Photo by Nik MacMillan

Tech Talent: Widespread Shortage or Simply a Matter of Smart Hiring?

TechBBQ
TechBBQ
Jul 27, 2017 · 3 min read

In an expanding startup scene like Copenhagen’s, finding the right talent can be a challenge.
Especially amidst an
apparent Europe-wide shortage of tech talent. But is it a lack of people, or effective recruitment that’s the real issue? We spoke to Nicolaj Højer Nielsen — author, entrepreneur and investor, and professor at CBS about ways to increase efficiency, namely via open events like Job & Talent Corner at TechBBQ, hub of the renowned tech start up event that provides an innovative solution: the chance for startups to pitch positions themselves.

The Issue: Inefficient Recruitment?

For an industry ripe for innovation, the fundamental workflow of recruiting has remained remarkably resilient to technical change over recent years — long, drawn-out & impersonal applications and a lack of transparency consume time and resources that are especially short for startups, and can put off even the more curious candidates.

While hiring an in house recruiter is out of reach for most startups, social media, job boards and posting online of course offer added exposure. Indeed, with everything becoming a “software” industry — motor, hotels etc. — these are avenues everyone now uses to snap up engineers, software developers etc. But many ignore startups, while some positions are not advertised at all. Regardless, the ideal candidate may already be employed, unaware of the ideal opportunity.

So, is online the answer? In theory, yes, says Nicolaj, “but a lot depends on chemistry and meeting people face to face… that is why we do it again and again at CBS. We see this need to match startups with employees.”

https://www.rawpixel.com/

So what options are there for startups?

  1. Utilize existing networks: talk to employees, and other contacts
  2. Paid advertising via social media– costly but valuable compared to a classic job portal which may be somewhat limited to people actively seeking a job.
  3. Develop existing talent, as well as focus on creating a great culture.
  4. Events like the Job & Talent Corner: an opportunity to pitch positions and network, a humanized experience that attracts anyone from long time entrepreneurs to employees at large corporates who are curious about startups.

An Alternative Approach to Match Jobs and Talent

The Job & Talent Corner at TechBBQ sprung forth as a low tech alternative proving vital networking to join up these opportunities, established by leading stakeholders within the startup community and trade unions: a collaboration between The Hub‘s offline job board, Copenhagen Capacity, DTU, Tech Festival, IDA, Prosa, DJØF and host TechBBQ.

Storytelling: Startups Behind the Scenes

The Job & Talent Corner helps solve this common challenge startups are experiencing. But this time, the tables are turned: companies will pitch their positions to prospective candidates, who are able to book an appointment with them afterwards. Moreover, this is a unique opportunity to storytell, communicating the true vision and rewards of the job. As Nicolaj Højer Nielsen explains, as salary, power and prestige become less of a priority, people are increasingly looking to startups for the chance to have an impact. Whether for the world, for instance improving agricultural efficiency, and/or for themselves — achieving a healthier work life balance, working with interesting innovative ideas, tasks, and colleagues, these are all qualities that contribute to the self-fulfillment aspect of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. While on a micro scale, hierarchies within businesses themselves flatten out, allowing for a healthy exchange of ideas an exciting atmosphere seen in startups. An atmosphere that that will not go amiss at TechBBQ — given the rate it’s growing, this year more than ever.

Find out more or fill out this form If you want to pitch an open position in your tech startup (deadline for applications 31 July)!

http://www.greatercph.com/tech-talent

TechBBQ

Written by

TechBBQ

TechBBQ is the annual celebration of the Danish startup scene. Get together in September 2018 in Copenhagen. Date & venue announcement soon!

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade