If you plan to conduct an IT job search in 2018, a new report from LinkedIn can shed some light on hiring trends that you may need to know. Companies are constantly changing how they hire in small ways and some large ones, and keeping up with new hiring trends can be the difference between getting hired and getting passed over for the job you want.
Emphasis on Diversity
The number one hiring trend mentioned by participants in LinkedIn’s study was diversity. Hiring more diverse workers has proven benefits for companies, and more companies are putting programs in place to encourage diverse hiring. Diverse backgrounds include people of color, women, and those with special needs.
If you can’t claim diversity as part of your background, however, don’t worry. The (up to one million) worker shortage in the IT field means that there are plenty of jobs to go around for those with the right skills. Diversity has also become a global focus, so looking at jobs in other countries may be a viable option as well.
New Interviewing Techniques
As an IT job seeker, you may be subject to a number of new interviewing practices that are aimed at better identifying quality candidates. Companies are using more assessment tools designed to reveal soft skills like communication and interpersonal skills, which can help determine if you’re a fit for certain IT jobs.
Some companies are adopting casual interviews such as meeting in a restaurant and sharing a meal. Many companies are abandoning interviews in favor of a “job audition,” in which candidates perform work on a trial basis and have their performance evaluated by hiring staff. These interview techniques are intended to both make interviewing easier on candidates and to make the process more effective.
Using Data in Hiring
More companies are turning to data to help them choose effective hires. Data can improve retention by evaluating candidates impartially; it can also help companies identify skills gaps and make better offers to candidates they want to hire. Using data helps remove bias and encourages impartial hiring, which should lead to better hires overall.
Using AI in Hiring
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an extension of using data by applying algorithms to the hiring process. AI is a huge time saver for recruiters and hiring teams because it can make repetitive processes nearly instantaneous. AI also uses algorithms to better match candidates to jobs, which may make interviews less of a factor in hiring decisions. You may even be contacted by employers and offered a chance to interview for a job that you never applied for, since AI can identify possible candidates from databases and talent pools.
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