5 Trends in IT Hiring for 2024

Updated: November 21, 2023

Information technology (IT) and all the jobs within the field are still among the highest in-demand services in the United States workforce. As 2024 begins, let’s go over some hiring trends from the IT field and how they can affect your business.

2024 IT Hiring Trends

1. Hybrid Work Is the New Norm

Both companies and employees largely prefer a hybrid work model, where employees work in an office some days and remotely other days.

Among employed workers surveyed by McKinsey, 87% opt for a hybrid work schedule when it’s available, with 55% working between one and four days at home. Flexible work options have become one of the primary reasons people look for a new job, McKinsey says.

Remote and hybrid work have been practiced in the IT industry since before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, since then, the possibility for remote work, at least part of the time, has become increasingly common for most IT jobs.

2. AI-Driven Recruitment Gains Speed

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been propelled into the public lexicon as more tools learn to harness this technology. A recent study found that 63% of companies are investing (or plan to invest) in AI solutions for talent acquisition problems in 2024.

Hiring teams should stay ahead of the AI revolution by finding ways to integrate it into recruitment and screening processes. Keep in mind that AI-driven recruitment isn’t meant to replace the human aspect of hiring. Instead, it’s meant to evaluate current hiring processes and find opportunities to streamline, automate, reduce redundancies, and offer objectivity—ultimately benefiting both recruiters and candidates.

Areas where AI-driven recruitment could strengthen hiring processes in 2024 include:

Screening candidate resumes to identify relevant skills, backgrounds, experiences, and qualifications and shortlist candidates who best align with the job requirements.
Leverage AI-powered chatbots or virtual assistants to engage with candidates, like answering common queries, providing application updates, and even conducting initial screening interviews.
AI algorithms can analyze historical hiring data using predictive analytics to identify patterns and predict candidate success.
AI tools can streamline redundant hiring processes (scheduling candidate interviews and follow-ups).

The ways hiring teams can harness AI-driven recruitment tools will only continue to grow, so it’s important to start familiarizing yourself now.

3. Skills-Based Hiring Remains Strong

As organization tech stacks grow alongside emerging tools, it can be challenging for hiring teams to find candidates with skill alignment. In fact, a Forbes UK Report found that 93% of businesses identify an IT skills gap, and 42% blame the problem on fast-paced technological advancements.

As companies require more niche skills, the scarcity of skilled candidates grows (and the salary demanded grows as well).

According to the same study, the most in-demand IT skills included:

Artificial intelligence and machine learning (ML)
IT support and troubleshooting
Cybersecurity
Data science and data analysis
Programming languages (specifically Java, Python, and C++)
Cloud computing
Mobile app development
DevOps and automation

To avoid skill mismatch, many organizations are implementing skills-based hiring methods. Skills-based IT hiring is a recruitment approach focused on assessing and prioritizing candidates based on their skill alignment over traditional factors such as education or years of experience.

Skills-based hiring uses assessment tools like skills tests and coding challenges to evaluate practical skill sets and provide more objective decision processes rather than relying on previous job titles or degrees.

4. Focus on Cybersecurity Talent Increases

By the end of 2025, the cost of cyber attacks on the global economy is expected to reach $10.5 trillion. Cybersecurity is becoming a larger strategic priority for organizations across all industries to keep consumer, employee, and company information safe.

As hiring managers prepare to fill cybersecurity roles, it’s important to find talent across all levels of expertise. A Gartner report predicted that by 2026, 70% of corporate boards will include a cybersecurity expert because these professionals are needed in decision-maker capacities.

5. Specialized Expertise Grows in Demand

The field of IT has matured alongside the new technologies that have emerged in recent years. For example, cybersecurity used to be a function of IT, and now many organizations have heads of cybersecurity and robust cybersecurity teams.

Similarly, maturity within IT has given rise to new roles and functions that require more than skill, and they require specialized expertise.

In 2024, more hiring teams will begin scouting for specialties like:

Sustainability and Green IT: More companies are seeking IT professionals who can help them reduce their carbon footprint and make environmentally sustainable technology choices.
Quantum Computing: Companies working on quantum computing projects will require experts in this emerging field.
Data Privacy and Compliance Experts: The demand for professionals who can navigate complex data privacy regulations will persist.
Edge Computing Specialists: With the growth of Internet of Things (IoT) and edge computing, there will be a need for professionals who can manage and secure decentralized data processing.

Stay Ahead of Tech Trends in 2024 and Beyond

The IT landscape has experienced a lot of change in the past decade, and hiring teams should brace for more changes to come. To prepare, it helps to embrace technologies such as AI and machine learning, as well as new protocols like skills-based hiring to aid in navigating hiring for 2024.

To save time reaching candidates with niche skill sets or recruiting for specialized IT expertise, Insight Global can be your partner. Our talent pool and robust IT staffing team can help connect you with the right candidates for your needs. Reach out to learn more!