“Acquiring the right talent is the most important key to growth. Hiring was — and still is — the most important thing we do.” – Marc Bennioff
Literally, “precision” implies a high degree of accuracy and specificity. In the context of sourcing software talent, it refers to targeted and carefully planned approaches to identify and attract the right prospective employees.
Frankly, precision strategies involve more than just casting a wide net; they use data, insights, and well-defined criteria to find candidates who are technically proficient and a good fit for the company’s culture and project requirements. In turn, this could mean leveraging analytics to understand where top talent congregates online, utilizing AI to parse through open-source contributions, or adopting predictive modeling to identify candidates more likely to succeed in a specific role.
Finding and vetting top-tier development talent is one of the greatest challenges for HR professionals and recruiters. The process gets considerably more challenging when you consider factors like experience, diversity, specific talents, and the fact that over 70% of competent people aren’t actively seeking employment.
To get it right, you need a deep understanding of the prerequisites, the market dynamics, and an appreciation for both the tangible and intangible qualities a developer brings.
Where to Find the Best Software Talent
The most coveted software developers are often hidden gems, working diligently behind the scenes, not actively seeking new opportunities. Thus, companies in need of their services should be proactive, venture beyond the beaten path, and seek out these experts where they collaborate, create, and showcase their skills.
Engage with Open-Source Platforms
First coined and promulgated by the Open Source Initiative (OSI) in 1998, “open-source” has since become synonymous with a culture of collaboration, innovation, and freedom in the software development sphere. Open-source software development platforms like Stack Overflow, Commit, GitHub, and CodeProject are not merely repositories of code and collaboration but treasure troves of talent.
Companies that observe user activity on these platforms, assess the quality of responses to user queries and the overall engagement of contributors. Location often being a non-issue, organizations can connect with individuals who demonstrate exceptional skills and discuss potential employment opportunities, regardless of geographical boundaries.
Traverse the Freelance Frontier
Freelance platforms such as Fiverr, Freelancer.com, and Toptal are some of the most popular gateways to a world of independent contractors. Companies can engage these professionals for small, initial tasks contributing to the business. If their performance impresses, further discussions about full-time employment or retainer arrangements may follow.
Although contractors typically juggle multiple commitments and command competitive rates, they remain a valuable asset, especially for project-based or temporary needs. Examine agencies’ portfolios on platforms like Andela or Digital Knights and look for past projects that align with your current needs. Also, ask for detailed case studies to understand how these agencies have solved complex problems.
For companies facing immediate skill shortages or specific project requirements. Platforms like Andela, YouTeam, and Digital Knights provide access to fully vetted software engineering agencies worldwide. This enables organizations to quickly augment their teams or entrust entire scopes of work to capable external groups, accelerating project development.
Scope Social Media platforms
As the world’s largest professional network, it’s a hub for developers to display their accomplishments, connect with peers, and attract recruiters. If your company isn’t already on LinkedIn, it’s time to establish a presence. Create a compelling company page with a dedicated careers section, and engage your audience with regular updates and employee stories. Encourage employee advocacy and utilize your network for developer referrals and recommendations.
Try LinkedIn Talent Solution, as this feature grants access to advanced search filters and analytics, enabling you to find and recruit the best candidates more efficiently. When searching, go beyond generic terms like “front-end developer.” Employ advanced descriptors that reflect job responsibilities and skills, such as “design,” “lead,” or “creative solutions.”
Then, as you evaluate potential candidates, delve deeper than just their work experience and listed skills. Examine the completeness of their profile, the insight their professional summary provides, and the presence of work examples or portfolio links. Also, consider the recommendations they’ve received or given; these can be indicative of strong communication and collaboration skills.
Participate in Hackathons & Coding Bootcamps
Hackathons and coding boot camps are dynamic arenas where technical experts showcase their prowess. Companies observing these events gain valuable insights into the participants’ expertise and problem-solving approaches. Many organizations even host boot camps, such as those by Flatiron School, General Assembly, and Hackbright Academy, to identify top-tier developers and recruit high-performing individuals.
Don’t just observe; get involved, so host challenges, present problems, or offer mentorship to engage directly with participants. Connect with standout performers after the event to offer feedback sessions or informal discussions to build rapport and gauge interest.
Hackathons, by their very nature, create a dynamic arena where participants are encouraged and required to think outside the box, push the boundaries of their knowledge, and collaborate intensively.
Deploying Sourcing Software
Moving beyond the transactional focus of traditional e-procurement systems, strategic software sourcing takes a holistic view of the sourcing lifecycle. From initial needs identification to supplier selection, contract negotiation, and ongoing performance monitoring, it envelops every phase with precision and strategic insight.
The global supply chain is beset with uncertainty, from geopolitical upheaval to financial turmoil. Strategic sourcing software provides continuous insight into supplier operations and allows for swift response to unforeseen events. It aids businesses in anticipating and mitigating risks, allowing operations to continue normally even when faced with surprises.
Why You Should Care as a Hiring Manager:
In the tech world, sourcing the right talent goes beyond just finding proper resumes. It’s all about identifying individuals who can bring the right skills to drive your developments and team. By using diverse sourcing strategies, you can tap into a larger pool of talent.
Check out our next blog post in the Hiring in Tech series on Attracting and Engaging Software Developers here.