Recruiting Staff for the Cloud

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In recent years, cloud computing has not only changed the IT landscape, it has literally transformed the way we work, play, communicate, and socialize on the web.

According to recent research by IDC Cloud Research , spending on cloud services is expected to reach an estimated $107 billion in 2017, with SaaS (Software as a Service) companies and businesses holding a little shy of 60 percent of the cloud computing market. It’s no wonder many organizations are actively recruiting team members with proficiencies in computer science, programming, server administration, security, web-development, network engineering, product management and many other related fields.

This article by Wanted Analytics notes that the most commonly advertised cloud computing positions are:

  • Software Engineers
  • Java Developer
  • Systems Engineer
  • Network Engineer
  • Websphere Cloud Computing Engineer

For most of these cloud computing jobs, an excellent knowledge of UNIX/Linux, SQL, Oracle, Perl and others are required skills and are in very high demand. Expertise with CRM applications as well as experience managing projects and a keen understanding of sales is primordial for marketing managers, as well as business analysts.

While technical skills are of utmost importance for any cloud computing position, soft skills should also be greatly considered by hiring managers when recruiting candidates. Here are some critical skills to look for when interviewing prospective employees:

  • Leadership skills: Cloud computing projects often require a much smaller team than large-scale infrastructure projects. Thus, candidates need to show leadership skills (without being authoritative) to help the team succeed. From taking the lead on a particular part of the project or calling meetings when things don’t go as planned or need clarification. Micro-management is often very ineffective with smaller cloud computing teams. Leadership skills are a must.
  • Negotiation & communication skills: Candidates should be able to easily negotiate and sell their ideas to both their own team members and upper management or project managers. In order to move a project along and be efficient, candidates should demonstrate their ability to clearly communicate their ideas, negotiate a resolve, and focus on finding solutions to issues that are encountered along the way.
  • Knowledge-sharing: Not every member on your team will have the same qualifications and/or skills. The willingness to share knowledge and help others achieve their goals should be quite high on a hiring manager’s list of requirements when interviewing for a cloud computing position. Remember that a diverse – but highly qualified – group of people working together and sharing their knowledge with each other will not only move a project along faster, but also create a bond between team members. This is indispensable.

So – with all this knowledge in mind, how exactly do you go about finding the right candidates, interviewing them, and building the team you need to bring your cloud computing projects to life?

Utilizing a staffing company like Adecco is definitely a good idea, as we have successfully helped countless organizations find the right candidates for cloud computing jobs.

Additionally, offering certain perks and benefits to employees such as a free work computer, paid lunch, vacation time and even a yearly team getaway can go along way in attracting and, more importantly, retaining talented employees.

Perks such as these may attract qualified candidates, but it is even more important that your team members relate to the company’s vision as well as understand the bigger picture and what your organization is trying to achieve. An impressive title and salary may attract good employees, but great employees are the ones who believe in your company and are eager to get to work and deliver the goods.

The technology landscape is always changing, always moving and we must be agile. Find out what kinds of technology skills you need on your team, how to attract these professionals, and what to pay them in our new “Build a top tech team” interactive clickographic.

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