2015 candidate whitepaper
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This document summarizes the results of a survey of 148 IT professionals about how third platform technologies are affecting their careers. It finds: 1) Keeping technical skills and knowledge of technology and industry developments up to date poses significant challenges for professionals in an environment of rapid change. 2) Respondents held a variety of roles, including project managers, system administrators, senior IT managers, application developers, and C-level executives. 3) The most efficient resources for finding career opportunities varied by role, but professional networks and recruiting firms were often seen as most helpful overall.
2015 candidate whitepaper
- 1. The Shifting Technology Landscape: Reshaping Career Opportunities A Life In Technology in association with Third Platform Market Challenges Overview Job Search Methods Finding Work Personal Objectives Soft Skills Recruitment Firm Credentials Support Areas Desired Soft Skills
- 2. But the scale and complexity of technology involved is a challenge for anyone looking to advance their careers in working environments where change is the only constant, and makes life equally difficult for employers seeking the best candidates for recruitment. The diversity of job roles affected by third platform adoption is also broad. But while application developers, systems administrators and data analysts may have very different job requirements and personal aspirations compared to IT managers and company executives, all of them need help in finding the right vacancies, matching those opportunities to their skill sets, prioritizing objectives and keeping up with technology and industry developments. To get a clearer picture of how third platform technologies are affecting workers at all levels of IT, IDG Connect interviewed 148 IT decision makers working for organizations in Australia, Canada and the US, 72% of which employ 500 people or more. Almost a third (32%) work for software and computer services companies, with manufacturing, retail and financial services sectors also well represented. Overview The current expansion of third platform technologies presents a wealth of job opportunities for IT professionals with skills and ambition in mobile computing, social networking, the cloud and big data analytics. A Life In Technology
- 3. The survey’s findings make interesting reading for any worker looking to build or advance a career in third platform technology. They provide detailed insight into how applicants with third platform skills and experience are currently approaching the jobs market, while highlighting their preferences for finding suitable vacancies, analyzing the challenges they face, and identifying short-term employment and long-term career objectives. This overview is broken down into eight major topics: Third platform technologies dominate activity. Not surprisingly, when asked about the technology projects in which they were currently involved, those most frequently cited were related to the Cloud, Software as a Service (SaaS), and Big Data. Secondary to those were Desktop Applications, Storage, and Security. Keeping up in a rapidly changing environment poses many challenges. Refreshing technical skills, making strong networking connections, and hearing about job opportunities before the details are widely available are some of the prominent challenges IT professionals are grappling with in their job searches. Respondents hold a wide variety of job roles within their organizations. They include project managers, system and network administrators, which make up 24% of the research base; senior IT managers (22%); application developers (Java. .Net, cloud and mobile - 20%); and C-level executives (18%), a category which includes chief information officers (CIOs - 11%) and chief technology officers (CTOs – 5%). Another grouping (16%) consists of those who work in development operations (DevOps), analytics and as application, enterprise or infrastructure architects and engineers. Some techniques are more efficient than others in keeping up with third platform opportunities. Business contacts, industry events, IT recruiters, business courses and qualifications, and professional network connections are all perceived as effective techniques in keeping up with third platform opportunities, with some variance depending on job function. The top personal objectives around a third platform job vary little based on job title. Income potential, job security, and striking a work/life balance are important personal objectives regardless of one’s place in the organization. Professional networks and recruiting firms judged most efficient resources. Techniques that involve people are most efficient at providing results, but as you move down the org chart techniques such as online job boards and job fairs are more widely embraced. Attitudes about finding the best fit in a recruiting firm also vary by job. Candidates hold diverse opinions about which criteria are most important in selecting a recruiting firm. Depending on their current job, some place importance on establishing a long-term commitment as opposed to simply a transactional relationship. Job seekers have opinions about the areas in which recruiting firms can help – and those they can’t. Those in executive and management positions tend not to look for help around their compensation but do want visibility of job alternatives. Operational personnel don’t look to recruiting firms for career path security but like their management counterparts, also want help in visibility of job alternatives. The soft skills that are important for their current roles differ somewhat from those needed to enhance their careers. Teamwork, adaptability, negotiating skills, listening, conflict management, and one- on-one communication are all important skills in the positions they currently have. To move ahead, depending somewhat on job title, it’s important to hone skills in managing conflict and one-on-one communication and building skills in leading discussions and meetings. Overview A Life In Technology
- 4. C-level, senior managers, and application developers find making the best networking connections to increase visibility also challenging – this challenge was selected by 73% of C-level execs. When asked to identify the single biggest challenge, making networking connections, finding the right company culture, hearing about opportunities before they’re widely known, and keeping up- to-date on technology were all deemed important by at least one job grouping. Given the pace and magnitude of innovation and change in the IT industry it’s to be expected that keeping up-to-date on technology is a major challenge for managers at various levels. It was mentioned prominently across the board, but 75% of those job candidates working in DevOps and analytics, or as software or infrastructure architects and engineers, selected keeping up with technology as a major challenge. Finding the best fit for the individual’s skills was also a prominent challenge across job types, again particularly noted by those working in DevOps, analytics and software/infrastructure architect and engineer roles, as well as system administrators/project managers. Technology and Skills Are the Hardest To Keep Pace With Most challenging market dynamic by job title Challenging dynamics around jobs/career by job title C-level Snr IT Mgrs Net/Sys Admin/Proj Mgrs DevOps/Analysts App Dev 1. Have time to research available jobs 2. Get past gatekeeper 3. More effective communicator 4. Achieve relevant certifications 5. See available job paths & options 6. Awareness of new job positions 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 42% 27% 38% 42% 35% 38% 50% 27% 58% 73% 50% 65% 31% 38% 38% 41% 53% 44% 44% 53% 47% 47% 50% 50% 40% 50% 50% 37% 30% 43% 40% 47% 43% 60% 63% 43% 29% 33% 29% 21% 38% 25% 38% 54% 46% 33% 40% 75% 33% 31% 25% 42% 31% 39% 36% 47% 50% 38% 61% 47% 7. Good cultural fit with work style 8. Hear about job opportunities earlier 9. Longer-term job strategy 10. Make best networking connections 11. Find best fit for skill 12. Keep up-to-date on tech C-level - Cultural fit and best networking connections Snr IT Mgrs - Hear about opportunities early & Keep up to date on tech DevOps/Analysts - Keep up to date on tech App Developers - Make the best networking connections Net/System Admin/Proj Mgrs - Hear about opportunities early & Keep up to date on tech 23% 16%20% 17% A Life In Technology 38%
- 5. When asked to pick the best technique from among the nine options, business contacts, industry events, insightful and knowledgeable IT recruiters, and educational courses and qualifications were frequently named by the different segments. In aggregate, IT recruiters were judged to have a slightly bigger positive impact (19%) than professional network connections (17%). Several ways to keep their fingers on the pulse of third platform market dynamics and career opportunities were identified. One’s professional network connections (LinkedIn) was the most widely selected method selected by 75% of candidates working in DevOps/ analytics and more than 60% in network/system admin and application development. Use of an IT recruiter and educational courses were also widely selected. Twitter was selected by nearly half of application developers – more than by any other job type. Efficiency Ratings Differ Markedly Among Different Job Roles Single most efficient way to understand market dynamics & career opportunities Efficient ways to find career opportunities by job title 27% 25% 25% 20% 25% C-level Snr IT Managment Net/Sys Admin/ Project Mgrs DevOps Analysts Application Developers Everyday business contacts Industry events Educational courses & qualifications Everyday business contacts IT recruiter’s insight & knowledge Twitter Social media blogs Online & print media sources Everyday business contacts Industry events Educational courses & qualifications IT recruiter that provides insight & knowledge Personal network connections (Lindkedln) 38% 28% 8% 47%25% 35% 47% 17% 30%33% 35% 41% 50% 43%47% 54% 31% 63% 43%42% 54% 59% 71% 33%50% 50% 59% 54% 53%61% 54% 69% 54% 60%44% 58% 56% 50% 53%67% 56% 75% 60%61% Personal network friends (Facebook) 54% C-level Snr IT Management Net/Sys Admin/ Project Mgrs DevOps Analysts Application Developers A Life In Technology
- 6. Regardless of job title, income potential, job security, and striking a work/life balance are the most important objectives in a third platform job. Income potential appears to be of slightly more importance to C-level executives, operational personnel in DevOps, analytics, software/ infrastructure architect and engineer roles and for project managers and network/system administrators than for senior IT managers and application developers. Striking a work/life balance appears to be more important to people in operations than to upper management. Working for a company known for innovation and the ability to drive digital transformation appear to be of less relative importance as they received fewer responses. Income Potential, Job Security and Work/Life Balance Are Valued Equally Relative importance of personal objectives for a third platform job Ability to drive digital transformation Working for a company known for innovation Opportunity for advancement Work/life balance Job security Income potential 13% 15% 9% 11% 15% 15% 15% 12% 8% 16% 16% 19% 14% 15% 16% 17% 15% 24% 21% 18% 17% 20% 19% 21% 19% 21% 16% 23% 24% 16% C-level Snr IT Managment Net/Sys Admin/ Project Mgrs DevOps Analysts Application Developers A Life In Technology
- 7. Four out of the five job title categories selected their professional network as the most effective method of finding career opportunities. Senior IT managers selected recruiting firms as their most effective method. C-level execs, operations staff, and application developers selected recruiting firms as their second most effective method. Online job boards was the most selected method for DevOps, analysts and software/infrastructure architects and engineers. Professional networks, on-line job boards, and recruiting firms are the mostly widely used methods of finding career opportunities. There is considerable variance by job title. C-level execs and operational personnel rely more heavily on their professional network than do senior IT managers or application developers. On-line job boards are a favourite for DevOps staff, analysts and software/infrastructure architects/engineers and, to a lesser extent, application developers. Nearly seven out of ten C-level execs and senior IT managers chose recruiting firms compared to around half of DevOps, analytics, software/ infrastructure architect and engineer personnel and application developers. Professional Networks and Recruitment Firms Judged Most Effective Most effective method to find career opportunities 75% 50% 65% 70% 95%31% 31% 54% 20%42% C-level Snr IT Management Net/Sys Admin/ Project Mgrs DevOps Analysts Application Developers Professional network Recruiting Firm Professional network Professional network Professional network Methods used to find career opportunities C-level Snr IT Management Net/Sys Admin/ Project Mgrs DevOps Analysts Application Developers Career coach College career office Newspaper jobs listing Personal recruiter Job fairs Recruiting firm On-line job boards Professional network 19% 44% 22% 21% 40% 38% 28% 25% 42% 47% 42% 38% 33% 42% 43% 50% 50% 53% 33% 47% 46% 47% 56% 42% 50% 69% 66% 50% 50% 47% 50% 44% 53% 79% 63% 85% 41% 75% 71% 50% A Life In Technology
- 8. A personalized approach aligned with the individual’s strengths is most favored by both C-level execs and personnel in DevOps, analytics, software/infrastructure architect and engineer roles. The C-level also attaches a good bit of importance to the firm’s reputation and leadership and them having attractive clients and opportunities. Although all of the criteria are important, some job positions indicated a preference for some over others. C-level executives find a focus on a long-term commitment rather than a transactional focus significantly more important than do DevOps, analytics and software/infrastructure architect and engineer personnel. On the other hand, the latter group are more concerned with strong communications than are C-level execs. The recruiter having a competent and knowledgeable staff is more important to application developers than to senior IT managers. Candidates Have Diverse Demands and Expectations of Recruiting Firms Criteria to select recruiting firm Most important recruiting firm characteristic by job title Recruiter with most attractive clients & opportunities Personalized approach aligned with my strengths Focus on long-term commitment vs. transaction Competent, knowledgeable staff Strong/frequent communicators Firm reputation & leadership Recruiter expertise in job areas C-level Snr IT Mgt Net/Sys Admin/ Project Mgrs DevOps Analysts Application Developers 58% 63% 50% 53%42% 65% 44% 63% 50%53% 69% 41% 38% 63%58% 54% 47% 58% 60%56% 50% 56% 67% 53%58% 62% 50% 63% 60%58% 50% 66% 67% 50%64% C-level Snr IT Management Net/Sys Admin/ Project Mgrs DevOps Analysts Application Developers 27% 22% 29% 23%31% Personalized approach Attractive clients & expertise in my skill area Long term commitment Personalized approach Competent staff A Life In Technology
- 9. Here by job title is where job seekers think recruitment firms could help – and where they think they can’t. A follow-up question asked how much the areas listed in the above question boosted their ability in finding a new job. The top response for each job title and the percentage selecting that area follow: In Which Areas Can Recruitment Firms Help? Criteria to select recruiting firm Greater flexibility in job responsibilities Greater uniqueness in the eye of the employers Overall visibility of job alternatives Ability to work in other regions or countries Career path security Annual compensation/Flexibility in career choices/Fulfilling work where I make an impact Opportunities that are the best fit for me C-level 35% 85% 81% 81% 88% 31% 23% Overall visibility of job alternatives Annual compensation Ability to work in other regions or countries Fulfilling work where I make an impact Opportunities that are the best fit for me Greater flexibility in job responsibilities SeniorITManagement 28%81% 81% 78% 94% 22% Yes No Yes No Overall visibility of job alternatives Greater flexibility in job responsibilities Opportunities that are the best fit for me Greater uniqueness in the eye of the employer Flexibility in career choices Annual compensation Fulfilling work where I make an impact/ Ability to work in other regions or countries NetworkAdmin/Project Managers 28% 83% 72% 67% 94% 28% 28% Career path security25% Yes No A Life In Technology
- 10. In Which Areas Can Recruitment Firms Help? Criteria to select recruiting firm cont. Overall visibility of job alternatives Career path security Opportunities that are the best fit for me Fulfilling work where I make an impact Annual compensation Greater uniqueness in the eye of the employer Greater flexibility in job responsibilities DevOps,Analysts,Software/ InfrastructureArchitectsand Engineers 46% 79% 79% 75% 79% 38% 33% Overall visibility of job alternatives Career path security Opportunities that are the best fit for me Flexibility in career choices Greater flexibility in job responsibilities Ability to work in other regions or countries Greater Uniqueness in eyes of the employer/ Ability to work internationally / Compensation ApplicationDevelopers 40% 67% 63% 90% 37% 33% Ability to work in other regions or countries 33% Greater uniqueness in the eyes of the employer/Fulfilling work where I make an impact 30% 70% Yes No Yes NoHow much does this characteristic boost your ability to find a new job Career path security Overall visibility of job alternatives Overall visibility of job alternatives Opportunities that are the best fit for me Overall visibility of job alternatives C-level Snr IT Management Net/Sys Admin/ Project Mgrs DevOps Analysts Application Developers 21% 20% 19% 22% 25% A Life In Technology
- 11. When asked to select only one as their most important soft skill in their current role, four out of the five job categories selected working as part of a team, with senior IT managers surprisingly selecting presenting/presentation skills as their top ranked soft skill. The most important soft skills relevant to their current roles include working as part of a team, adapting to new requirements, negotiating with others, listening to others’ views, managing conflict, and one-on-one communication. Interestingly, C-level execs identify adapting to new requirements most frequently as an important soft skill but that skill was selected by only 31% of senior IT managers. DevOps, analytics and software/infrastructure architect and engineer personnel select working as part of a team and adapting to new requirements as important soft skills whereas application developers selected negotiating with others and managing conflict as their top choices. Most Important Soft Skills for Current Job C-level Snr IT Management DevOps Analysts Application Developers Net/Sys Admin/ Project Mgrs Work as part of a team Business stakeholder engagement Adapt to new requirements Lead group discussions & meetings Balance risks vs. rewards Presenting/presentation skills One-on-one communication Manage conflict Listen to other views Negotiate with others 42% 50% 42% 50%28% Soft skills needed to enhance career 62% 41% 54% 53%47% 62% 50% 50% 57%44% 58% 66% 63% 33%56% 38% 56% 67% 60%69% 65% 53% 63% 67%53% 50% 53% 58% 63%69% 65% 44% 54% 67%69% 73% 31% 71% 50%78% 65% 69% 79% 60%72% Single most important soft skill in current role 23% 19% 29% 17% 36% C-level Snr IT Management Net/Sys Admin/ Project Mgrs DevOps Analysts Application DevelopersWork as part of a team Work as part of a team Work as part of a team Work as part of a team Presenting/ presentation skills A Life In Technology
- 12. Skills in which IT job candidates appear to need to improve include managing conflict, one-on-one communication, and leading group discussions and meetings. Managing conflict and adapting to new requirements remain important skills for IT personnel to have in their toolkit, with four out of the five job categories selecting one or the other as the most important desired skill to acquire. Application developers would like to improve their skills in leading discussions and meetings. Job Seekers Recognize Room For Soft Skill Improvement Most important desired skill 23% 16% 25% 21% 23% Manage conflict Manage conflict/Work as a team/Balance risks-rewards Adapt to new requirements Adapt to new requirements Lead group discussions and meetings C-level Snr IT Management Net/System Admin/ Project Mgrs DevOps Analysts Application Developers 31% 42% 54% 58% 54% 54% 69% 54% 62% 65% 6% 38% 34% 50% 50% 53% 34% 50% 47% 38% 25% 50% 58% 36% 53% 44% 56% 56% 58% 53% 33% 42% 50% 50% 54% 58% 58% 54% 58% 71% 13% 13% 50% 60% 57% 60% 57% 60% 53% 57% 1. Business stakeholder engagement 2. Work as part of a team 3. Presenting/presentation skills 4. Balance risks vs. rewards 5. Listen to other views 6. Lead group discussions & meetings 7. One-on-one communication 8. Negotiate with others 9. Manage conflict 10. Adapt to new requirements C-level Snr IT Management DevOps Analysts Application Developers Net/Sys Admin/ Project Mgrs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Soft skills needed to enhance career A Life In Technology