How to build your employer brand to attract tech talent

The UK tech industry is booming. As of last year, tech employment accounts for 6.4% of the nations’ overall workforce. This growth shows no signs of slowing down, with projections of 1.4 million tech jobs by 2030. With so much demand in the industry, getting the best talent on board can be a challenge.

The ever-growing tech recruitment landscape means businesses are competing for talent in the upper echelon. It’s more important than ever to stand out in a sea of prospective employers. This is where building an employer brand helps you to resonate with the people you most want to hire. 

At Marks Sattin, we’ve worked closely with businesses for over 30 years and we’ve seen first-hand how a strong employer brand can give you the edge in technology recruitment. Here, we’ll take a closer look at employer branding and give some practical tips that can give you a headstart on the chasing pack. 

What is employer branding?

Employer branding is your reputation as a workplace and your standing in the industry. It’s the first thing candidates think of when weighing up your company. Consider how you want to be perceived. With strong employer branding, you put these key values and your culture at the front of minds. 

An employer branding strategy digs deeper than just catchy slogans and flashy campaigns. It’s about showing what makes your organisation a great place to work. In an industry where candidates have plenty of options, getting this right can make all the difference.

The importance of employer branding in tech

With the fiercely competitive nature of recruitment in tech, your employer brand truly matters in this industry. Tech professionals are discerning, and as 76% of candidates evaluate culture and values to determine whether a role is the right fit, your brand prevents top talent from passing you by.

By garnering a good reputation in the industry, you also bring top talent to your door. With ample opportunities in the space, the most impactful hires will have their sights set on leading workplaces. Positioning yourself as a top option through a strong employer brand can lead to a 50% increase in qualified candidates being interested in your jobs.

How to attract top tech talent

It’s clear to see the impact reputation can have on hiring, but how do you build an employer brand that resonates with tech professionals? Here’s a few tactics that can help get your story across to the brightest sparks in the industry.

Understand what tech professionals are looking for

To attract tech professionals, you’ll need to understand what drives them. When your brand reflects what they’re prioritising in their search, you’re far more likely to speak to the right candidates. 

To do this, you’ll need to define specific job roles and what professionals in these fields are looking for. Whether the main motivations lie in factors like flexible working, inclusive cultures, or purposeful work, you’ll have a clear direction to build an enticing employer brand around.

Bring your employee value proposition to life

Your employer value proposition (EVP) gives candidates a flavour of the white space you occupy in the industry. Employee branding tells this story, communicating why people should choose to work with you. To bring this to life, consider the following:

• Share real stories from your team about their experiences and encourage employee advocacy in public forums
• Showcase innovative and exciting tech projects and case studies to provide insight into the type of work candidates can get involved in
• Clearly communicate how your values guide everything you do
• Show off your company culture and the perks of being a part of it

Create a strong online presence

Many candidates will get their first impression of your company online. 70% of prospects use social media to research prior to applying while 67% see company reviews as a deciding factor. Taking the reins on your online presence ensures it reflects who you are. 

You can shine a positive light on your workplace with these online tactics.

• Use social media to highlight achievements, showcase wins, and share thought leadership
• Build a careers page, including videos and testimonials
• Engage with feedback and reviews to build trust in your company

Highlight your work

Tech professionals want to know they’ll be working on something meaningful and cutting-edge. Through your employer brand, you can showcase your footprint in the industry. Consider using employee stories and sharing updates to give some insight into the work happening behind the scenes.

How partnering with a tech recruitment agency improves employer branding

At Marks Sattin, we know that building a strong employer brand takes time and effort. Our expertise goes beyond tech recruitment, and we’ve supported business across the industry in shaping brands that pique the interest of top talent. 

As part of our client offering, we can help you tap into the unique strengths and values that make your company special. From this, we build connections with the professionals who share your vision. Whether you’re a start up or a global enterprise, partnering with a tech recruitment agency like Marks Sattin can take your employer brand to the next level. 

Start attracting the best talent in tech today

Ready to stand out in the tech market? We’re here to get you there. To get started, submit a brief today or take a look at our technology recruitment to find out more.