Article December 5, 2024

by Agustín Sedano

A Strategic Roadmap to Overcoming the Tech Talent Shortage

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Industry

Finding the perfect candidate for a role is never easy, but add a talent shortage to the mix, and the challenge can feel overwhelming.

Despite high-profile layoffs in technology, unemployment for tech professionals remains strikingly low. In fact, nearly 70% of candidates report having multiple offers when accepting a role. According to CompTIA, the U.S. tech workforce is projected to grow at twice the rate of the overall workforce, reaching 7.1 million jobs by 2034. Put simply, these numbers highlight one undeniable reality: competition for top talent is fiercer than ever.

But the tech talent shortage isn’t a new issue. It has been a pressing concern for years, affecting not only the tech industry but also every sector relying on digital transformation. So, how did we get here—and more importantly, how can we rise to the challenge?

This complex scenario calls for deeper reflection. I believe that understanding the root causes driving this gap is the first step toward finding sustainable solutions. While the challenges are significant, I’m also confident they present an opportunity for innovation and growth.

The tech talent shortage explained

‍Let’s take a step back and look at the bigger picture. To fully understand the talent shortage in tech, I find it helpful to focus on three main factors:

1. Widening skills gap

1. Widening Skills Gap.

‍Emerging technologies keep widening the gap between industry needs and available talent. In short, as companies adopt new advancements, the demand for specialized skills rises, yet the talent pool with those skills struggles to grow fast enough.

To make matters more complex, the half-life of specific tech skills— the time it takes for them to become outdated—has shrunk to just 2.5 years. This forces professionals to reskill continually, leaving companies grappling with filling immediate gaps. In this scenario, identifying adaptable candidates who can grow with the role and emphasizing learning agility during the hiring process becomes vital for recruiters.

2. AI accelerating transformations

2. AI Accelerating Transformations.

By now, we know that AI is fundamentally reshaping the talent landscape. Demand has skyrocketed, with U.S. job postings requiring generative AI skills increasing by over 1,800% in recent years. Companies are aggressively seeking software engineers, data scientists, and developers with expertise in AI models.

Yet even seasoned professionals face challenges keeping up with these rapid advancements. According to the Future of Jobs Report, by 2027, 44% of workers are expected to adapt their core skills to meet new technological demands. As the skills required for AI roles evolve constantly, recruiters are presented with a moving target when sourcing top talent.

3. Educational roadblocks limit the talent pipeline.

3. Educational Roadblocks Limit the Talent Pipeline.

The root of the tech talent shortage in America starts with education, where systemic gaps remain apparent. While statistics have improved compared to a few years ago:

Only 60% of public high schools offer foundational computer science courses, and just 6.4% of students enroll in them.
These courses are often limited to well-funded, urban schools, leaving underrepresented minorities and rural students behind.
Gender disparities persist, with young women making up just 33% of computer science students.

These gaps narrow today’s talent pool and limit future growth. While systemic change will take time, I like to see it as a window of opportunity to shape a more inclusive, diverse, and skilled talent pipeline for the future. Talent teams can take proactive steps to drive meaningful impact, for instance, by partnering with educational institutions and training providers to address disparities and promote STEM occupations early on.

Adapting to the tech talent shortage

‍The factors we’ve just explored shed light on the obstacles talent teams face when attracting and retaining tech talent. With these challenges in mind, new questions arise: What are job seekers really looking for? What do tech professionals value most in their careers? Which benefits genuinely make a difference? And, perhaps most importantly, how can companies foster a culture that keeps talent continuously skilled and deeply engaged for the long haul?‍

Keeping up with talent expectations

In today’s context —shaped by inflation and rising costs of living across the U.S.—tech professionals are increasingly prioritizing roles that offer the best job conditions. Amid a persistent talent shortage and fierce competition for skilled workers, companies and recruiters must rise to meet high expectations for salaries and essential benefits.

But beyond competitive compensation packages, non-tangible perks are taking center stage. Flexible work arrangements, in particular, stand out. According to Joppy and Circular’s 2024 Tech Recruitment Trends Report, flexibility remains a top priority for tech professionals, with many unwilling to give up the hybrid and remote work options that became the norm during the pandemic.

‍Widening the search

Flexible work models have also become game-changers for organizations tackling talent shortages. By removing geographical constraints, recruiters can access international talent pools—an appealing solution for finding and hiring top-tier professionals with specialized skills that may be scarce locally. This approach not only mitigates regional shortages but also fosters diverse and innovative teams.

Embracing a wider lens also means rethinking what makes a great candidate. While tech expertise is still essential, non-technical skills are equally critical. Abilities like analytical thinking, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning are increasingly in demand across the tech sector. These are especially valuable in a landscape where rapid change often challenges professionals to stay ahead of emerging technologies and evolving demands.

Investing in career development

Career development opportunities are also key to attracting—and retaining—tech talent. Offering defined career paths, growth opportunities within the organization, and career development support can encourage employees’ professional growth. These strategies instill a sense of purpose and fuel commitment, as a clear career roadmap boosts motivation and provides employees with direction for their journey.

Another way to demonstrate the value of your team members is by providing consistent opportunities to learn new skills. Fostering a culture of continuous learning proves particularly valuable in a context where expertise needs to be up-to-date, empowering employees to adapt to industry changes and take on new challenges with confidence.

The impact of DEI initiatives

We’ve touched on this in previous discussions, but it’s important to revisit the transformative impact these efforts can have.

For job seekers, a company’s commitment to DEI sends a clear message about an inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are valued and respected. Studies consistently show that candidates, especially those from underrepresented groups, are more likely to apply for roles in organizations that actively promote diversity and equity.

DEI initiatives also play a critical role in strengthening employees’ sense of belonging, which directly impacts engagement, satisfaction, and retention. When people feel included and represented in their workplace, they’re more likely to stay, contribute meaningfully, and advocate for the company.

‍Company culture matters

Some final thoughts on the importance of culture. With turnover rates staying high, HR teams need to take proactive steps to ensure employees feel engaged, valued, and motivated to stay. Initiatives that prioritize well-being and foster a sense of belonging are always a strong starting point. As we’ve discussed before, creating an environment where everyone feels heard, respected, and valued makes a significant difference in talent acquisition and retention—and it’s worth repeating.

Company culture is just as critical from a job seeker’s perspective. Candidates are increasingly prioritizing workplaces where the organization’s mission and values resonate with them. Research from Glassdoor shows that over 70% of candidates evaluate a company’s culture before even applying. For many, it’s a deciding factor when choosing their next role.

The tech talent shortage is a complex challenge, but it’s not insurmountable

For HR leaders and talent teams, it’s also a chance to redefine how they attract, engage, and retain talent. Today, we’ve explored the causes to better understand the landscape and reflected on possible actions to adapt to this complex scenario. Looking ahead, how will we continue to turn these barriers into possibilities to build stronger, future-ready teams

Meanwhile, keep exploring our blog to navigate the dynamic landscape of tech recruitment, embrace the opportunities that lie ahead, and stay updated on the latest insights.