industry meetups, or leverage online platforms frequented by tech professionals.
The war for tech talent today is real, but it's not unwinnable. It’ll take a keen understanding of these challenges to implement strategic solutions that will help companies position themselves as attractive employers and build winning tech teams.
Want to hear the full conversation? Tune in to the latest episode of The Spotlight Podcast, where Iwalola Sobowale and Emmanuel Faith delve deeper into these issues and explore practical solutions for attracting top tech talent to your business. Listen here!
The Spotlight Podcast explores conversations and challenges in tech, business, product and innovation! Join us!
You can also catch up with some of our earlier episodes:
Building Powerful Brands with Digital Brand Manager, Gloria Imevbore
How Developer Relations Drives Business Growth with Elizabeth Okaome
Until next time!