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As the technology revolution continues, the strategies and tools used to find and retain skilled professionals must evolve as well. Several key trends are shaping IT recruitment this year, offering both opportunities and challenges for recruiters. These trends build off of and influence each other; it will come as no surprise that many of these trends are impacted by the prevalence and popularity of AI, especially generative AI, which promises to keep growing and have an even greater impact on businesses throughout the year and beyond. Let’s take a look at the recruitment trends that have emerged (or are still going strong) in 2024 and explore how you can use these trends to adapt your own business strategies and succeed in the competitive IT market.
IT Recruitment This Year: What’s Trending?
These are the approaches and strategies that have been making waves in the IT recruiting space so far this year.
1. Automation and AI
Nearly half of hiring professionals, 47%, use artificial intelligence. SIA
Everyone in staffing and recruiting knows (or has at least heard) how AI and automation can significantly transform the recruitment process, making it much more efficient and effective. AI-driven tools can source candidates, screen resumes, schedule interviews (speeding up the hiring process and reducing human bias), as well as onboard new employees, automate communication, and much more. AI tools can analyze large amounts of data quickly and accurately, identifying the best candidates, improving decision making, and increasing productivity by leaps and bounds.
According to CareerBuilder Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer Kristin Kelley, “AI in hiring is now mainstream and here to stay. Employers should consider adopting AI technology to stay competitive.” We may be labeling this as a “trend,” but AI and automation are sure to become part of the daily workflow and process moving forward. What’s more, the AI and automation trend has a domino effect, contributing to the rise of other recruitment trends.
2. Remote and Hybrid Work
The pandemic caused a spike in the number of employees working remotely, part or all of the time, and predictions suggest that remote is here to stay. TechServe Alliance
The shift towards remote and hybrid work models, growing since the pandemic, continues to influence IT recruitment in 2024. Workers value the ability to work remotely so much that an in-person requirement in a job description can be an immediate deal breaker and keep a skilled candidate from applying. On the other hand, jobseekers are likely to apply for a hybrid or remote position even if it pays less than they would like. According to FlexJobs’ 2024 Work-From-Anywhere Survey, almost half of workers would be willing to accept a pay cut to be able to work remotely.
Many professionals value work-life balance and see location flexibility as a necessity for a job. Given this, it makes sense that companies that offer flexible and remote work opportunity will attract candidates. Organizations offering remote or hybrid work options have a competitive edge in the talent market, as they can access a global talent pool and find the best candidates no matter their location. Each company has different needs, but those that make an effort to offer flexible work models and remote work options see a significant increase in job applications. Additionally, many report enhanced employee satisfaction and productivity as a result of those policies.
3. Skills-Based Hiring
In 2024, the technology is finally starting to catch up, and generative AI will unlock companies’ abilities for skills-based hiring. SHRM
Skills-based hiring, the practice of hiring a person based on their potential to learn skills, is one recruitment trend that we can likely attribute to the growth of AI adoption. In 2024, employers are making strides in skills-based hiring. According to SHRM, some of the reasons for this include an increasing number of applicants, the desire for a more diverse workforce, and valuing skills over education or degrees.
Though this is not a new idea, hiring for skills is trending in 2024, with companies even removing the education requirements from job postings. And with AI skills becoming increasingly important to many jobs, businesses are placing more value on people’s ability to learn new skills. According to SIA, 65% of senior executives say their competitive advantage will still come from humans—with their creativity, intuition and strategic thinking.
It is also important to note that while technical skills will always be necessary for any given job, there is an increasing emphasis this year on soft skills in the IT sector. Employers are looking for candidates who can collaborate effectively, communicate clearly, and adapt to changing environments. TechServe Alliance reports that soft skills like problem-solving and communication, human capabilities that AI can’t replicate, will also be in high demand this year.
4. Diversity and Inclusion
Despite a rapidly changing business landscape, the business case for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) not only holds, but grows even stronger. McKinsey
Creating diverse and inclusive workplaces is a priority for many organizations in 2024 despite DEI facing scrutiny in the latter half of 2023. The reason is simple: DEI initiatives yield good business outcomes. McKinsey & Company issued their fourth report on DEI that shows the business case for DEI is stronger than it has ever been, with diverse teams outperforming those that lacked diversity by as much as 39%. Diverse teams are proven to be more innovative and effective, leading to better business outcomes.
The recruitment trends of skills-based hiring and remote work are connected to the focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Hiring for skills and being flexible about work location expands the talent pool, opening an organization up to a more diverse group of candidates, which will strengthen an organization’s engagement, productivity, and profitability. In the IT sector, where creativity and problem-solving are key, diversity can be a significant competitive advantage.
5. Upskilling Employees
Providing workers with new skills can improve their lives while closing the skills gap in the marketplace. Staffing Industry Review
The rapid pace of technological advancement means that IT professionals must continuously update their skills. Employers are increasingly investing in upskilling and reskilling programs to keep their workforce competitive. This trend also impacts recruitment, as candidates who demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning are highly sought after.
This recruitment trend was on the minds of technology business leaders at the recent Gallup World of Work event in June, where speakers highlighted the importance of reskilling and upskilling workers as a way to combat the skills gap. Researchers continue to recommend employers shape their learning and development programs around AI upskilling.
Doug Hammond of Randstad Inhouse Services says that upskilling enables an organization to “create the workforce that you need,” which goes a long way to solving the skills shortage. But perhaps the best outcome is that employees to feel valued and empowered when they are give the chance to train and improve; that boosts morale and helps you retain good workers.
Adapting Your Recruitment Strategy for a Competitive Market
Have these recruitment trends resonated with you and your company’s recruiting strategy? If you are not currently implementing these top trends, here are some tips for getting started.
Leverage technology: Incorporate AI and machine learning tools, like AI-powered applicant tracking software, into your recruitment and onboarding processes. Using chatbots, assessment and verification tools, and email automation are just a few ways you can leverage AI to significantly enhance efficiency, streamline your hiring process, analyze data more quickly, and help you to engage better with candidates and employees.
Be flexible with work models: Invest in the necessary technology and infrastructure to support remote work effectively, such as secure VPNs, collaboration tools, and virtual meeting platforms. Offering flexible work arrangements can make your organization more attractive to top IT talent.
Put an emphasis on diversity: Implement unbiased hiring practices, including: gender-neutral language in job descriptions, diverse interview panels, and blind recruitment techniques where candidate information that could lead to bias is removed during the initial screening.
Train and upskill employees: Motivate and empower employees (and create the skilled workforce you need) by providing clear pathways for growth with career development plans and mentorship programs. Offer e-learning, in-house training, job shadowing, mentoring, and outside classes as potential professional development options.
Enhance your company brand: Showcasing your company’s values, personality, and benefits will help to attract potential candidates that fit with your culture. Highlight what sets your organization apart, such as innovative projects, growth opportunities, and employee wellness programs. Use social media, company blogs, and employee testimonials to build and promote your brand.
Create a positive work culture: You work hard to find great talent, so make sure to retain them. Encourage open communication, teamwork, and recognition. Celebrate employee achievements and contributions through awards, bonuses, or public acknowledgment. Promote work-life balance by offering flexible work arrangements, wellness programs, and social activities that help build camaraderie among team members.
Recruitment Trends: Stay Aware and Informed
The business landscape has dealt with significant hurdles and changes in the past few years, but what doesn’t change is that employers have to compete for skilled professionals. Adapting to rapidly evolving IT recruitment trends is not simple, but staying informed when it come to the latest developments is a great first step to ensuring your recruitment strategy is strong and competitive. A caveat: don’t let the designation of “trend” make you complacent—these approaches and processes, especially the incorporation of AI tech, are already driving success for organizations, so don’t dismiss them. Evaluate these recruitment trends for how your business works, see what makes sense for you, then join the many businesses that are on trend in 2024.
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