The telecommunications and IT sector has long been at the forefront of technological innovation, shaping the way people communicate and connect across the globe. In an era marked by rapid advancements in digital technology, the Channel is poised for further growth.
However, as this sector continues to expand, it faces a unique set of recruitment challenges that are both complex and critical to future success.
The demand for highly skilled professionals in areas such as cybersecurity, data analytics, and customer experience management has never been higher.
Simultaneously, the industry grapples with the need to address diversity and inclusion concerns, adapt to shifting market dynamics, and navigate the ever-changing regulatory landscape. In this context, it is important to explore the recruitment challenges that our sector faces and how they impact its ability to thrive in a fast-paced, interconnected world.
Getting the job done
Cherie Howlett, CMO at Jola, discussed how her organisation balances flexible working with side-by-side mentorship.
She explained, “When advertising for new recruits, we use local apprenticeship specialists and target university students. We also advertise locally using a refer-a-friend scheme, but also have success targeting local people looking for a chance to learn something new. A lot of experienced candidates expect remote working and often ask how many days they need to be in the office.
“However, we have also found that many new recruits want to be in the office with experienced mentors to help them develop and succeed in their roles.
“We have found running our business with a mix of remote working and in-office hot desking very successful. It is important to monitor and measure the right key performance indicators so that employees know what they need to achieve. With this in place, where the work is completed becomes less important.”
Howlett emphasised the reality that company culture and shared goals often make this approach possible. She said, “We are at the forefront of technology, with a work-from-anywhere ethos. We embrace new technologies and help our channel partners to benefit from technology sunsetting and switch-offs.
“Promoting company culture to attract like-minded individuals who share the same goals. A competitive package, attractive bonus schemes and the chance to grow and develop with a company are equally attractive.”
Diversity and inclusion
In terms of how other organisations prioritise diversity and inclusion in their recruitment strategies, Bethany Hall, telecoms and IT recruitment consultant, SER, explained what she is seeing in the market.
She said, “The telecoms market has huge skill shortages in key areas and larger organisations especially are willing to consider sponsorship for overseas candidates, to the point of even providing relocation assistance for stand-out talent.
“There has also been a clear rise in candidates from under-represented groups entering the telecoms industry. For example, over the last 12 months we’ve been engaging with many more women. And there’s definitely a passion for equality and diversity from hiring managers too.”
Rowena Young, director, Coconut Lime, added, “Diversity and inclusion are being prioritised by companies with the help of recruitment partners who can make sure a varied shortlist is provided. The rise of remote work has meant that companies really need to stand out from the crowd in terms of their recruiting, especially if they’re looking for people to be based in the office.
“Companies are finding it hard to make their jobs appeal to potential candidates. There is a lot of choice for jobseekers at present, due to the many jobs on offer and also the flexibility in working arrangements now available. While we’re seeing a rise in people wanting to be based in the office some of the time, many people still prefer the flexibility of a fully remote role.”
Comms Business Jobs is a mobile friendly, industry-specific platform for jobseekers and recruiters across the Channel. Candidates can search and apply for the latest jobs on the go, within specific sectors, by function, location and salary band. Your vacancies are automatically sent to relevant candidates who match your criteria on our database.
Jobs are also searchable by recruiter, making it easy for jobseekers to find your company and latest jobs. Featured jobs are listed within a special weekly email, sent to over 19,000 Channel subscribers.
This feature appeared in our October 2023 print issue. You can read the magazine in full here.