Feb 10, 2023 | IT, Management
Is it time that you chose experience over qualifications when looking to secure your next IT hire? We look at the facts.
A 1st Class degree: the hallmark of the ideal candidate… or is it? It’s true that a strong qualification does give candidates a good grounding to build from. And it seems that lots of people still agree with this. The number of people applying to study computer science degrees rose by 13% last year. That’s the biggest increase of any UK university subject!
But is it the right choice for your company. In a market where, when star candidates are available, they are being snapped up fast, it may to time to change your approach.
Why let your competitors snap up all the talent? Could it be time to broaden your search by taking experience into account over and above formal qualifications?
Experience over qualifications?
Which is better? Three years working in the IT industry? Gaining in-depth experience in a real-world situation but with no immediately measurable way of proving a level of knowledge? Or three years studying? Gaining tested and proven knowledge of a wide range of systems but with less time for practical application of that knowledge. And what about those candidates who have no formal degree. But years of experience through which they have gained many ‘non-university level’ qualifications in various systems and skills?
It’s believed that more than half of employers still use degree to screen job applicants. But this can mean that they are often overlooking candidates with relevant skills and experience. But there’s something else to consider too. A third of employers agree that university candidates are either ‘fairly’ or ‘very poorly’ prepared for the workplace.
Lizzie Crowley, skills adviser at the CIPD, said employers must stop thinking that university degrees were always the best indicator of a person’s potential at work: “They [employers] think they’re getting ‘off the shelf’ capability rather than assessing the specific skills needed for roles, then wondering why they have ongoing skills gaps.
Does this mean that academic qualifications have no place in candidate selection? Not in our opinion. Qualifications remain a measurable indicator of the quality of a candidate. Additionally, they are certainly a sign of commitment to the industry, as well as ambition. But they are not the only measure. To be sure of finding the ideal candidate for your IT role it is becoming more and more necessary to broaden search criteria.
As you know, IT is a uniquely fast-moving industry. Systems that were in place a decade ago are often unrecognisable. It could be argued that the content of a ten-year-old degree is now largely irrelevant. That the knowledge gained through experience since earning that degree has become more important than the degree itself.
Broaden your criteria
So, how can you broaden your criteria for the perfect candidate without opening the floodgates to unsuitable candidates? After all, for a candidate to list a skill on a CV tells you very little about their level of expertise. There are several things to look for when shortlisting for a position:
– Look for candidates who have listed their achievements on their CV’s. This will give you an idea of the level of experience they have a particular area.
– Look for projects that the candidate has led or been involved in.
– If you are looking at a Web Developer’s CV, take time to examine the sample URL’s they have provided.
– Most importantly, we can help you find a candidate who is the best fit for your company and individual role. We will know what you are looking for and will ensure that all the information you need to know about each candidate is provided in addition to the CV.
Of course, formal qualifications will always remain a valuable asset to any candidate. Completing a degree or other qualification takes dedication, an aptitude for the subject and plenty of fresh industry knowledge. However, with dropping numbers of IT graduates (The University and College Union (UCU) report, stated that only 169 computer science courses were available in 2012, down 18% from 2006), and university applications down for a second year running in 2013 according to UCAS, combined with a marked growth in IT vacancies, perhaps it’s time for a change in the criteria by which the ideal candidate is chosen, without having to compromise on quality.
We can help
Here at Langley James, we know our candidates. We have in-depth knowledge of their experience, down to the individual projects they have worked on, their strengths (and their weaknesses). We have access to those details that you just can’t get from a CV alone. Our talented and specialised consultants work hard to ensure that any candidates we send you are not only a perfect match for the role but your business. To discuss your IT recruitment needs please call us on 0207 099 4839 or email us: langleyjames@langleyjames.com.
We’d love to hear your views on this. Do you rate qualifications over experience or vice versa? Tweet us @ITRecruitment, or follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn
Feb 8, 2023 | IT, IT Market Reviews
Jan 10, 2023 | IT, IT Market Reviews
Jan 6, 2023 | IT, Tips
Have you considered your IT Recruitment Consultant to be part of your interview process?
This is the first stage of the interview process.
When you outsource your recruitment to Langley James IT Recruitment, you are outsourcing the early stages of your usual IT recruitment process.
Our Recruitment Consultants will act on your behalf. They will meet, interview and qualify candidates. that may be employed by your competitors in line with the job description you provide, We will make IT recruitment decisions based on the knowledge we have of your requirements. Our IT Recruitment Consultant will represent you and your company.
With that in mind, let us clarify how you can optimise this stage of recruitment to ensure your company is properly represented and your shortlist thoroughly vetted before you meet a single candidate.
Share your company knowledge with your IT Recruitment Consultant
If you attempted to recruit directly you might buy some recruitment advertising. Sift through the applicants and select a shortlist using your qualification information. Then, you would invite them to attend an interview where you would explore their suitability against your job description. You’d ask key questions and explain to them what the job is. If you like them, you will probably enthusiastically describe the business and all the reasons why they should join you as you have that knowledge.
Using Langley James IT Recruitment, you will save time. We will be responsible for most of the process allowing you to focus on other business challenges. The information you provide us with at this early stage is crucial to conduct your 1st stage interview to a standard that meets your own.
Qualification
Pass on all your early-stage qualification questions to your IT Recruitment Consultant. Provide examples of the best possible answers so they can match candidate responses accordingly. Context is important here as you might want specific experience and skill application. For example, when you say Advanced Excel skills, what does that really mean?
Describe examples of how the desired skill might be exercised so our Recruitment Consultants can explore a candidate’s experience with more confidence. Be very clear on what is essential and what is desirable so we can prioritise.
Your IT Recruitment Consultant is part of your team
By giving as much information as possible, it will help our Recruitment Consultants represent you and your company in the best possible way. Therefore, the more information we have, the more efficiently we can find you the right people.
Interview Feedback
Do you ensure that you gain feedback from our Recruitment Consultants before setting up your own interview, Part of our process is to produce a report when we shortlist. Ask for our interview report detailing the reasons why they feel a candidate is suitable. Review the evidence gained form the qualification questions you gave them and build their findings into your own interview plan.
Our IT Recruitment Partnership
At Langley James IT Recruitment we aim to keep in touch with you throughout the recruitment process. We send out a standard weekly report to update you on our progress – however do feel free to contact us at any time. We understand that things can change, and you may need to refine or change your recruitment priorities and regularly ask for feedback.
Sometimes roles are harder to fill if the salary is not sufficient, the location is non-traditional, or the specification does not sell the benefits of the role. Whatever the problem, do not wait to find out weeks later. Do whatever you can to influence the recruiter interview process and identify changes early.
Dec 8, 2022 | IT, IT Market Reviews
Dec 7, 2022 | IT, Tips
Should you recruit before Christmas? It’s a question, no doubt, on a lot of hiring managers’ minds right now. Do you wait until the New Year? Or do you go out to market now? Which is more likely to give you the best IT candidates?
You may think that candidates turn off in December. That they are focused on the festivities and waiting for the new year. new job bug. But is that right? Our consultants share their top 3 benefits of recruiting before Christmas.
There are more candidates to choose from
Yes, believe it or not, there are more candidates available in December for IT roles that we’ve seen over the last few months. We are speaking to candidates every day who are keen to secure their dream IT job before Christmas. They want to start 2023 with a renewed sense of excitement and a chance to make their mark in a new role. Read our 4 Tips on Hiring the Right Employee in IT for more tips.
Less competition if you recruit before Christmas
There’s a lot of excitement around Christmas this year after what the world has experienced over the last 18 months or so. And that can mean that whilst some companies are focused on Christmas Parties and festive celebrations, you can get ahead by continuing to recruit. Many companies press the pause button on hiring new employees over the Christmas period and postpone for the New Year. We take it they have little experience of the benefits of Christmas recruits! It can also mean that you don’t get caught into paying a higher salary than originally budgeted as candidates may not be in the process with as many companies. You can see the latest average salaries in our IT Salary Guides that we produce each month.
Start the New Year ahead
Waiting until January to recruit can mean that you are waiting until March for someone new to start! The first week of January isn’t the best time to be advertising a new job. It takes the nation a couple of weeks to get back into the pre-Christmas flow of things. That means that you’re not likely to be making offers until the end of January and with 1 month notice, this takes you to March. Why wait? By recruiting now, you can interview and offer before Christmas meaning your new starter can be with you before January is out.
Here’s where we can offer a helping hand to help you recruit before Christmas….
We understand that you may be busy finishing off projects for the year, and recruitment may not be in your plans. However, we can do the hard work for you and find high calibre candidates ideal for your workplace. Share your IT vacancies with us and will find the very best candidates for you. We will supply a shortlist of exceptional candidates that are all ready for interview.
Christmas is the time of giving, and we are ready to help both candidates and clients with their IT recruitment needs!
Nov 25, 2022 | IT, Tips
As we approach the end of November, there’s no getting away from the fact that Christmas is just around the corner. And after a couple of years of false starts, this year is set to be a big celebration. With many houses already proudly displaying their Christmas trees and Christmas lights being switched on around the country, it really is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
But how does Christmas impact your business? And more importantly, are you ready? We share our top tips to prepare your business for the build-up to Christmas.
Covering Leave
It’s inevitable that employees will want to take leave this time of year. And after the last two years, employees may be keen to use their rolled-over holiday this year. If it’s typically a quiet time of year for your business this shouldn’t be too much of an issue. However, it’s all in the planning. Encourage employees to book their leave in advance. And, introduce a deadline for booking Christmas leave. This is one way to make sure leave is fair and you have time to arrange cover if needed.
If cover for certain roles is essential organise this as far in advance as possible. It’s the most sensible approach. Outside cover could be tricky to find at short notice, not to mention expensive. Drafting in current employees to cover extra tasks could be the best solution. But you’ll need to have arrangements and procedures in place in advance to make sure workload is fair and achievable. Christmas bonuses or prizes could be on offer to incentivise extra work over the Christmas period.
We’ve been supplying IT contractors to business across the UK for over 20 years. If you would like to talk to us about Christmas cover, get in touch with our team today.
Office Christmas Party Issues
Christmas parties can be great fun. However, they also create a melting pot of different personalities, built up workplace tensions and alcohol. All of which sometimes leads to trouble! Choosing and deciding on the venue and the type of event is the first hurdle. Keeping everyone happy, especially when there is a mixture of personalities and age groups isn’t always easy. Try a vote on a range of options or try a ‘two phase’ event. Perhaps with a Christmas lunch for everyone followed by drinks and some dancing for anyone who wants to keep the party going.
Having your Christmas party offsite is the best idea so any potential problems don’t occur on your business property. If you’re hiring out a venue, hiring caterers or entertainers make sure these are booked in early and that you have everything confirmed in writing or a contract. If you feel it’s necessary you could always update your employee handbook and send out a copy of the general code of conduct prior to the event, to cover anyone who’s likely to be caught near a photocopier or under the mistletoe!
A Change of Pace at Christmas
Unless your business is retail where the pace gets a lot quicker this time of year, the lead up to Christmas usually sees things winding down in the office. To avoid boredom or wasted time, use any spare time wisely. Have your employees clear out old files, organise databases and folders and get those jobs done that just keep falling off the to do list. These kind of tasks can be mundane, so add some festive spice to boring chores and offer rewards. Hold Christmas raffles, quizzes or advent calendars to brighten things up and boost motivation.
Snow Days
Do you have a winter weather policy? If the weather is really bad, do your employees know what the correct protocol is? The procedures should be emailed around at this time of year so everyone is clear on what to do. If a cold spell is forecast consider a plan for phone lines going down, pipes freezing up and transport being disrupted.
Planning is the key to most issues you’ll face this winter, and anytime in fact. Trying to foresee any potential issues will help things run smoothly. If you’d like help or advice with you staffing over the Christmas period you can get in touch with us here.
Using Langley James to hire an IT contractor this Christmas
We can supply you with an expert IT contractor, within budget, to carry out your project to a strict timeframe. Giving you peace of mind by knowing the exact cost of the project from the outset. And allowing day to day IT operations to carry on as seamlessly as possible.
Let us find you an expert IT Contractor who not only has the t-shirt but is going back to remake the film. Now is a great time to get on with those projects that have been hanging around and getting specialist contractors has never been cheaper than it is now. You can buy in an expert who can turn a project around to a set schedule and budget.
We have been recruiting IT contractors and permanent IT staff since 1999. We have an extensive network of experienced contractors as result. Get in touch with our expert team today to find out more about hiring an IT contractor today.
Nov 10, 2022 | IT, IT Market Reviews
Oct 28, 2022 | IT, Tips
Technical tests are often used in IT recruitment. Technical testing can provide a far greater insight into how the potential employee will perform in your role. Interviewing on gut feeling is not right, and tests can assist in confirming or rejecting those “nice people” that are professional interviewees. Remember, most people have been an interviewee far more than an interviewer! But are your tests preventing you from securing great candidates?
What do technical tests entail?
Technical tests are a more practical way of interviewing a candidate. They are used in order to assess technical ability and knowledge required to be able to fulfil the role. Depending on the technical skills that are required for the role, technical testing methods will vary. Technical tests are a great idea to help your interview process. You can download a multitude of tests to suit your need. There are free ones and there are ones you can pay a fee for. It’s an industry all on its own and some people and companies are making a great living from it, so they must be worthwhile.
Not all questions administered to the candidate are aimed towards testing technical knowledge and ability. Often technical tests also test problem solving skills, personal skills, communication skills and even how their thought process is constructed.
You may already be testing IT candidates as part of your recruitment process. But are your tests right? What are you testing for? Don’t just test for testings sake! Make it a valuable part of your decision making.
How to test more effectively
The best technical tests in our experience are written by someone who knows the role you are recruiting. A person who understands all the necessary technical skills to be a success. But not only this, they will also be able to identify any transferable skills. By testing in this way, you may get a better chance to secure the best person for your role. Testing in this way can help identify those that will perform well at the role, even if they don’t have the tech skills that are on your list.
When using an ‘off-the-shelf’ technical test, you’ll find that some of the questions are not relevant to your role. Whilst they may be valid technical questions, not all will be suitable. This is the feedback we have had from candidates. And in some instances, the suitability of the technical test has even discouraged them from taking the role.
So in short make sure your technical test is relevant to the role you are recruiting, otherwise you may be losing out on some great candidates. However, it’s also important to ask the right questions in interview to help determine someone’s technical ability.
What should technical interview questions entail?
To be able to make a fair decision about the ability of the candidate to perform in the role, it is vital to ensure the questions you ask the candidate will reveal certain key attributes.
Our advice is to ask questions that will:
- Relate to the company’s technical activities and demonstrate a candidate’s knowledge and experience in these activities
- Demonstrate a candidate’s ability to complete technical activities that are required as part of the role
- Demonstrate the candidate’s previous experience, knowledge, or education in a particular field
- Require the candidate to demonstrate their problem-solving skills. This can be done by administering a case study that explains an issue the candidate may come across as part of the role and assessing how they solve the issue and comes to a conclusion.
Are technical tests worth doing?
All in all, technical tests are a great method to use to interview a candidate. They can reveal a lot about the individual’s ability to undertake the role they have applied for. But as well as technical testing, be sure to get to know the candidate on a more personal level to ensure they will be a good fit for your company.
Another key point to remember is to make sure that your testing doesn’t cause delays to the interview process. In the current market it’s important to make sure your process can be quick to secure the best candidates. You may find our blog 3 Simple Ways to Speed Up Your Hiring Process an interesting read.
The interview process can be a stressful time for both the candidate and the interviewee. If you need help recruiting the best IT professionals, our expert consultants are on hand to help you at every step of the recruitment process. Call us on 0207 788 6600.
Oct 7, 2022 | IT, IT Market Reviews
Sep 25, 2022 | IT, Tips
‘Quiet firing’ – are you guilty of it? Could it be the cause of your recent resignations? The internet is currently awash with people talking about quiet quitting. This is when an employee literally does the bare minimum to get by without losing their job. It’s become a common issue of late, especially with companies embracing flexible working. But, it can actually go both ways.
What is ‘quiet firing’?
‘Quiet firing’ isn’t actually a new thing. It’s been happening for years. Going unreported and simply being part of the employment landscape. But now it has a name and people are starting to talk about it. Maybe it’s happened to you and you just didn’t realise? ‘Quiet firing’ is essentially when a manager demoralises their employees enough, that they choose to leave. Sometimes, it’s not intentional. And other times, it most certainly is.
When was the last time you took a step back and looked at your current management practices? If, like many other companies, you have gone from managing an on-site team, to managing a part or fully remote team, your management practice has had to change. Even if you haven’t made this transition, there are other issues afoot. With the cost of living incase and desire for career progression, employees are looking for more support than ever from their manager.
Are you guilty of ‘quiet firing’?
This can happen in various ways, such as increasing worlds to unmanageable levels, not responding to requests for promotions or salary increases, or by eliminating opportunities for career growth. But that’s not all. Micromanaging, excluding employees, cutting back hours, or removing soft benefits. All the things will make an employee feel unwanted, under-valued and neglected. And with so many vacancies in the market right now, candidates are in a strong position when it comes to finding a new job.
We encourage companies to look at their management practices and identify any instances of ‘quiet firing’ by poor managers. These are the managers who do not want to invest the time and effort to support, motivate and engage their teams. And sometimes this isn’t intentional. There are time pressures on managers across all areas of IT. It could be that the manager just simply doesn’t have the time to really consider the wellbeing of their team. These trends are causing concern for HR teams who are trying to recruit and retain talent in a tight job market.
Avoiding “quiet quitting’
Interestingly, there is a distinct connection between ‘quiet firing’ and ‘quiet quitting’. If there are members of your team who used to do well but are now showing signs of doing as little as possible, ask yourself this. Why? What is it that has made them feel so disengaged that they have lost to desire to do their very best? People don’t leave jobs that they feel supported in. Jobs that pay sensible salaries, a work-life balance and offer opportunities for career progression.
This year has seen a 24% increase in internet searches for “how to fire someone” compared to last year! And, as much as a 180% increase in the term “when to fire someone”. And with the current skills shortage, it’s surprising to see these increases.
Stop quiet firing, and you’ll avoid quiet quitting!
About Langley James
We have been helping companies to attract and retain the very best IT talent since 1999. But we don’t just simply find the best candidates. We can advise you on the current jobs market conditions. Share data on average IT salaries. Talk to you about the benefits that candidates are looking for. In fact, we do everything we can to help ensure that you get the very best people for your team. Get in touch with our team to find out how we can help you to recruit the best!
Sep 13, 2022 | IT, IT Market Reviews
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