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February 21, 2025
Not sure what the future holds for IT recruitment? While this sector might be at the forefront of advancements, it is still at the mercy of wider trends and the economy. It’s a tough scene for job seekers at the moment, and employers are also facing their own challenges.
Uncertainty in the global economy makes companies reluctant to make big moves. And at a local level, upcoming changes to the tax burden on employers will also influence hiring decisions.
With this in mind, we’re looking at some of the dominant trends within IT recruitment, looking specifically at the South West of England, where demand for these roles is on the rise. Candidates thinking about making a career move might also be thinking about a change of location.
At the top of the list is naturally going to be an increase in automation, fueled by the integration of AI technology into all corners of life. AI technology promises to speed up recruitment and streamline the process of decision making.
This technology can help you to quickly accept or reject applications based on specific criteria, but it’s worth casting an eye over the reject pile to make sure nothing has been rejected incorrectly.
There are fears that the use of AI automation in recruitment could lead to accusations of bias, so it’s essential to have human oversight to ensure you aren’t sleepwalking into legal trouble.
London is losing its shine as the only place to be for IT roles. Rising costs of living in the capital are sending candidates further afield in search of work. Many left the capital during the pandemic and are reluctant to return.
This means that companies in the South West of England have an opportunity to widen their search for candidates. Investment in areas outside of London is increasing, as the current government is attempting to create hubs of activity outside of London.
To make the most of this trend, companies should think about who they are trying to reach and why. If there is a skills shortage in your sector, are there ways you can widen your search and capitalise on the shift in focus from London to elsewhere in the UK.
Another seismic change to working trends precipitated by the pandemic is the move towards remote and hybrid roles. This is popular with many companies, as it allows them to downsize or remove the need for an office entirely.
Remote workers are typically happier and more content, and they also work more efficiently when they are in a place that allows them to focus. That said, some employers will miss the office environment and would prefer a hybrid arrangement.
Companies that are demanding workers get back to the office are facing pushback from their employees and accusations of micro-managing. To attract the best IT talent in the South West, it’s essential to be able to stay on top of these trends and offer working arrangements that are in line with employees’ expectations.
Another key trend to look out for in 2025 and beyond is the role of skills assessment. Employers are no longer just focusing on qualifications and training. The use of skills assessments during the selection process will allow them to assess what skills the candidate currently has, and their aptitude and willingness to acquire new ones.
This approach gives hiring managers the confidence that their new hires have the right skills for the role. The interview can then focus on the so-called soft skills, such as leadership and communication. This is a highly effective approach that can ensure skills gaps are quickly addressed with new hires that either have the skills already, or have the aptitude to attain them.
As we head into 2025, expect to see the widespread use of AI automation and technology in the recruitment process. It’s vital to monitor this rollout to avoid any mishaps along the way. We’re also seeing changes in the location of job seekers, and by embracing remote and hybrid working, it’s possible to expand your search to a much larger area, which could help to fill skills gaps faster.
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