Hiring top tech talent is a priority for most companies, but waging the war for talent isn’t always a straightforward process. Still, there are some businesses that consistently rank among the most desirable employers. Among the top companies millennials want to work for are giants like Google, Facebook, Apple, and Microsoft. Businesses who want to make it onto the radar of the best IT minds can take a cue from what some of the most attractive companies in the business are doing.
What is it these companies offer that is so enticing to the new generation of workers?
- Hefty compensation packages—Salary and benefits still count most when it comes to attracting and retaining the best talent. Average tech salaries rose to more than $87,000 in 2013, almost a three percent increase over the previous year. Still, half of businesses pay less than their competitors. If you’re among those offering below-market salaries, don’t expect to get the brightest tech minds.
- Flexibility and telecommuting—Over 80% of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For offer telecommuting. Dice.com reports that half of technology workers would be willing to accept a pay cut in order to work from home. If you find a candidate with the qualifications you’re looking for, it may be worth your while to consider allowing that candidate to work remotely. Flexible work hours can also be attractive to those entering the work force or considering a job change.
- Challenging work—Tech gurus like to take on a challenge, which is why companies like Google, Facebook, Yahoo!, and Yelp host hackathons. These events give programmers the opportunity to strut their stuff while facilitating product innovation and software development at the same time. Well-known coding challenges like the U.S. Cyber Challenge in Washington, D.C. are great places to scout out top talent, especially if your business offers them the ability to put their innovative capabilities to effective use.
- Strong employer brand—Google puts considerable effort into strategically marketing itself to potential employees, and it has paid off. Google routinely ranks near the top of lists like World’s Strongest Product Brands (#3) and Fortune Most Admired Companies (#2). Things like that don’t just happen. Google attracts top innovators because they have created an environment where innovation is valued and allowed to flourish.
- Potential for Advancement—Mashable reports that 75% of the most skilled employees aspire to reach senior management or executive positions. If those workers hit a ceiling at your business, they may be more likely to take the bait when a more attractive offer comes their way.
In today’s fiercely competitive market, every business is competing with giants like Google and Facebook for top IT talent. In order to get the attention of the best workers, companies will have to rethink business as usual and consider some significant changes to their hiring packages and processes.
