If you are looking to hire one of the best tech talents this year, whether that’s an engineer or a data scientist, it’s time to up your game!  The competition is high and it’s now much more than just the wages. Here is a guide on what to look for and what you should be offering.

Robert Half Technology’s 2020 IT salary report showed the top 10 in-demand It jobs for 2020. Let’s take a closer look at these top 10 jobs.

Artificial Intelligence Architect

AI has gained a key role in both our personal lives and the world of business. When searching for an AI architect, most recruiters will expect the candidate to have a master’s degree in computer science, data science, or AI. They will also be expected to have a certain amount of work experience with data or analytics. Those in higher demand will have knowledge of machine learning, natural language and AI integration and application. While much focus is placed on tech skills, they will also need to be great communicators.

What to look for:

  • Machine Learning, Natural language, AI integration and AI application skills
  • Calculated thinking, time management, and well-organized
  • Experience with change management

Business Intelligence Analyst

A skilled BI analyst should have ample experience in database technology, analytics, and reporting tools. It’s more common to look for candidates who hold a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information systems, or engineering. It would be ideal if your hire had experience in your field so that they appreciate the specific data needs of your company. This position is becoming critical for companies that need to turn their data into meaningful information.

What to look for:

  • Work background in database queries
  • Stored procedure writing
  • OLAP- Online analytical processing
  • Data Cube Technology
  • Excellent written and verbal skills

Cloud Architect

Candidates will have to deploy, manage, and support cloud apps and to do so they will often have a strong knowledge of various operating systems as well as networking, programming, and cybersecurity. Amazon Web Services (and similar) is one area that candidates should be confident in, plus knowledge of ITSM, I&O, governance, and even vendor management.

What to look for:

  • Experience with the latest cloud technologies and their architecture
  • The ability to scale cloud apps
  • Working knowledge of costs and performance of cloud systems
  • Communication skills

Data Specialists

Due to companies collecting more and more data, data specialists are in more demand than ever. Their role is to store, sort, and analyse the data that has been collected. As data is often extremely sensitive, candidates must know how to handle the data securely. The qualifications will greatly depend on the role but they will include anything from a bachelor’s degree in computer science to a PnD with significant amounts of programming experience. The specific skills and experience will depend on the field you work in and the size of your organisation.

What to look for:

  • Experience collecting and the processing of raw data
  • Find and deliver insights to business leaders and managers
  • Recognising new sources of data for the company
  • The ability to work with tech and engineering teams on data integration tasks

Developer (web, software, and mobile)

Developers have to be able to carry out the full process from the design to the testing and maintenance of software systems. The candidate will have to be able to code, design, and build apps, websites or mobile apps. To do so, they will need to use programming languages like C#, C++, HTML, Java, .NET, and SQL Server, to name a few. It is important that developers can listen to the needs of the client and offer suitable recommendations to enhance the software.

What to look for:

  • An understanding of various programming languages
  • Analytical, technical, and communication skills
  • Bachelor’s degree/ 2-year associate degree with certificates/ boot camps and work experience

DevOps Engineer

DevOps engineers can speed up code deployment and lower the number of deployment failures, so it is standard practice for companies to hire these engineers to supervise coding, as well as scripting and process development. It is common for DevOps engineers to manage IT infrastructure, resource management, and manage the testing of software and follow its progress once it has been released. They are skilled in simplifying code while companies to adjust the software for optimal performance.

What to look for:

  • Experience in coding and scripting
  • Knowledge of automation, data management and IT operations
  • Advanced knowledge of DevOps best practices
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

Help Desk and Desktop Support Professionals

Not everyone is as tech-savvy as the candidates you are hiring. A help desk is necessary for any business that offers IT services and solutions. Aside from having the relevant tech skills, help desk workers but have the perfect communication skills to deal with troubled customers. The requirements will depend greatly on the industry.

What to look for:

  • Depending on the position, the amount of experience can vary from less than two years to more than four years
  • Similarly, qualifications may range from coursework at a technical school to a bachelor’s degree in the necessary field
  • Above excellent communication skills

Network or Cloud Administrator

The principal job for a network administrator is to deal with the protocols for LAN/WAN, software, and hardware. On the other hand, cloud administrators must handle cloud initiatives, as well as networking services and the apps a company uses to assist cloud initiatives. Due to frequent troubleshooting issues, it is common for both types of administrators to have to work on-call, so make sure your candidate is willing to do this. Your candidate requirements will depend on how extensive your network is, or needs to be.

What to look for:

  • Experience with troubleshooting and communication skills
  • Analytic and diagnostic skills
  • Relevant professional certifications

Security Professional

With numerous cybercriminals and the introduction of new data protection laws, companies are almost obliged to hire security professionals for data, information, network, systems, and cloud. Their job is to ensure a company’s IT infrastructure is secure from both internal and external threats. It is important that they are confident in the latest security regulations and future security trends.

What to look for:

  • Knowledge of security policies and procedures as well as being able to communicate them
  • Experience/knowledge of how to manage security audits, risks, and weaknesses
  • Understanding of security systems and how to document failures
  • Proficient in compliance laws and regulations in the related field

System Administrator

As with many of the above positions, the specific role of a system administrator will depend on the field of the company as well as the software and hardware but they should be excellent at problem-solving and communication. They will also have to process analytical skills and technical knowledge of the hardware and software used.

What to look for:

  • Knowledge of servers, backups, recovery, installation, patching, and upgrading software
  • A history of troubleshooting, solving hardware and software issues and network challenges
  • A bachelor’s degree in computer science/ associate degree/technical training qualifications
  • Systems Administrator or System Engineer certifications