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      in Talent Acquisition

      Dear Developers: Coding Languages That Will Set You Apart in 2023

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      Any software engineer will tell you: There are a plethora of coding languages out there and varying attitudes toward each at both the company and individual levels. To dive deeper, Hired’s 2023 State of Software Engineers report examines coding languages that set candidates apart from their peers and the preferences of developers.

      Which programming skills were highest in demand by employers? 

      In 2022, engineers skilled in Ruby on Rails received 1.64X more interview requests compared to Hired’s marketplace average. This year, Ruby on Rails moved up one position to take the top slot as the most in-demand engineer skill. Ruby and Scala came in second and third.

      Hired CTO Dave Walters said, “Ruby on Rails is a very mature and easy-to-use framework, which leads to its popularity among engineers and engineering leaders. It allows for faster coding (or increased productivity) which helps engineers deliver minimum viable products and features at a higher pace.”

      In 2021, the leading programming skill was Go. Larger companies such as Slack and Twitch rapidly adopted it last year. Its simplicity and power made it popular among engineers. Dave added, “While a favorite among engineers, Go may be less in demand by employers now due to a temporary shift in hiring needs.”

      Related: Inside the Coding Challenge: A Hiring Manager’s Perspective 

      How the engineers feel about coding skills

      Employer demands aside, developers themselves have their own opinions of the different coding languages. This is often due to how many resources there are for learning and development related to a particular language or how “fun” they are to use.

      In our survey of over 1,300 software engineers, we found engineers ranked Python as their favorite programming language. JavaScript and Java followed as the second and third choices.

      Beyond coding languages

      Knowing which languages will set you apart from the rest can help you make your profile more attractive to prospective employers. However, it’s just one piece of the engineering talent puzzle. 

      Related: Code Your Career: Staying Competitive in the Developer Job Market (VIDEO) 

      In addition to more granularity about coding languages and their competitiveness, the 2023 State of Software Engineers report dives into top roles, market trends, and salaries. The research gives you a better overview of:

      The state of the market

      Where the market is going

      How to best tailor your experiences and skills

      Originally written by Napala Pratini in March 2019. Updated by Hired Content Team in October 2023. More

    • 150 Shares119 Views

      in Talent Acquisition

      Ready to Start Programming with AI? A Quick Guide for Software Engineers

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      Though we’re still a ways out from building machines that will take over the world with artificial superintelligence, AI is on the rise. To sum up the recent explosion of generative AI, Vijay Pande, a general partner at venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, tells the Washington Post:

      “There’s a lot of excitement about AI right now. The technology has… gone from being cute and interesting to where actually [people] can see it being deployed.”

      AI has found its way into a myriad of applications (think: innovative approaches to coding reviews, testing, debugging) and is quickly becoming an advantage for staying competitive. Talent will likely be expected to leverage AI tools in their workflows to be more effective and efficient. In fact, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that 37% of job descriptions listed AI work and skills in the emerging tech category. 

      This includes building programs to understand and help us humans in our day-to-day lives, like Siri, Alexa, and countless chatbots. It can make operations networks, like Amazon’s, hyper-efficient by predicting who will want what, when and where. It can also focus on research, with programmed learning able to evaluate results against hypotheses, and adjust and retest to advance our understanding of the world.

      Tip: Try some courses on AI and Machine Learning

      If nothing else, having some familiarity with AI could give you some Thanksgiving dinner fodder to blow your grandparents’ minds. But it also could lead to promising new career opportunities.

      Why AI?

      If you’re looking to add to your repertoire to boost your marketability as a software engineer, artificial intelligence is a safe bet. According to Hired’s 2023 State of Software Engineers report, demand for machine learning and data engineers ranks among the hottest software engineering roles.

      Here are a few lucrative roles for which AI programming may get you noticed:

      The other reason for picking this up is pretty simple: it’s cool as hell!

      The field of artificial intelligence is an exercise in replicating the very thing that (most of us would consider) makes us human. The emergent property of our trillions of synapses firing in a symphony gives me the sense that I am “me,” and each of you the sense that you are “you.”

      Though most applications facilitate learning-focused, singular tasks or making predictions based on massive data sets, there is still something special about working to bring machines to recreate biological capabilities. And even in weak AI, the possibilities are endless to help the world become a better place with creative, elegant software. And isn’t that what we all want?

      How to start programming with AI

      When it comes to picking the right language to get your career on an AI track, you need to decide what type of work you want to be doing and evaluate that against the support and pre-built libraries that can assist you along the way.

      Start with a general language that works well with data processing and analysis. The most prominent and in-demand at tech companies are Python, Java (or Scala), or R (if you exclusively want to be a data scientist). Choose just one.

      Learn a language for interacting with a database management system (DBMS) that will help you access and organize the data you’ll use in your algorithms. Knowing SQL and understanding basic NoSQL is highly recommended. If entering a larger company, Hadoop, Spark, or similar will also be helpful.

      Understand the key frameworks and libraries for building AI solutions. Some that are important for common AI problems are:

      TensorFlow (a must!): used for high-volume, complex numerical computations

      Accord.net: used for things like classification, regression, and clustering

      Caffe: used for image recognition

      Scikit-learn: used for common AI problems and data mining

      NLTK: used for natural language processing

      Try online courses for programming with AI

      It’s also helpful to experiment with the growing AI packages provided by online course providers like Coursera.

      Getting started with AI

      Getting deeper into machine learning:

      And some additional resources:

      Like any new skill, it will take discipline to master programming with AI. But from the practical to the theoretical, from the present to the future: programming with AI is a worthy practice to add to your tool belt.

      Originally written by Mike Parker in May 2019. Updated by Hired Content Team and Coursera in October 2023. More

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      in Employer

      Tech Roles on the Rise! What Tech Roles Increased Most in Demand in 2023?

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      As technology and modern needs evolve, specific tech roles have risen in demand on the Hired tech recruitment platform. In Hired’s 2023 State of Tech Salaries report we revealed the top five in-demand roles “biggest movers” and why employers need them. 
      They are (in order of growth from 2022 to mid-2023): 

      Security (Cybersecurity) Engineer – Up 28%
      Data Engineer – Up 21%
      Machine Learning Engineer – Up 16%
      Business Analyst – Up 15%
      Backend Engineer – Up 11%

      1. Security or Cybersecurity Engineer
      Average interview request salary* on Hired: $165,003
      As the world continues to digitally transform, so do criminals. All kinds of businesses, in a variety of industries, have learned, some the hard way, how important security and cybersecurity engineers are to them. 
      In one example, patients of a Louisville, KY, hospital network struggled to obtain prescriptions and make appointments after a cyberattack stole personally identifiable information, (PII) and medical records. The ransomware disrupted patient care as well as set off an identity theft nightmare for the victims.  
      Employers generally prefer a degree in cybersecurity, computer science, information systems, or related fields. They may also look for practical experience building test networks or system prototypes. 
      Top skills employers look for in security engineers
      Ranked by priority in positions created on the Hired talent marketplace:

      Python
      AWS
      Java
      Go
      JavaScript
      Linux
      Azure
      Kubernetes
      React
      C++

      *Average interview request salary means the average salary offer submitted by employers when they request an interview with a candidate on the Hired technical recruiting marketplace. Disclosing the salary for the role is part of the transparency we require of employers on the tech hiring platform. Jobseekers are required to list their salary expectations in their profiles. Combined, this helps drive better matches and an efficient hiring process for both tech candidates and hiring managers. 
      2. Data Engineer
      Average interview request salary on Hired: $163,782
      Modern companies rely on data about themselves, their customers, and their competitors to stay relevant and ahead. Data engineers are the architects who establish the structure to retrieve, store, and manage vast reservoirs of data. With a blend of software engineering and data-centric skills, they transform raw data into usable systems.
      Employers generally prefer a degree in computer science or related fields. They’ll also look for experiences displaying an aptitude for various programs, languages, and tools. Knowledge may include building data structures, managing databases, using big data, and how proper data infrastructure can affect a business.
      Top skills employers look for in security engineers
      Ranked by priority in positions created on the Hired talent marketplace:

      Python
      SQL
      AWS
      Spark
      Java
      Scala
      Kafka
      ETL
      Airflow
      Snowflake

      3. Machine Learning Engineer
      Average interview request salary on Hired: $169,666
      A machine learning engineer is a visionary technologist, harnessing the power of algorithms to teach machines how to learn from and act on data. These engineers are adept at creating technologies embedded with AI. Common examples of what machine learning engineers work on include self-driving cars for Uber and programming tailored search results for Google users.
      Employers generally prefer a Bachelor’s and Master’s or Ph.D. in computer science, an engineering discipline, or mathematics. They will also likely look for experience in working on practical and theoretical models.
      Top skills employers look for in security engineers
      Ranked by priority in positions created on the Hired talent marketplace:

      Python
      AWS
      SQL
      Java
      Natural language processing (NLP)
      Tensorflow
      Deep Learning
      Pytorch
      Spark
      Computer Vision

      4. Business Analyst
      Average interview request salary on Hired: $123,220
      A business analyst connects business objectives to technical solutions. With a sharp analytical mind and a keen understanding of organizational needs, they delve into business processes, identifying inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement. Business analysts gather and interpret data, translate business requirements into technical specifications, and work closely with stakeholders to implement changes that drive business growth.
      Employers generally prefer a degree in business administration, computer science, or related fields. They will also likely look for experience with business process modeling, data analysis tools, project management, and domain expertise. 
      Top skills employers look for in business analysts

      SQL
      Python
      Tableau
      Looker
      Data Analysis
      R
      Microsoft Excel
      ETL
      Data Warehousing
      Financial Modeling

      5. Backend Engineer
      Average interview request salary on Hired: $160,039
      While users interact with the visual elements of an application, it’s the backend engineer who ensures that data flows, servers respond, and business logic executes seamlessly. They design, implement, and manage databases, application servers, and API integrations. Backend engineers enjoy coding and crafting the foundation of successful digital experiences, ensuring performance, security, and scalability.
      Employers generally prefer a degree in computer science, software engineering, computer security, or related fields. They may also look for experience with computer programming, REST-based services, cloud infrastructure, automated integration tests, accessing data on mainframes, and continuous integration.
      Top skills employers look for in backend engineers

      Java
      Python
      AWS
      React
      Go
      Node.js
      TypeScript
      SQL
      C#

      Employers’ demand for specific engineering and tech roles grows
      The Hired tech hiring platform showed the greatest volume of active positions belonged to: 

      Backend Engineer
      Full Stack Engineer
      Frontend Engineer
      Product Manager
      Data Engineer 

      These roles are comprehensive ones and are used by businesses of all sizes in a variety of ways. The 2023 State of Tech Salaries report showed how important specialization has become with the growth of employers seeking Security Engineers, Data Engineers, Machine Learning (ML) Engineers, and Backend Engineers. 
      The Business Analyst subrole under Data Analytics also demonstrated a significant rise in demand on the Hired talent marketplace. With the rise of data, businesses need someone to help them interpret it and recommend actions.

      AI Researchers (typically known as Research Scientists and Applied Scientists) continue to be in high demand from tech companies big and small. Rora reports that researchers are one of the few roles that continue to have significant negotiation leverage – where it’s still common for candidates to line up multiple job offers at the same time.
      While AI Research Scientists are their own function at companies, they most closely align with the Machine Learning Engineer category on Hired’s tech hiring platform.
      Roles dropping in demand the most from 2022 to mid-2023 were:

      Product Designer – Down 26% 
      UX Designer – Down 20%
      Visual/U! Designer – Down 18%
      Product Manager – Down 15%
      Mobile Engineer – Down 12%.

      The impact of GenAI on tech roles in demand in 2023
      Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re familiar with the onslaught of GenAI in the last year. It was even a major point of the 2023 strikes by writers and actors. With artificial intelligence applications as the tech du jour, more companies want engineers comfortable and ready to lead with it. They want more machine learning researchers and engineers to bring AI technology to their business.
      Hired’s partner, Rora, shared there’s been a 21% year-over-year increase in demand for AI professionals. This is due to more funding, advances in technology, and the development of new use cases. Similar to the appetite for Web3 and blockchain talent in early 2022, in 2023 companies are competitively paying experienced AI technologists to sign offers.

      As part of the State of Tech Salaries, we regularly survey tech employers and workers. We asked employers if employees who understood AI were considered more valuable. The majority, or 59%, said yes. 
      In August of 2023, roles in emerging technologies or emerging tech skills requirements were part of 23% of all tech job postings. 
      In addition, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shared inside categories like emerging tech, 37% of tech role postings included AI work and skills. 
      Hiring candidates in AI-driven roles
      Like many terms, AI has become a bucket to describe advanced computing technologies. Whether you’re a hiring manager, a CEO, or manage talent acquisition, the need for AI support may vary widely from business to business. 
      Some companies will use AI to analyze data, build new models, or conduct research. Some will develop new products and tooling. Regardless of your need, look for candidates with transferable skills. 
      Look for lifelong learners – people who are genuinely curious and embrace flexibility. Because the space is so new, any involvement in open-source-related projects is also a good indication of the aptitude to “grow with it. 
      Staying up to date with the demands of the ebb and flow of the tech hiring market is critical. As AI has shown, change happens quickly. 

      Need to hire any of these tech roles growing in demand? Request a demo. More

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      in Talent Acquisition

      Where Do Engineer Salaries Pay the Best (Highest) Standard of Living?

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      Opportunity shifts from higher cost-of-living markets

      The rise in remote work prompted engineers and other tech workers to move, freeing many from higher cost-of-living (CoL) markets. Because an engineer’s salary goes farther in lower cost-of-living markets, tech workers are reconsidering where to live. 

      Hired data in the 2023 State of Tech Salaries showed positions based in higher CoL cities continued to decline from 78% in 2020 to 59% in the first half of 2023. Unsurprisingly, San Francisco (one of the priciest markets to live in) saw the biggest decline change. Positions based there were cut in half. They dropped from 38% in 2020 to 19% in the first half of 2023.

      Medium CoL markets gained the most, expanding from 20% of positions in 2020 to 32% in the first half of 2023. Lower CoL markets increased from 2% in 2020 to 9% in the first half of 2023. While mid-market’s growth of 12% is higher, it’s worth nothing lower CoL markets more than quadrupled their previous percentage.

      Average software engineer salary offers

      Here’s the list of average salary offers made to software engineers on the Hired platform in 2023 (compared to 2022):

      SF Bay Area: $186,629 (up 4%)

      San Diego: $174,643 (up 20%)

      Seattle: $171,314 (up 1%)

      Los Angeles: $162,471 (up 2.5%)

      New York: $159,847 (down 1%)

      Boston: $156,510 (up 1%)

      Washington DC: $153,412 (up 1%)

      Austin: $150,246 (down 5%)

      Denver: $149,883 (up 0%)

      Philadelphia: $144,911 (down 0%)

      Dallas/Ft Worth: $139,742 (down 4%)

      Chicago: $138,795 (down 2%)

      Atlanta: $135,240 (down 8.5%)

      Houston: $134,711 (down 8.5%)

      Tampa: $129,323 (down 10%)

      Columbus: $128,854 (down 2%)

      The draw of lower cost-of-living markets 

      While it’s useful to compare top offers in top cities, these average offer numbers are most compelling in the context of actual living expenses. For instance, what does a salary of $149,000 actually get you in Atlanta? And what would you need to earn in San Francisco dollars to maintain the same standard of living? This is where it gets really interesting.

      After the CoL adjustment, most major metros offer more than their counterparts in San Francisco and New York City.

      When you compare city-specific salary offer data with the actual cost of living in San Francisco, surprising winners emerge. Namely: Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Phoenix where tech professionals are offered an average of $40K more than those in San Francisco. Unfortunately, New York is the only place where adjusted tech salaries are less than in San Francisco. 

      These adjusted salaries tell us a few things about the cost of living in each city, and where salaries might help you afford more in one city than another. 

      Sign up to join Hired’s talent marketplace and find a new engineering role. It’s totally free for jobseekers!

      Average software engineer salary offers — in SF dollars

      Houston: $228,000

      Atlanta: $227,000

      Philadelphia: $223,000

      Phoenix: $218,000

      Denver: $217,000

      Austin: $210,000

      Dallas/Ft Worth: $209,000

      Chicago: $201,000

      Los Angeles: $199,000

      Seattle: $196,000

      San Diego: $195,000

      Tampa: $193,000

      Boston: $191,000

      Washington DC: $190,000

      New York: $156,000

      [Tweet “TL;DR: Let’s all move to Houston.”]

      In all seriousness, these adjusted salaries tell us a few things about the cost of living in each city, and where salaries might help you afford more in one city than in other cities. (Read how C2ER’s Cost of Living Index is calculated here). 

      Here’s a breakdown of average salary offers, average/median living expenses, and other metrics that might affect your quality of life, by some example cities:

      HOUSTON

      Average software engineer salary offer: $137,000

      Average monthly rent for a 1 bedroom apartment: $1,087

      Median home price: $370,650

      ATLANTA 

      Average software engineer salary offer: $149,000

      Average monthly rent for a 1 bedroom apartment: $1,507

      Median home price: $485,182

      PHILADELPHIA 

      Average software engineer salary offer: $151,000

      Average monthly rent for a 1 bedroom apartment: $1,138

      Median home price: $450,913

      PHOENIX

      Average software engineer salary offer: $140,000

      Average monthly rent for a 1 bedroom apartment: $1,179

      Median home price: $559,132

      Sources: Apartment List, PayScale

      Originally published in September 2016 by Whitney Ricketts. Updated by Hired Content Team September 2023. More

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      in Employer

      Hiring a Data Analyst? What to Look for in Top Candidates Now

      by

      Hiring the right data analyst is crucial for your business. It’s like having a skilled navigator on your journey—it helps you steer your ship through the vast ocean of information. From enhancing marketing strategies to predicting market trends and even advancing healthcare, data analysis plays a central role in decision-making across various sectors.
      But what qualities does a data analyst need to possess? That’s exactly what we’re going to find out in this guide.
      The growing importance of data analysis
      Data analysis isn’t just an optional tool; it’s become a cornerstone of modern operations. 
      The global big data analytics market is worth $307.52 billion and is projected to hit $745.15 billion by 2030—a 13.5% CAGR. But why is data so crucial?

      Data from Fortune Business Insights
      Similar to having a trustworthy GPS system, data directs enterprises toward their objectives. Analytics does this by revealing trends and vital information that allow businesses to make important short and long-term decisions. 
      This is why hiring the right person for your data analytics role is so important.
      The impact of hiring the right data analyst
      Think of hiring the right data analyst as selecting an experienced captain for your expedition. The captain should be capable of providing solutions when you need them the most. 
      For instance, in times of crisis, such as tech layoffs, hiring the right data analyst who aligns with your company’s values is crucial. The analyst will help you determine how the proposed layoffs may affect the organization’s productivity and morale. 
      Here are four key benefits of hiring the right data analyst:

      Improved Decision-Making: A competent data analyst lowers your risk of making ill-informed decisions by offering insightful data analysis.
      Enhanced Efficiency: They are able to streamline procedures and spot opportunities for improvement, ultimately saving time and money.
      Competitive Advantage: With the right data analyst, your organization can gain a competitive edge by staying ahead of market trends and customer preferences.
      Innovation: Data analysts can find opportunities and patterns that are hidden and lead to new ideas within your company.

      The essential qualities of a data analyst: Technical skills
      There are four main areas to concentrate on when it comes to the technical side of being a data analyst. These skills are the nuts and bolts that allow your data analyst to navigate the data landscape effectively. 
      1. Working knowledge of data analysis tools
      Your data analyst should be well-versed in using software and tools specifically designed for data analysis. For instance, your company could be using a Vonage VoIP for small business system that generates a wealth of data on call volumes, call durations, and customer interactions. 
      Familiarity with tools like Excel, Python, R, or specialized software like Tableau is essential to uncovering insights. These insights can go on to drive significant positive results for your business. For example, by adopting Tableau, PepsiCo was able to reduce the time it takes to produce reports by up to 90%. 
      Related: Hired’s 2023 State of Tech Salaries report

      Data from Tableau
      Data analysis tools help in cleaning, processing, and transforming raw data into meaningful insights. For instance, when dealing with sales data, proficiency in tools like Excel can help identify trends and patterns in revenue generation.
      2. Programming skills
      Programming skills are the coding language that data speaks. A competent data analyst should have a working knowledge of programming languages like Python or R. They can perform sophisticated data manipulation and statistical analysis thanks to these languages. 
      For instance, when analyzing customer data for an e-commerce business, programming skills enable the automation of repetitive tasks, such as calculating purchase trends.
      3. Database management
      Databases are like the library of your organization’s data. Data analysts need to be adept at managing and querying data from various databases. Knowledge of SQL (Structured Query Language) is invaluable here, as it helps retrieve specific data from large datasets efficiently. 
      For example, when working with customer databases, a data analyst may use SQL to extract information about customer demographics and preferences.
      4. Data visualization expertise
      Data visualization is the art of turning numbers and statistics into visually appealing and understandable graphics. A proficient data analyst should be skilled in creating charts, graphs, and interactive dashboards. 
      Tools like Tableau, Power BI, or even Python libraries like Matplotlib and Seaborn come in handy here. When presenting quarterly sales reports to a team, data visualization expertise makes it easier for everyone to grasp the key insights at a glance.
      Note that recruitment tech like applicant tracking systems (ATS) can efficiently source and filter candidates based on specific criteria, including data visualization expertise. These systems can help you find data analysts with relevant skills and experience in this specific area, allowing you to narrow down your pool of candidates to the best ones.
      The essential qualities of a data analyst: Soft skills
      Soft skills are the intangible qualities that make a data analyst not just effective but exceptional. They enable the analyst to navigate the human and organizational aspects of data analysis, making a real impact. 
      1. Teamwork
      Because they frequently work in groups, it’s essential for data analysts to have strong collaboration skills. For instance, your marketing team may need to launch a retargeting strategy for e-commerce. 
      Such a strategy would require insights into audience segmentation, ad performance, and customer behavior patterns, which data analysts can provide. A data analyst with poor teamwork skills would hamper the success of the retargeting campaign. 
      2. Adaptability
      Analysts need to stay current with the continuously changing data landscape. Adaptability ensures that analysts can thrive in a dynamic environment. For instance, when working on a project where the data source suddenly changes, an adaptable data analyst can quickly adjust their approach to maintain data integrity.
      3. Communication skills
      Free to use image sourced from Unsplash
      Imagine having an excellent idea but being unable to communicate it; you won’t get very far. Data analysts need to communicate their findings effectively, both to technical and non-technical stakeholders. 
      They should be able to translate complex data into plain language and compelling visuals. This skill is crucial when presenting market insights to a group of executives or explaining data-driven recommendations to a customer.
      4. Analytical skills
      When it comes to finding hidden patterns and insights inside data, a data analyst needs to be a skilled investigator. They ought to be adept at analyzing intricate data sets, identifying patterns, and coming to insightful conclusions. 
      Consider a scenario where a company has implemented call center cloud solutions to handle customer inquiries and complaints. Without skilled data analysts, the wealth of data generated by these interactions remains untapped.
      5. Problem-solving abilities
      Data analysis often involves resolving complex issues. Your data analyst should have a knack for approaching problems methodically. They should be able to break down large, intricate challenges into smaller, manageable parts. 
      When a retail company, for instance, has to determine why its sales have declined in a particular area and how to reverse the trend, this quality is vital.
      6. Attention to detail
      Data analysts should be meticulous in data collection, cleaning, and analysis to ensure accuracy. When, for instance, a financial institution is auditing transactions, attention to detail is essential to spot anomalies that could indicate fraudulent activities.
      Other important factors to consider when hiring a data analyst
      When searching for the right data analyst, their experience and specialization are vital aspects to consider. These factors ensure they can effectively navigate the specific challenges your organization faces. 
      1. Years of experience
      While years of experience alone aren’t the only indicator of a great data analyst, they do matter. 
      More experienced analysts often possess a better understanding of cutting-edge methods and proven problem-solving abilities. 
      For instance, when dealing with historical market data, an analyst with several years of experience may have insights into market cycles that a less experienced analyst might miss.
      2. Industry specialization
      An analyst with industry specialization has an in-depth understanding of specific sectors. For example, a call center utilizing auto-dialing software will benefit from hiring a data analyst with experience in the call center industry. 
      Such an analyst would be skilled at identifying specific call dispositions that lead to successful outcomes and recommending strategies for tailoring auto-dialing scripts to maximize results.
      3. Project portfolio
      Think of a data analyst’s project portfolio as their resume in action. It’s a collection of past projects they’ve tackled, showcasing their ability to deliver results. 
      For instance, a data analyst’s portfolio might include projects where they improved supply chain efficiency, optimized marketing campaigns, identified cost-saving opportunities, or analyzed the traffic of an OnlyDomains website. By looking at their portfolio, you’ll be able to better gauge whether their past expertise is a good fit for your company.
      Hiring a data analyst with confidence
      With the ever-increasing prominence of big data, working with a skilled data analyst is paramount for businesses across all sectors.
      A well-rounded data analyst should demonstrate a special mix of abilities, knowledge, and experience. Use the tips listed above to make the right choice when hiring tech talent for your business. 
      Remember that recruiting the right data analyst is more than just filling a job vacancy; they are a calculated investment in your success in the future. More

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      in Talent Acquisition

      3 Keys to Write a Software Engineering CV or Resume in 2023

      by

      3 Strategies for a Solid Software Engineering CV or Resume

      Whether you’re starting to look for new opportunities or just want to get your CV or resume in shape, it can be difficult to know how to best portray a software skillset on a single piece of paper. This article will provide general CV-writing best practices, as well as specific strategies to highlight your software engineering expertise. 

      1. Keep it clean and simple

      This applies to CVs for all jobs, but it’s worth remembering that recruiters and hiring managers generally don’t have the time nor the energy to sift through multiple pages, opaque wording, or confusing formatting. 

      First of all, be sure to keep your CV to a single page. Even if you have many experiences that seem worth sharing, you’re better off choosing the most important, relevant ones (and including more details about them) rather than trying to squeeze everything in, but losing the important details of your most impressive achievements. 

      One way to keep it short is to use concise, straightforward language rather than flowery descriptions. Once you’ve written a draft, go through and think critically about each bullet point: Ask yourself whether there’s a way to say the same thing in fewer words, or to make it punchier with more action-oriented words. It can also be helpful to have a friend, colleague, or mentor read it over for a second opinion. 

      Lastly, keep the formatting clean by using section headers and consistent fonts/font sizes. Must-have sections include education, employment, and skills (where you can list your proficiency with various programming languages); Others might include personal projects, awards, certifications, or interests. 

      2. Tailor it to the role

      Whether you’re applying to a very specific role or applying more broadly, be sure to tailor your CV accordingly. If there are a few types of roles you’re considering, it might be worth keeping a different version for each. 

      Some people prefer to keep a “master” CV with all of their experiences listed (this might exceed the one-page limit), which can be trimmed down based on which skills a role requires and how your background fits into that profile. Others may keep a few versions of their CV ready to go depending on which best fits a job they’re applying for. 

      Whatever your strategy, don’t underestimate the importance of what you do and don’t include on a CV you submit to a job posting: Even if you have the most relevant experience, if it doesn’t come through on your CV then the hiring team won’t know what a good fit you might be. Further, including more relevant jobs or projects may increase your chances of talking about them in the interview, as interviewers often use the candidate’s CV to guide the conversation.

      3. Show off your software experience 

      Unlike many other careers, software engineers’ work (e.g. tools, apps, websites, etc.) can often be publicly viewed. When it comes to CV writing, this is a huge plus, as it gives you the chance to show, rather than tell, what you’ve done. 

      Some engineers like to include a ‘Projects’ section, particularly if they’re earlier on in their careers but have undertaken personal projects to boost their skills or to explore an area of interest. Even if the work is incomplete or the projects are small, this section can also demonstrate your passion for engineering as it will indicate you’ve taken on this work outside of your day job. 

      You might also include links to online portfolios such as GitHub or StackOverflow, which can give the hiring team clear evidence of which skills you bring to the table. If you have a personal website with links to various projects, this can be a way of keeping your word count down while still showcasing all of your work.

      At the end of the day, your CV is only one small piece of the candidate profile that a company will assemble in the process of interviewing you—but it’s an important one as it’s often the first impression a hiring team will have of you. Spending time to tinker with and tailor your CV may seem mundane, but it’ll certainly be worth the effort if it helps you make it past the initial screening process. 

      Additional Resources to help write your tech resume or engineering CV

      Originally written in 2019, this blog was updated by the Hired content team in 2023. More

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      in Talent Acquisition

      Tech Candidate Spotlight – Leonard Barraugh, Security Engineer

      by

      Can you share a little bit about your educational background? 

      I have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from Virginia Tech and a Master’s degree in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity from Florida Institute of Technology. I am also a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP).

      Earning an information technology-focused undergraduate degree opened the doors for me to start my career. Obtaining a CISSP certification gave legitimacy to my progression from an IT journeyman to a focused cybersecurity professional. 

      What would you like to learn more about?

      I am fascinated by the new developments in artificial intelligence. I’m excited to learn more ways to leverage AI to enhance personal productivity. Also, as a cybersecurity practitioner, it’s important to be aware of the many nefarious uses of this powerful technology and modern techniques to defend against them.

      What led you to pursue a career in tech?

      Computers weren’t ubiquitous when I was growing up. However, it was obvious that virtually every industry was clamoring to integrate software into their processes. I believed a career in software development would provide a great balance of career flexibility, security, and fulfillment.

      How has your skillset evolved over the course of your career?

      Initially, I began my career as a software developer, but the defense contracting world gave me exposure to many different facets of IT. I quickly became a jack of all trades, working on wildly varying projects that required database design, system administration, networking, and traditional IT help desk support. I discovered I had an aptitude for troubleshooting software and operating system issues. This helped me realize I was better suited in a generalist role than as a pure developer. This positioned me well for a transition into cybersecurity given the enormous breadth of the discipline.

      If you choose to specialize in one area, what was it and why?

      I’ve focused my career path on cybersecurity, which is still incredibly broad and continually evolving. Cybersecurity aligns perfectly with my disposition as a generalist. There is always something new to learn. Advances in technology present new attack surfaces that need to be secured, while novel methods are constantly being devised to exploit existing technology. Being a cybersecurity practitioner allows me to approach an IT system from a completely holistic viewpoint and requires an understanding of all the various components and interfaces.

      Is your new role different from previous ones?

      My new role will be significantly different from my previous roles as I will be venturing out of the defense contracting world and into the private sector. I’ve had a clearance job for nearly my entire career so this will be a big leap away from what’s familiar and comfortable.

      What are some of the things you’re most excited about in your new role?

      I am incredibly excited to get exposure to new methods and technologies and to see how teams outside the defense industry approach cybersecurity. Also, as a parent of a young child, I am equally excited about an opportunity to work completely remote! 

      What was your job search experience like before you joined Hired?

      I’ve worked in defense contracting for fifteen years and have built a large network of peers in that time, but I didn’t have many contacts outside of the defense space. Joining Hired provided an interface to employers in the private sector that I wouldn’t have been aware of otherwise.

      What’s your best advice for jobseekers on the Hired platform? 

      The best advice I can think of for jobseekers registered on Hired is to provide as much information on your profile as you can. Hired is different than traditional job search platforms. It showcases the candidates to potential employers. Therefore, having a robust profile gives you the best chance of attracting an employer’s interest.

      Related: Want More Interviews and Better Matches? 8 Key Tips!

      What would you tell someone who’s curious about Hired?

      After you find a possible match on a traditional job search platform, you typically have to leave that platform. Then, you need to provide all of your employment history, education, skills, and maybe even a cover letter on the potential employer’s career site. Doing this over and over again for every opportunity becomes robotic and impersonal. At some point, you might even start filtering out opportunities you would have otherwise applied to because the application process has become daunting and lost its zeal.

      With Hired, you only complete your profile once and they do all the work of showcasing you to employers. As an added benefit, they provide compensation information up front so you have a known starting point when beginning the interview process.

      Any general advice for other tech professionals?

      I take a genuine interest in what my peers around me are working on. That has provided immense value throughout my career. Building a rapport with teammates is critical in establishing a healthy and productive work environment. Understanding their challenges and accomplishments has a more tangible impact as well. You get a much better understanding of how your own responsibilities can impact or depend upon other efforts. This also offers great insight into how other teams may have already overcome some of the technical challenges you may be facing.

      About Berkeley Research Group

      Berkeley Research Group is a global consulting firm that helps organizations with assistance in disputes and investigations, corporate finance, and strategy and operations. Founded in 2010, BRG has 1,001-1,500 employees and is headquartered in California.

      Benefits

      401K plan/matching, health insurance, paid time off, work from home flexibility, company activities, conferences reimbursement, mentorship opportunities, and more. More

    • 150 Shares99 Views

      in Employer

      Recruiting Agencies Pros & Cons: Why Hired is Best for Tech Hiring

      by

      You may have considered turning to recruiting agencies to fill tech and sales roles. Even when inbound candidates are plentiful, finding the right top talent is a challenge. However, are agencies the best way to find future team members with long-term tenure potential? In this blog post, we explore the pros and cons of using recruiting agencies, shedding light on the factors to help you bring the best tech and sales talent to your organization.
      Recruiting Agency Pros
      1. Access to an extensive network
      Recruiting agencies often have connections to a vast pool of professionals. On top of that, they proactively reach out to potential candidates – even those who are not actively seeking new opportunities. Instead of taking a shot in the dark, employers have the opportunity to leverage an agency’s existing database of people. The best agencies have developed industry connections and built relationships with qualified candidates.

      Hired candidates are engaged and actively looking. As a result, employers see response rates double or even triple, what they’re used to – often 60%+ compared to the 14% industry average. With access to a database of candidates in the millions, and tens of thousands active on the platform, Hired customers have more opportunities to connect with the right talent, right away.  

      2. Efficiency
      Most employers know finding and hiring the right candidate can be a time-consuming and resource-intensive process. Because recruiting agencies specialize in talent acquisition, you offload these responsibilities to focus on core business operations. With agencies handling screening, interviewing, and shortlisting, businesses reduce speed-to-hire.

      Spread thin? Add on Hired Sourcer for temporary or ongoing help sourcing, pre-screening, shortlisting, and managing communication with experienced candidates. Whether you’re without a dedicated recruiter or busy hiring managers need support, Hired Sourcer fills the gaps. (And it’s typically a fraction of the cost of hiring a contractor or agency!)

      3. Specialized knowledge
      While finding top tech and sales talent is hard, finding candidates with niche skills can be even harder. Tech recruiting agencies possess industry-specific knowledge and understand the nuances of the tech landscape. Their expertise in niche areas helps them identify candidates with the right skill sets, ensuring you find the candidate that checks off the list of requirements.

      Bundle Hired Assessments into your Hired solution to standardize tech skills assessments and free up your teams from live proctoring. Some candidates proactively take them to earn badges for their profiles. Save time when you use our filters to find talent who’ve proactively verified their skills with these technical assessments. By leaping ahead to interviewing tech talent with proven skills, it’s easier to hire faster and reduce your cost of vacancy.

      4. Tech & sales hiring market insights
      Recruiting agencies stay abreast of market trends, salary ranges, and candidate expectations. This valuable knowledge can provide you with a competitive advantage, helping you craft attractive job offers and tailored recruitment strategies. Agencies also offer insights on market demand and supply, assisting you in aligning your talent acquisition plans with current industry dynamics.

      Dedicated support from our Customer Success Managers works in collaboration with the Candidate Experience team to ensure you have a pulse on candidates in process. We are the leader in offering data and competitive insights to share with internal stakeholders at every step of your hiring funnel. Many customers highlight competitive insights as one of their favorite aspects of partnering with Hired for their tech and sales recruiting.

      5. Enhanced candidate experience
      Recruiting agencies have experience in managing the candidate journey from start to finish. They understand the importance of a positive candidate experience and ensure candidates are well-informed, engaged, and supported throughout the recruitment process. This professionalism reflects positively on your organization and helps to build a strong employer brand.

      Candidates on Hired benefit from a variety of resources, including workshops, AMAs, guides, a salary calculator, and a dedicated Candidate Experience Team to support them on their journey and provide insights 

      Recruiting Agency Cons 
      1. “They’re expensive”
      While recruiting agencies provide value, their services come at a cost. Most agencies charge a fee based on a percentage of the candidate’s annual salary. For startups and small companies with limited budgets, this expense may pose a financial challenge. It is essential to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of using an agency compared to the potential benefits they bring to your recruitment efforts.
      2. Lack of deep organizational knowledge
      Recruiting agencies operate externally to your organization and may have limited knowledge of your company’s culture, mission, and specific needs. This can sometimes result in candidates who might not be the best cultural fit or fully aligned with your organizational objectives. 
      3. Limited control over the recruitment process
      Outsourcing recruitment to an agency means relinquishing some control over the hiring process. While agencies work closely with you, the final decision-making authority rests with your organization. Some stakeholders might prefer to be more hands-on throughout the recruitment process, which may be a challenge when working with an external agency.
      4. Potential candidate pool overlap
      There is a possibility of overlap in candidate pools if multiple organizations engage the same agency for their recruitment needs. This can lead to competition among clients for the same talent, potentially diluting the exclusivity of your candidate search. 
      “We’ve used recruitment agencies in the past, but they’re pricey, they’re expensive,” says Logikcull’s Head of Talent Laura McDermott. “Sometimes agencies push somebody too hard who’s not actually a good fit. At Hired, there isn’t any of that.” Hired frees her from navigating the conflicts and external pressures that often come with recruiting agencies.
      Unlike commission-incentivized recruiting agency personnel, Hired’s Candidate Experience team is unbiased about whether talent accepts a role. They are purely there to offer support and resources, such as interview coaching, salary calculators, evaluate options, and more. 
      Why Hired is a better tech and sales hiring solution  
      Hired is not a recruiting agency, a job board, or a social network. It is a solution directly connecting employers to vetted talent with thousands of skills across 50+ tech and sales roles. 
      Organizations find in-demand tech candidates primarily in Software Engineering, DevOps, UX Design, Product Management, and Data Science. Employers needing sales candidates in Customer Success and revenue-based roles, such as Sales Management are also in luck. 
      Essentially, Hired offers easy access to the best talent along with everything employers need to know about them from salary requirements to work preferences. 
      “I think the best thing about using Hired is everything I need to know and would like to know as a recruiter from the offset, is almost always straight in front of me.”
      Joe Miller, Senior Recruitment Manager, RVU
      Hear from Joe about his experience with Hired and how it helped his tech recruiting productivity exponentially.
      What’s more, in Hired’s full suite employers get unbiased insights, DEI features for more diverse hiring, tech skill assessments, and dedicated Customer Success Managers to support teams as they fill open roles efficiently. 
      For lean teams within global enterprises or startups with a dedicated recruiter, Hired Sourcer comes to the rescue. Short or long-term, an experienced professional acts as an extension of your team to source, shortlist, and screen tech or sales candidates. They’re also great at maintaining consistent communication and keeping candidates engaged. 
      Considering Hired over a recruiting agency? 
      Companies switching from recruitment agencies to Hired often say their shift is driven by a lack of quality candidates with specific skills from agencies. Employers find they are more focused on speed over quality. On Hired, employers get both. In fact, companies have immediate access to candidates they need and save 45 hours of sourcing time per hire. 
      Hired also specializes in matching experienced talent with employers they likely won’t see in the pipeline – even with an agency as the middleman. Typically, top senior-level engineers are not thrilled to work with agency recruiters due to constant badgering. Hired yields higher response rates and engagement from candidates – the platform has an 85% candidate response rate to all interview requests.
      In addition to a vast pool of candidates, talent is also responsive on Hired. Candidates typically respond within one business day and have a 50% interview request acceptance rate. Plus, Hired integrations mean you can directly connect with candidates to avoid doing twice the work of updating a third party.
      Speaking of saving time, agencies do not always understand your requirements. Hired specializes in identifying tech and sales talent across niches. Talent pros don’t have to waste precious hours reviewing resumes and conducting interviews unlikely to be a match. 
      Hired positions candidates for long-term success; increased retention
      Reflecting on her experience with Hired compared to recruitment agencies, Hired fulfills Logikcull’s interest in long-term employee success over making a placement McDermott adds, “We really pride ourselves on the tenure of a lot of our employees. Many have been here 10+ years… We’re recruiting people who are looking for a career and not just a job to come in and bank a paycheck. We want people who are looking to grow. We want people who really want to be able to make an impact.” 
      For companies looking for tech and sales candidates interested in a career over a job, try Hired. Candidates placed through Hired have an 18% longer tenure with employers than average.
      One financial services TA leader told us, “I think the challenge we had with a lot of third-party recruiters was the candidates they would present would frequently job hop. We look for long-term employees. I think the unfortunate reality of working with a lot of recruiters is their interests are not exactly aligned with ours because if their candidate stays for 0 days and then they place them somewhere else, they still get paid. 
      They tend to present candidates that churn every year. Beyond that, sometimes it’s been finding specific skill sets, especially on the technical side, developers who know specific languages, etc.”
      Cons often outweigh pros of recruiting agencies
      Remember, partnering with a recruiting agency is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Assess your specific requirements, weigh the pros and cons of recruiting agencies, and select the approach that aligns best with your organization’s goals and resources. 

      About Hired: 
      Hired is the most efficient way to fill tech and sales roles today. With unbiased insights, DEI tools, tech skill assessments, sourcing services, and dedicated Customer Success Managers, Hired works with companies around the world, placing more than 20,000 active and qualified candidates in new roles. Using better data, curated matches, and ways to reach new markets and talent with higher acceptance rates, employers save an average of 45 sourcing hours per role using Hired’s solutions suite. Backed by The Adecco Group, Hired is rated by G2 as a leader in Recruiting Automation, Job Search Sites, and Diversity Recruiting. More