How Australian tech companies can attract and retain the best talent
In today’s dynamic global economy, attracting top-tier talent is crucial for fostering innovation and driving economic growth. For Australian tech companies, tapping into global talent pools of skilled professionals not only enhances competitiveness but also significantly contributes to building out the local ecosystem. In the arms race for talent acquisition in the ever-competitive and evolving world of tech, it’s never been more crucial to get the attraction piece right. So if you’re a tech company in Australia looking for ways to effectively attract international talent with the goal of building a diverse and dynamic workforce, heres our two cents.
Understand what motivates the candidate
What ACTUALLY gets that aerospace engineer out of bed in the morning and why would they sign on the dotted line for a position in regional Australia? Good question!
To successfully attract international talent, it is essential to understand what motivates them beyond compensation. Candidates will generally prioritise meaningful work, challenging projects, and a supportive work environment over dollars and cents. Digging deep into their psyche to properly understand these motivating factors is crucial to figuring out what makes them tick. Highlighting Australia’s reputation for cutting-edge technological initiatives and its commitment to work-life balance can significantly appeal to potential hires. Not to mention the opportunity to significantly contribute to a relatively young tech ecosystem and play a major role in building this out.
Emphasising Quality of Life
Australia ranks highly in terms of quality of life, safety, and natural beauty. These factors are pivotal for professionals considering a move, especially those relocating with families. Access to top-tier education, healthcare, and recreational activities underscore Australia’s appeal as a desirable destination for tech talent. Relocating internationally impacts more than the primary job seeker; it affects the whole family. Explore the family dynamics and understand the partner’s preferences to find solutions that suit the whole tribe.
Cultural Diversity and Inclusivity
Tech companies thrive in diverse environments that foster creativity and innovation – Statistics show that ethnically diverse companies are 35% more likely to have financial returns above the national industry median. Australia’s multicultural society not only embraces diversity but also encourages collaboration across different perspectives and backgrounds. It can be said that individuals from varied and diverse backgrounds approach the same problem from different angles, which can lead to faster and more significant breakthroughs in tech.
Navigating Visa Solutions
Visa complexities can be daunting for both employers and potential employees. There are a number of moving parts when relocating countries so ensuring transparency of timelines in regards to the visa process is crucial from a preparation standpoint. Partnering with specialised migration firms can streamline this process, ensuring smooth transitions for international hires. From skilled visa applications to understanding employment legalities, having expert guidance simplifies the journey and reduces any unwanted surprises along the way.
Engage in Targeted Recruitment
Effective recruitment strategies involve engaging with global talent markets strategically. Partnering with a recruitment firm who have significant experience sourcing global talent is important. Don’t underestimate the additional intricacies but also being able to leverage a rolodex of highly experienced international talent harbouring unique skills. Attraction is one thing, but finding them in the first place can tend to be more challenging than expected.
Strategies to Strengthen your Employer Value Proposition (EVP)
According to the report ‘Winning the War for Talent’ by Sonder.ai, companies that prioritise EVP are best placed to reduce staff turnover. Here are 4 strategies to stay ahead of teh competition when it comes to employee retention.
- Listen to the needs of your people
- Empower leaders to support thriving teams
- Make wellbeing a key focus area
- Communicate your offering with your staff
*International hires are a decision made out of necessity rather than choice – Techvisa
