With the new year in full swing and the IT recruitment and digital job wheels turning again across the tech sector, we thought we’d go back to basics for candidates that may be considering their next steps.

In today’s climate, what qualities are employers looking for and how can you stand out from the pack? Read on for a brief snapshot of some quick changes you can action to get your 2024 on the right track!

1. The Right Cultural Fit for the Brand:

A big part of the new year for organisations will be trying to be more strategic with spending and we believe a huge part of that will revolve around hiring. It isn't just about finding skilled individuals that will only get the job done; it's about people aligning with values & fostering synergy that ensures the workplace is working as good as it can.

Teamwork isn't just a buzzword for company’s anymore, it’s a priority. So, ensuring you’re clued up on the culture of the organisation is paramount. Being the right cultural fit means not only understanding the company's values, mission, and work environment but also actively contributing to and enhancing that culture.

Here are some key aspects to consider when deciding if you’re a good cultural fit:

• Values Alignment: Understand the core values of the company and assess whether they align with your personal values. This alignment is essential for long-term job satisfaction and a harmonious work environment.

• Work Ethic: Consider whether your work style and ethics match the company's expectations. This includes your approach to teamwork, deadlines, and overall commitment to excellence.

• Communication Style: Assess whether your communication style aligns with the company's culture. Some organizations value open and direct communication, while others may prefer a more diplomatic approach. There’s no one right way of doing it – it’s just making sure you’re all on the same page.

2. Engaged in Continuous Learning and Development/Showcasing Ambition:

While our resumes CVs are meant to be a short-written summary of a person's career, qualifications, and education. In the realm of tech, standing still = being left behind.

As tech enthusiasts, we should be hard-wired to embrace change and keep pace with the ever-shifting landscape. Yet, our resumes can often sometimes fail to mirror how dynamic the field is.

Embracing new technology and showcasing your interest beyond just the usual will help showcase that you’re open to learning past the basics. Just as technology evolves rapidly, our approach to learning and skill development should also be agile!

3. Adaptability in Terms of Work Arrangements:

It's common knowledge that the modern workplace has evolved as a result of the pandemic. Companies now more widely offer a range of work options, from fulltime in the office to hybrid, WFH, flexible, etc.

While as employees, we all have our preferences regarding how we'd like to work, being able to embrace flexibility and adaptability, and being open to a range of different work options, not only positions you as an agile and versatile candidate but also aligns with the dynamic nature of the modern workplace.

4. A Portfolio of Your Past Projects

Particularly effective in the tech sector, being able to properly showcase your technical expertise through real-world case studies is a powerful way to stand out from the pack. Potential employers in the tech sector are increasingly valuing candidates who can demonstrate not only their theoretical knowledge but also their practical problem-solving skills – Whilst a well-done CV is necessary, if your job entails projects, maybe consider crafting a portfolio you can draw on if asked.

Moreover, consider incorporating the following elements into your case studies to make them even more compelling:

• Quantifiable Results: Clearly articulate the outcomes of your efforts. Whether it's increased efficiency, cost savings, improved system performance, or any other measurable metric, quantifying your impact adds credibility to your accomplishments.

• Collaborative Efforts: Emphasise instances where you collaborated with cross-functional teams, showcasing your ability to work seamlessly with others and contribute to the collective success of a project.

• Continuous Learning: Highlight instances where you had to learn new technologies, methodologies, or tools to overcome challenges. This demonstrates your commitment to ongoing learning and shows you’re not put off by the prospect of a brand’s tech stack evolving.

Ready to kickstart your new journey?

While not an exhaustive list, the points made are effective starting points that we believe will help kickstart you in the right direction to ensure your job search in 2024 is successful. It's all about putting the pieces in place as you apply to ensure you're in the best possible position.

Fancy a chat about how we can help you take the next steps on your engineer career path? We’d be happy to help. Get in touch with one of our IT engineering recruitment specialists today and see how we can power your job search.

Or alternatively be on the lookout for our LinkedIn where our Head of L&D and Growth Chloe will be running CV workshops to help people polish up on areas they may be a bit rusty on!

 *ENDS*