Why employers now seek candidates who can code, create and demonstrate

Having a rounded knowledge of the emerging creative technology and advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) are skills that are valued in today’s constantly changing IT industry.

While AI continues to evolve at pace, keeping on top of current tech not only helps candidates to apply for, and secure, high-paying jobs but keeps their CVs relevant in a dynamic sector. Sought-after candidates are those who fuse their traditional IT expertise with creative capabilities and have the confidence to demonstrate their unique skill set. 

Understanding current professional expectations

After becoming mainstream, the extraordinary capabilities of AI for companies were described by the UK Government as being the most significant industrial technological advancement of this century. Without doubt, when it comes to generating images, content, codes and other types of media, the impact of creative AI tools are expected to continue and evolve for years to come. 

At present, the advances in AI and its burgeoning relationship between tech and creative professionals has shifted the expectations employers have. It’s no longer enough to excel purely in coding, system administration, or network management. Today’s business owners are now increasingly prioritising candidates with AI capabilities, to drive innovation, enhance efficiency and gain the competitive edge for future growth and success.

Therefore, aspiring IT professionals need to actively demonstrate a proactive approach towards mastering and experimenting with AI tools relevant to their areas of expertise. The proliferation of coding bootcamps, online courses, and educational resources means that basic technical skills are more widely available than ever, and a foundational knowledge is no longer a differentiator. Employers seek employees who are willing to embrace, creatively apply and explore the potential of AI tools and software that will pose an asset to the wider business. 

Contributing with targeted communications

Forward-thinking candidates are experimenting with AI-powered tools to enhance their productivity and create more sophisticated solutions. This might include learning how AI can generate compelling visuals for presentations, or automated content that explains technical concepts. Employers value candidates who can harness their learning to think strategically and creatively develop practical resources for the entire company. 

Meanwhile, as traditional boundaries between tech and the broader business continue to merge, employers are keener to tap into the creative opportunities of emerging AI. Where once IT professionals operated behind the scenes, employers expect them to be more visible. This has created a new type of IT professional with essential technical knowledge and the creativity and skills to translate complex concepts into accessible content. 

Moreover, businesses recognise their IT staff are powerful assets for devising targeted content for marketing campaigns, training modules, or instructional films. In an increasingly eCommerce-focused age, they can help to create short-film videos that will captivate a viewer's attention in seconds. As MPB highlights, it’s important to draw your audience in quickly, when the average person allows a video only eight seconds before deciding whether to watch the rest of a film. 

Ensuring the technical detail in online materials matters more than ever. They bridge the gap between tech teams and other departments generating visuals and content to make technically complex services user-friendly for the benefit of clients and customers. 

Having the confidence to present on multiple platforms

Gone are the days of an IT professional being called on to fix a colleague’s computer. There’s as much chance that your combined tech and creative skills might be called upon to deliver a company-wide demonstration on a database update as being asked to design a heartwarming presentation to celebrate a milestone achievement. Employers want candidates who can effectively demonstrate their strengths and community to internal teams and external audiences, a departure from the introverted nature of past IT roles. 

In addition, rather than a reliable powerpoint presentation, businesses value employees who can communicate and present across various channels, including: 

• writing technical blogs

• uploading regular social media posts

• designing video tutorials

• finessing conference presentations

The ability to demonstrate technical skills publicly serves multiple purposes for employers. It showcases the company's technical capabilities to potential clients and partners, helps establish the organisation as a thought leader in its industry, and contributes to talent attraction by highlighting the expertise of the team. Candidates who can effectively communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences bring immediate value to their employers' marketing and business development efforts.

Future-proofing creativity in technical roles

Whether you’re in a full-time in-house position or you’re a freelancer building your brand, having a creative mindset and approach in your role extends far beyond conventional technical solutions. Businesses want to attract talent who view problems through multiple lenses, considering the user experience, business impact, and potential to integrate emerging technologies into a company’s existing processes.

Employers increasingly value candidates who demonstrate curiosity about new tools and technologies, showing initiative in experimenting with cutting-edge solutions and thinking of ways to integrate or adapt emerging technologies into a company’s existing processes. 

For recruiters, this means differentiating exceptional candidates by their ability to think creatively about problem-solving, demonstrate expertise in compelling ways, and contribute to the broader business objectives, from supporting sales efforts through technical presentations or boosting business development. It’s about having the ability to use AI and emerging technologies effectively thereby demonstrating adaptability, innovation, and strategic thinking. 

For IT and technology professionals seeking to advance their careers in today's competitive market, developing creative skills alongside their technical expertise is essential. Find your next tech and IT Job or contract role here.