The IT industry is one of the most competitive sectors in the UK, with businesses constantly vying for skilled professionals to fill critical roles. However, the data reveals that sourcing qualified candidates has become increasingly challenging, leaving organisations scrambling to address skill shortages.
At the Verelogic Group, we have over 10 years of specialising in IT recruitment and 30+ years working in the IT industry. We've seen the challenges and opportunities facing both employers and IT professionals.
In this blog, we'll explore three hard truths about IT recruitment in the UK, what they mean for professionals, and how you can turn challenges into opportunities.
The UK is Short Around 40,000 IT Specialists
The demand for IT specialists continues to outrun supply, with the UK facing a shortfall of approximately 40,000 skilled workers. (IT Brief)
The rapid acceleration of technology, from cloud computing to AI-driven solutions, has increased the demand for skilled professionals. Unfortunately, the talent pool isn't keeping up with this demand.
For many organisations in the UK, this means greater competition for top talent. For IT professionals, it's a golden opportunity to develop sought-after skills and stand out in a crowded market.
Age Bias is Still a Challenge in Hiring
According to a survey by the Chartered Management Institute, 42% of managers are open to hiring individuals aged 50 to 64. In contrast, 74% of managers are comfortable hiring candidates aged 18 to 34. (People Management)
This gap reveals a missed opportunity for employers to tap into the wealth of experience that older professionals can bring. For mid-career and senior IT professionals, the key is to emphasise transferable skills, such as leadership, project management, and problem-solving, which are highly valued across all tech roles.
A Quarter of Hiring Managers Cite a Skills Shortage as the Biggest Obstacle
A study by Morgan McKinley's 2024 UK Salary Guide found that 25% of hiring managers identified the shortage of skilled candidates as the primary reason they struggle to fill IT roles.
As businesses navigate digital transformation, the skills required are evolving. Companies are looking for AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity specialists to tackle complex challenges. This creates both a demand and an opportunity for IT professionals to upskill and future-proof their careers.
What Does This Mean for IT Professionals in the UK?
The IT recruitment landscape may be challenging, but for professionals, this is a chance to carve out a successful career by adapting to industry needs. Here's how:
1. Focus on Shortage Areas
Identify high-demand fields and invest in building skills within those areas. Expertise in AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity is in high demand, and premium salaries are offered.
2. Highlight Your Transferable Skills
If you're a mid-career or senior professional, your experience in problem-solving, leadership, and project management is incredibly valuable. Don't just focus on technical skills— but also emphasise the broader capabilities that make you a great asset to any team.
3. Engage with Specialised Recruiters
Recruiters focusing on IT roles, such as Verelogic, have deep insights into industry trends, skill gaps, and upcoming opportunities. Partnering with a specialised recruiter can give you a competitive edge by connecting you with roles that match your skills and ambitions.
How Verelogic Can Help
Navigating the challenges of IT recruitment requires the proper guidance and support. At Verelogic, we're dedicated to helping IT professionals find roles that align with their expertise and career goals.
With over a decade of IT recruitment experience and a combined 30+ years in the IT industry, we understand what businesses are looking for and how professionals can position themselves for success.
Contact us today at recruitment@verelogic.co.uk to start your journey.
Sources:
IT Brief: https://itbrief.co.uk/
People Management: https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/
Morgan McKinley 2024 UK Salary Guide
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