It’s undeniable: the tech industry has faced huge changes in 2024. There have been economic challenges, shifting work preferences, and rapid advancements in technology and artificial intelligence reshaping the field.
If you are a recruiter or a staffing professional, you need to understand these changes to stay ahead and know how to respond.
It’s a good thing that there are experts like John Hassett, Vice President of Sales at DHI Group, Inc., and Buddy Robinson, Regional Vice President of Enterprise Sales at Dice – leaders in tech sales and strategic partnerships – who are willing to share their valuable insights. These insights can help guide recruiters through the current tough times.
Today, we will inform you about recurring AI hiring trends and how you can use AI recruitment tools to your benefit. We will also discuss building trust with candidates and how to attract tech talent in general.
If you’re interested in learning great strategies to attract and retain top tech talent in 2024, this read will be worth your while.
The State of the Tech Job Market in 2024
This year has been tough for tech workers. Job losses increased by 60% compared to 2023. Employees at tech companies felt it the most, with a 19% job loss rate, while other industries saw an 11% loss.
But even with these setbacks, there are signs of hope:
- Economic Outlook: About 31% of tech professionals are still optimistic about the economy over the next year, and 80% believe tech will grow over the next five years.
- Industry Recovery: John Hassett, VP of Sales at Dice, shares that forecasts show a 7% growth in IT staffing for 2025. This hints at better days ahead.
Shifts in Job Search Behavior and Priorities
This year, more tech professionals are on the lookout for new opportunities. 67% are considering a job change, up from 60% in 2023. As might be expected, higher pay is the top motivator, driving 65% of job searches. However, it is not the only factor. Many tech workers are also looking for increased responsibility (42%) and better benefits (36%).
Work-life balance has also become a significant consideration for many tech professionals. 54% of them are willing to take a pay cut for better work-life balance.
Buddy Robinson, VP of Strategic Partnerships at Dice, notes that this trend is particularly strong among older professionals, especially those aged 55 and above. They value work-life balance more than positions at large tech firms.
Remote work continues to be a non-negotiable priority for many in the tech industry. An overwhelming 90% consider it when evaluating new roles.
The data also shows a clear link between job dissatisfaction and in-office mandates. 31% of tech professionals who are required to work in-office report dissatisfaction, compared to only 16% of professionals who choose to go in voluntarily. This goes to show how important staying flexible is when trying to attract and retain top tech talent.
The Growing Importance of Employer Branding
Employer branding is an often overlooked but powerful tool for staffing firms. It helps attract top talent, builds credibility with clients, and makes your company stand out to potential hires.
John Hassett highlights the importance of employer branding by saying, “It’s advertising your company for your internal employer culture… building credibility with potential customers… and setting yourself apart for all three markets.”
Even when budgets are tight, investing in employer branding is worth it. It pays off in the long run by supporting recruitment efforts. Tech professionals care most about:
- Company Culture: 83% say it’s the most important part of employer branding.
- Employer Reputation: 70% wouldn’t apply to a company with a bad reputation, even if it offered more money.
AI Professionals: A Distinct Market Segment
AI jobs are becoming more popular in tech, with strong demand and confidence from workers. About 58% of AI professionals feel sure they can find a job, compared to only 36% of other tech workers. Also, 73% plan to change jobs within the next year, which means recruiters need to stay ready for new opportunities and challenges.
These roles often come with higher salary expectations, so recruiters should focus on highlighting career growth and training opportunities. Smaller companies can stand out by offering quick training programs, while bigger companies may take more time to put these in place.
Tips for Recruiting and Keeping Talent
In an uncertain job market, building trust and being honest are key. As John Hassett says, “Slow down to go fast… really care about relationships versus a placement.” Here are some tips how to do that:
- Personalized Messages: Don’t send generic emails. Make your messages personal and follow up, even if the candidate isn’t chosen.
- Clear Details: Talk about more than just job skills. Share information about the company’s goals, work environment, and how the candidate’s role makes an impact.
How to Use AI Tools in Recruitment
AI tools can make recruiting faster and easier. John Hassett suggests using tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity.ai for tasks like research, making interview questions, and improving job descriptions. He says, “The efficiency gains I’ve seen from using AI have been amazing… If you’re not embracing AI… you might lose a job to somebody who knows how to use AI.”
Buddy Robinson recommends trying AI tools in your daily life first to get comfortable. “The more you incorporate this stuff in personal situations… you’re going to get way more comfortable as you approach these work-based tools,” he says.
How to Attract Tech Talent: Adapt and Build Trust
The tech industry is changing fast. AI is leading the way and job seekers are looking for better work-life balance. But this is no reason to panic!
To succeed, recruiters need to understand the changes and why they are happening. They also need to use technology – especially AI – smartly, and build trust through genuine, honest communication.
As Buddy Robinson puts it, “We heart humans… regardless of the tools that you’re using, it’s the human connection in recruitment that makes you most successful.”
