In a Constantly Evolving IT Landscape, the Core Hiring Fundamentals Still Win
The IT industry is constantly evolving through new technologies, changing business models, and increasing market demands. Roles that didn’t exist a few years ago are now crucial, and companies must adapt faster than ever.
However, despite all these changes, some hiring fundamentals remain as crucial as ever.
1. Culture Fit Over Skillset
As technologies change, the importance of aligning candidates with your company’s culture doesn’t. Skills can be taught, but attitude, adaptability, and shared values are vital. A candidate who fits in with your team will grow alongside the organization, even if the tech stack changes.
“Skills can be learned, but the right mindset can’t.”
2. Potential vs. Experience
It’s tempting to focus on candidates from top schools or those with well-known job titles. However, potential often outweighs just experience. In an era where continuous learning is key, finding people who are curious, resilient, and eager to grow often leads to the best long-term hires.
3. Go Beyond Technical: Build a Genuine Human Connection
A key part of hiring, especially for tech roles, is truly connecting with the candidate. It’s not just about technical skills, but about understanding who they are as a person. Knowing their background, motivations, and future aspirations helps create trust. When candidates feel understood, they are more open and confident. Trust builds retention, and empathy drives engagement.
“People don’t leave jobs; they leave people.”
4. Communication is Non-negotiable
No matter how technical a role is, good communication is essential. Whether it’s talking to teams, clients, or leadership, being able to express ideas and expectations is key. Especially in remote or hybrid work environments, strong communication ensures that great ideas lead to great results.
5. Candidate Experience Shapes Employer Brand
Every step of the hiring process, from the first email to the final offer, shapes your company’s brand. In today’s world, reviews on platforms like Glassdoor and LinkedIn have a significant influence. A positive, transparent, and respectful candidate experience helps build a strong employer brand, even with candidates who aren’t hired.
6. Hiring is a Two-Way Street
Today, candidates are just as focused on evaluating companies as companies are on evaluating them. Talent wants meaningful work, flexibility, purpose, and growth opportunities. Hiring is not just about filling a position; it’s about telling your company’s story and showing why it’s a great place to work.
Final Thoughts
The IT industry will keep evolving, but the basics of hiring culture fit, potential, communication, empathy, experience, and mutual respect remain unchanged.
As tools and strategies evolve, don’t lose sight of what matters in hiring: people, purpose, and potential - seen and supported fully.
About the Author
Meet Nikhil Doshi, Associate Director – Sales, India Business at Collabera. With over a decade at the company, since November 2011, he specializes in driving IT staffing strategies, strengthening client partnerships, and optimizing operational excellence. Passionate about creating value for both clients and internal teams through strategic, insight-led actions.