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The Challenge of Finding Good Talent: Why the Digital Skills Gap is Holding Businesses Back

Writer's picture: Primus ConnectPrimus Connect

Updated: Nov 13, 2024


Finding the right talent has never been more crucial for businesses, especially in today's fast-evolving digital and data landscape. The UK Government has reported that the digital skills gap costs the economy an estimated £63 billion annually. Compounding this issue is that nearly half of businesses (46%) struggle to recruit candidates with the essential data skills required to fuel growth. With such staggering figures, it's clear that finding good talent is becoming increasingly complex—but why and how can businesses overcome these challenges? 


Why Finding Good Talent is a Challenge 


The Digital Skills Gap is Widening 

As industries become more reliant on data-driven decision-making, the demand for skilled data professionals continues to outpace supply. Unfortunately, universities are not producing enough graduates with the specialist skills needed, and half of workers report receiving no data skills training in the past two years. This growing shortage of qualified candidates makes it increasingly challenging for businesses to fill critical roles. 

 

Negative Perceptions and Barriers to Entry 

The digital sector often battles negative perceptions, deterring young people from pursuing careers in data. Complex job roles, long working hours, and discrimination concerns are significant barriers. On top of this, many businesses struggle with the lack of entry-level roles and the high costs associated with retraining, further limiting the pool of potential candidates. Without addressing these perceptions and barriers, businesses will continue to face challenges in attracting fresh talent. 

 

The Evolving Expectations of Talent 

Today's top candidates expect more than just competitive salaries—they're seeking roles that offer work-life balance, career flexibility, and align with their personal values. Remote work options and a demonstrated commitment to social responsibility are increasingly considered non-negotiables for job seekers. As such, companies must adapt their offerings to meet these expectations if they hope to attract the best talent. These elements are no longer nice-to-haves but necessities in securing data talent. 

 

Direct Candidate Connections Are Becoming Harder 

In an era where many data professionals may not regularly update their profiles or respond to outreach, connecting with candidates directly has become a significant challenge. Simplifying the application process and maintaining a strong, engaging online presence—particularly on platforms like LinkedIn—can help businesses reach their target candidates, but this requires a concerted effort and strategy. 

 

Sorting Genuine Skills from 'Fluff' 

Another challenge lies in distinguishing between genuine skills and resume embellishments. It can be difficult to gauge which candidates truly possess the capabilities needed for the role. Many companies are turning to paid tests or assessments to verify skills to address this. While this method can improve the accuracy of hiring decisions, it can also slow down the recruitment process, potentially leading to lost opportunities if other companies move more quickly. 

 

Steps Businesses Can Take 

The obstacles to finding good talent may seem daunting, but they are not insurmountable. By focusing on employer branding, offering competitive compensation, and tailoring recruitment strategies to better align with modern job seeker expectations, businesses can significantly improve their chances of attracting top-tier talent. Creating a strong careers page highlighting your company's values and what sets you apart is an excellent first step. Additionally, leveraging AI and data analytics can streamline the recruitment process, helping you filter through large candidate pools more efficiently and identify the best fit for your team. 

 

It's also essential for businesses to stay adaptable and forward-thinking. 

As the talent shortage grows, the companies that innovate and adjust their recruitment practices will be best positioned to thrive in a competitive market. 

 

Or…. Use a recruitment Partner 

A recruitment partner is a great way to remove the stress of hiring from your business. 

 

Primus Connect is where top-tier data talent meets dynamic businesses. We specialise in connecting highly skilled data professionals with innovative companies across the UK, Europe, and the US. Our expertise spans diverse domains, including Cloud Data Analytics, Data Warehousing, BI Strategy, and more, ensuring we provide the right fit for your unique business needs. 

 

If you are a business seeking exceptional talent, we're here to help. Reach out to the Primus Connect team at enquiries@primus-connect.com or discover more about how we can support you at https://www.primus-connect.com/

 

 

The Impact of Good Talent 

In the next installment of our series, we'll explore The Impact of Good Talent. Hiring the right people doesn't just fill vacancies—it can drive innovation, boost profitability, and give your business a competitive edge. We'll discuss how investing in the right talent can transform your organisation and why building a robust, data-driven team is crucial for future success. Stay tuned! 

 

 

About Primus Connect 

At Primus Connect, we believe in fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and creating opportunities that benefit both our clients and candidates. With a commitment to transparency and professionalism, we build lasting partnerships, helping businesses thrive through strategic talent placement and empowering data professionals to excel in their careers.  

 

Join us in shaping the future of data-driven success! https://www.primus-connect.com/

 

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