The Insider's Guide: What Tech Companies Really Want in Their Ideal Candidates

What actually makes a software engineer candidate stand out to the top tech companies? Knowing what organizations want in an ideal developer candidate can make the job search journey much easier.

Why is it so hard to find a job in tech?

It’s important to know why these companies are so selective. You might see plenty of job offers but they always seem to have a long list of requirements. Here's why tech companies can be picky when hiring:

1. Technology is evolving (and fast)

By the time you’ve read this sentence, a new super smart phone or AI tool has probably come out. Staying ahead is key. Companies want employees who can not only keep up in the world of tech but also bring fresh ideas to the table. 

2. Every person/AI for themselves

The tech job market is a hot commodity. Top companies get huge amounts of applications for software development positions and there’s a lot of competition. To find the best match, they set high standards to filter through the dev pool. 

3. Companies want more than just skills

These companies want a collaborative engineering team that clicks. The job ad checklist isn’t just about tech knowledge, it's finding people whose values match the company's vibe.

4. Thinking ahead

Tech is pretty much non-stop. Companies want someone who's not just a good fit for today but can be there for the long haul. They're not just thinking about now. They're thinking, "Can this person keep up as our tech company evolves?" 

Tech companies are picky but don’t let that stop you 

Understanding what’s going on helps you get a bit of a grasp on what companies need right now. Are their standards too high? Could they be more open to training junior candidates. Of course! But it's like finding the right puzzle pieces. Tech companies aim for a mix of skills and experience for a quick start. 

Even though they have high standards, that shouldn’t stop you from applying. Companies truly value passion, a learning mindset, and tech flair, even if you don’t meet all the requirements. 

Now, after seeing why companies are picky in their talent search, let's look at the other side of the story: 

Why are workers looking for new opportunities? 

It varies, but the main reasons include:

• More flexibility (in hours and location)

• Higher salaries

• Better work-life balance (especially for Gen Z, who is very willing to change jobs for this reason)

• Shared values with the company 

What are tech companies looking for?

So, what are some key ways to show that you’re the ideal candidate? Well, it’s all about understanding what you want and doing your best to align yourself with what companies are looking for. 

You’re more than just another little piece of the puzzle. Show that you’re the one that actually completes the full picture for yourself and the company:

🔗 Connect your skills to company goals

Show off your technical abilities and let them know how your skills will help the company achieve its goals. Whether it's through streamlining processes, improving efficiency, or solving challenges, share examples that show how what you bring to the table can directly add to their success. 

This way, it's not just about skills on paper; it's about how you, with your unique strengths, can make an impact.

⭐ Be adaptable

Being open to flexible work arrangements and able to adjust to different situations is a highly rated trait. Show that you can handle different situations by talking about times when you've done it before. 

Maybe you've learned new things on the job or adapted well when a project took an unexpected turn. Being open to change is a big deal, and letting them know you can handle whatever comes your way helps you stand out. 

🌱 Work-life balance matters. Let them know.

In job interviews, be sure to speak up about how having time for personal stuff is important to you and even give them a glimpse into your outside-of-work interests and activities. This lets them see more of your values and get to know a bit more of your personality.

🩵 Share core values

Take some time to research what the company cares about, and explain how your beliefs match theirs. It not only shows that you care enough to actually learn about the company, but also that you’re a great fit for what they stand for. 

📚 Show that you’re always learning

Being dedicated to growth and development, especially in tech, can really help you stand out. Let them know you're committed to getting better at what you do.

🤝 Be a teamplayer 

Many tech projects involve collaboration, and companies really value employees who can work well with others. Let them know you're someone who can make projects get done by collaborating effectively in different types of teams.

🔑 Confidence is key

Stand out and show it, think about what makes you different and show it - through your CV, LinkedIn, portfolio, or project. Be confident in yourself and transmit it to recruiters.

✅ Stay consistent

Applying to jobs is a numbers game - you have to be consistent and keep applying on a regular basis (i.e. once a week). The trick is to apply to less jobs and put all of your effort into those applications. A quality application is so much better than applying 100 times without thinking - invest in each application and you will see results. 

Stay current and upgrade. The world of tech is always changing, meaning being on top of the newest trends and improving your skills can make you more appealing to top tech companies.

Show them you're not just aware of what's new, but you're ready to adapt and stay at the front of what's happening.