Recruiting Tech Talent Outside of Big Tech: Attracting Top Talent in a Competitive Landscape

The allure of big tech salaries is undeniable and can be difficult to compete with. For many tech recruiters working to fill roles in industries like manufacturing, education, finance, and healthcare, competing with tech giants can feel like an uphill battle. In fact, salaries in the tech industry are notoriously hard to beat. In our 2024 Tech Salary Report, we found that a 2.9% salary gap exists between tech professionals in tech companies and those in other industries.

Here are some strategies to recruit exceptional tech professionals, even if you can’t afford to pay them at the same premium as competitive big tech salaries.

Focus on What Money Can’t Buy

While salary matters, it’s not the sole motivator for many tech professionals. This is especially true after the high-profile tech layoffs tech professionals faced in 2023. This market has justifiably disillusioned (link to disillusionment article) many tech professionals with the idea of working at a large tech company, especially when the stability and comfortable lifestyle offered appear more temporary than ever. The time to recruit tech professionals for roles outside of the tech industry has never been better. In fact, in our 2024 Tech Salary Report, we uncovered that 93% of tech professionals are open to considering a new role if it is relevant.

Ultimately, what truly matters to tech professionals is specific to each individual. While salary remains important, if you can offer stability, a sense of pride in their work, and a strong work-life balance, many tech professionals will choose that over the potential instability of large tech companies in 2024.

Offer Meaningful Work

Many tech professionals specifically seek roles where their work makes a real-world impact. During the recruitment process, present your company’s mission and values, demonstrating how their work contributes to that bigger picture.

Showcase Growth Opportunities

Most tech professionals are passionate about learning and career growth. Let them see how they can develop within your company, enhancing their skillset and working with cutting-edge technologies. If your industry lags behind the tech sector, highlight opportunities for them to modernize systems and contribute to innovative product development. It’s also important to consider that companies willing to pay for training and education is a huge motivator for tech professionals, especially those early in their careers.

Promote Your Positive Work-Life Balance

While some tech companies offer attractive perks and high salaries, they can also be known for overworking their employees and offering poor work-life balance. If your company has successfully created a culture where work-life balance thrives, this is a major advantage. Promote your company’s flexible work arrangements, generous PTO, and healthy culture, demonstrating a true commitment to their well-being in the process.

Be Proud of Your Positive Culture

A healthy company culture is essential, but recent layoffs have caused tech professionals to distrust unsubstantiated claims. When promoting your culture, emphasize transparency and collaboration. Share employee testimonials or encourage interviewers to discuss team dynamics and offer real examples of how the culture fosters a positive environment.

Be transparent and authentic at every touchpoint in the recruitment process

Tech professionals recognize insincerity and can see through well-meaning attempts to showcase an unrealistic work environment. Transparency matters. Clearly communicate your compensation packages and highlight the true value proposition, even if salaries aren’t big-tech level. Avoid exaggerating your culture but highlight the aspects that truly align with the applicant’s values. Authenticity attracts candidates who genuinely resonate with your company values. Finally, demonstrate respect for candidates’ time by communicating the interview process timeline clearly and providing timely updates throughout the recruitment journey.