As 2016 gets under way, hiring managers should prepare for a year that could be defined by unprecedented competition tech hiring.
According to the latest survey from tech career site Dice, a record 78 percent of hiring managers say they will be looking to increase their IT hiring in the new year, with 71 percent reportedly looking to augment their tech teams by at least 11 percent in the first half of 2016.
Hiring managers are already feeling the impact of this demand across the market. Nearly half of hiring managers say they have experienced a longer time to fill open positions compared to last year, according to Dice, an effect largely due to stiffening competition.
"The environment for a talent crisis in tech has been growing over the past few years and as the level of interest in technology professionals rises, it doesn't appear the challenging recruitment market will lighten any time soon," said Bob Melk, President of Dice. "Companies today are looking for new and innovative ways to streamline their hiring processes and attract top talent."
In response to the flurry of competition for the top talent on the market, the Dice survey found that many companies are opting to hire less experienced candidates. Up nine points from 2014, 27 percent of surveyed hiring managers say they plan to hire entry-level candidates. The percent of employers looking to hire tech professionals with just two to five years of experience saw a similar rise, jumping eight points to 62 percent.
To stay competitive in the race to attract highly-skilled, experienced IT professionals, Dice found that more than half (53 percent) of companies are trying to distinguish themselves by putting together more comprehensive perks programs, such as free lunches and gym memberships.
Still others (48 percent) cited incentivizing candidates with signing bonuses and relocation expenses. According to the survey, these strategies may be working, with 20 percent of hiring managers saying they have seen more candidates accept offers this year than last, up four points year-over-year.
Companies looking to connect with top talent should also consider consulting with executive recruitment firms. Their vast network and industry-specific experience can help businesses connect with talented IT professionals even before they start actively looking for new jobs.
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