The FT reported that in California, tech companies were looking to fill 15,852 jobs in the second week of March — down only slightly from the week before and nearly three times the level from a year ago, according to data from ZipRecruiter.
Data Economy reached out to ZipRecruiter for further comment regarding how tech companies were in need for more staff as the world becomes more digital, to which the company is yet to respond.
One company that can testify to the need for more employees during the Coronavirus pandemic is mobile games company Kwalee.
“Thankfully, being a mobile games company where our games are easily downloadable by players around the world, COVID-19 hasn’t impacted our business in the same way it has for many others, and we are continuing to grow as a business,” said Veronica Minano is the Talent Acquisition Manager at Kwalee.
“This means that we are still hiring staff in almost every department. We have always been a company that has hired from overseas or further afield, so conducting interviews via Skype isn’t alien to us at all, and we will continue to work this way, just for more local candidates too.
"However we are very mindful that this isn’t an ideal way to start a job for any employee, so are being extra mindful of anyone new that starts, and the person’s manager will take additional time to keep in touch and make sure they are settling in okay and starting to feel a part of the company.”
Minano added that the company has even made provisions for new starters should they join during the pandemic.
“If a new starter needed a more comfortable chair or any equipment, we would ensure this could be sent to them, as we have done with some members of the team already,” said Minano.
Bev White, Chief Executive, Harvey Nash Group, a recruitment company that specialises in technology hires said the crisis will create a demand for more technology solutions.
“We expect recruitment needs to stay high. We have already seen growth in requirements around flexible workforce solutions and interim contractor positions,” said White.
“In the UK, the deferral of IR 35 because of the virus is great news for the tech sector and has reversed the trend overnight, with many contractors who were thinking of leaving tech coming back in. At the same time too, we are still seeing demand for permanent positions – we’ve taken new instructions in just the last few days for example.”
Safa Alkateb, CEO at Autocab said: “Travel is one of the sectors worst hit by COVID-19, so it might seem surprising that we’re hiring.
“But I’m confident demand will return at massively increased levels, when the restrictions are lifted. Everyone will be trying to make up for lost time – and they’ll want private hire taxi firms more than ever before. And these firms will want the best possible technology from us.
“That’s why we’re investing in our business now by recruiting across sales, business development and R&D.
“The next few weeks will provide an opportunity to hire the very best talent out there – some of whom may find themselves on the job market, through no fault of their own.”
