Hiring for more than just skills

The talent market has evolved rapidly. With fierce competition among IT professionals, companies must shift their approach to stand out. What does that mean for hiring managers? Two essential factors have risen to the forefront of successful recruitment strategies in tech today – purpose and inclusion.

How Purpose and Performance Go Hand in Hand

We all know the power of asking “why.” But for engineers, coders, and data scientists, understanding the "why" behind their work is crucial. Purpose goes far beyond a company’s mission statement on its website. It’s about giving employees a tangible connection to how their work impacts the business, the customers, and society.

The data doesn’t lie:

• 79% of employees who feel they have a strong sense of purpose at work are more engaged (Gallup, 2023).

• Companies with a clearly defined purpose outperform the market by up to 7% annually (Harvard Business Review, 2022).

For organisations aiming to attract and retain top tech talent, sharing your vision and actively communicating how candidates will contribute to this purpose is vital. Today’s professionals seek not just a paycheck, but meaning. They thrive when they feel part of something bigger than themselves.

Why inclusion is a business imperative:

• Inclusive teams are 35% more likely to outperform non-inclusive teams (McKinsey, 2020).

However, inclusion goes beyond ticking the diversity box. Candidates actively assess the inclusivity of a company during interviews. The experience you provide in those early interactions creates an impression that can make or break your recruitment efforts.

Meet Gen Z and Millennial Expectations

Millennials and Gen Z now account for a major portion of the workforce, especially in tech. These generations care deeply about purpose and equity, making them naturally attuned to your organisation’s values. And while salary remains a key factor, a Deloitte study reveals that 75% of Gen Z would leave their roles if their employers did not prioritise diversity and inclusion.

These emerging generations bring a fresh perspective to the workplace, questioning traditional structures and demanding innovation, transparency, and fairness. To attract and retain this talent, organisations must go beyond surface-level statements. They must actively demonstrate their purpose and commitment to inclusion.

Accelerating Change with Practical Adjustments for Hiring Managers

As a hiring manager, the power to shape this paradigm shift sits directly with you. By adapting processes and embedding purpose and inclusion, you can create a recruitment experience that resonates deeply with modern professionals.

 

Ensure consistent and ongoing communication with new hires about their role within the broader company vision and how their contributions matter. This approach keeps purpose alive post-onboarding.

Want help building a hiring strategy that aligns with your company’s purpose while meeting your diversity goals? Contact us today to learn more. Together, we’ll create a winning talent magnet strategy.