Tech Recruitment Trends of 2023 and beyond: Mass Layoffs, Hiring, AI

Prachi Yawale
Canadiv’s Technology and Design
4 min readNov 2, 2023

Tech companies are recognizing the importance of having diverse teams and are actively working to create inclusive hiring processes. This includes implementing blind screening techniques, expanding recruitment efforts to underrepresented groups, and promoting inclusive workplace cultures.

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the shift towards remote work, and this trend is likely to continue in the tech industry. Companies are now more open to hiring remote employees or offering flexible work arrangements, allowing them to tap into a larger talent pool. While technical skills will always be important in tech recruitment, there is a growing recognition of the need for strong soft skills as well. Employers are looking for candidates who can effectively communicate, collaborate with team members, adapt to change, and demonstrate leadership qualities. While technical skills will always be important in tech recruitment, there is a growing recognition of the need for strong soft skills as well. Employers are looking for candidates who can effectively communicate, collaborate with team members, adapt to change, and demonstrate leadership qualities.

Mass Layoff:

MNCs lays off employees for various reasons, including restructuring, strategic shifts, or downsizing certain departments. The percentage of employees laid off by MNCs can vary depending on the specific circumstances and business needs at the time. MNCs’ may lay off employees due to organisational changes, such as merging or eliminating certain teams or departments. The percentage of employees laid off during a restructuring can vary widely, from a small percentage to significant layoffs. Sometimes, MNCs’ decides to shift its focus and invest in different areas of the business. In such cases, they may lay off employees who are working on projects or initiatives that are no longer aligned with the company’s new strategic direction. Again, the percentage of employees affected can vary depending on the scale of the shift. Economic factors or changes in market conditions can lead MNCs’ to downsize certain departments or reduce their workforce size. This could result in layoffs affecting a larger number of employees compared to other reasons.

Data-driven hiring decisions:

With advancements in HR technology and analytics tools, data-driven decision-making is becoming increasingly common in tech recruitment. Companies are leveraging data to identify top-performing candidates, predict job fit based on past performance data, assess cultural fit through sentiment analysis of candidate interactions during interviews.

Upskilling existing workforce:

Rather than solely relying on external hires for new roles or skill requirements within their organisation, companies are increasingly investing in upskilling their existing workforce through training programs or partnerships with educational institutions. This helps retain talent while also ensuring that employees have the necessary skills for future roles within the company. Traditional job fairs and career expos have been replaced by virtual recruiting events due to social distancing measures brought about by the pandemic. These online events allow employers to connect with candidates from around the world without geographical limitations while also reducing costs associated with travel expenses.

AI-powered recruitment tools:

Artificial intelligence (AI) is being integrated into various stages of the recruitment process such as resume screening software which uses natural language processing algorithms for better candidate filtering based on job requirements. AI-powered chatbots are also being used to automate initial candidate screenings and answer frequently asked questions. As AI becomes more prevalent in the recruitment process, there is a growing concern about potential biases or discriminatory practices that may be embedded within these technologies. Companies are taking steps to ensure that AI algorithms used for screening candidates are fair and unbiased by regularly auditing their systems for potential bias.

New HR Opportunities with AI’s Assistance:

AI can help streamline the recruitment process by using algorithms to analyse resumes, identify potential candidates, and even conduct initial screenings. AI-powered chatbots can provide personalised onboarding experiences for new employees, answering their questions and guiding them through the process. AI algorithms can analyse employee performance data to identify patterns and provide insights for managers to make more informed decisions about promotions, training opportunities, and performance improvements. With AI-driven analysis, HR professionals can reduce bias and subjectivity in performance evaluations by relying on data-driven insights rather than personal opinions or perceptions . AI-powered tools can provide immediate feedback to employees based on their performance data, allowing for timely interventions and adjustments. AI algorithms can identify individual skill gaps and recommend personalised training programs or learning resources for employees to enhance their professional growth. By analysing candidate profiles against job requirements, AI tools can help HR professionals identify the best-fit candidates for open positions, increasing the chances of hiring success. AI technology can personalise training programs based on each employee’s learning style and preferences, resulting in more effective skill development.

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