How to Handle the Talent Shortage in Software Testing

One of the biggest challenges facing the tech industry today is recruiting and retaining skilled talent. With the supply chain disruptions and COVID burnout along with a shift in employee behavior and priorities, the shortages are touching every industry including software development, engineering, and software testing.

A recent study by CodeSubmit.io suggests how dire the talent shortage in the tech industry really is.

• Around 40 million technical jobs go unfulfilled due to a lack of skilled talent.
• The US Labor Department estimates that the global shortage of software engineers may reach 85.2 million by 2030.
• By 2026, it’s estimated there will be 1.2 million engineering job openings.
• Job openings for software developers, quality assurance analysts, and testers are projected to grow by 22% year over year between 2020 to 2030.
• Globally, companies risk losing $8.5 trillion in revenue because of the lack of skilled talent.

Software testing companies and QA departments are suffering from a lack of human resources as well. With technology and software driving almost everything we do including banking, shopping, ordering food and so much more, the need to test is critical. But why is it so difficult to find the right people who will be compelled to stay? Below are some considerations we think should not be ignored.

The shortage of tech workers is predicted to reach almost a million unfilled positions by 2030 if current growth continues. The need for software developers alone is expected to rise 30% by 2026. Additionally, a survey by Indeed.com stated “Almost 9 in 10 respondents (86%) said they find it challenging to find and hire technical talent.

What Not to Overlook When Looking for the Right Candidate

Non-traditional applicants, from mid-life career switchers with code camp experience to those with skills garnered through unconventional methods, are an often overlooked and underutilized resource. These people, want to explore new ideas and bring value to their organizations. When mentored and trained well, they can be the most valued members of any team.

1. Experience vs. Potential: Adhering to the outdated paradigm of recruiting candidates with experience, rather than potential is one of the reasons companies are not successful at attracting talent. Tech evolves daily, which means that what was relevant last week might be less so next week. Hands-on, current experience matters more than outdated technologies. Requiring an “X” number of years of experience could result in a hiring failure. Looking for passion and drive to learn on the job is more likely to land you candidates that will be loyal and productive.
   
2. Non-Traditional Candidates: Yes, it’s important to find a candidate who can code in a specific language, but finding one who can also learn, adapt, and evolve if other digital skills are needed should be the goal of any tech worker recruiting effort. Recent graduates or self-taught applicants with theoretical knowledge but very little on-the-job experience can often be more willing to learn and even drive innovation by looking outside the box and not within the way things have always been done.

For the last few years, more and more people are working remotely even after COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted. Many have shifted priorities and require remote opportunities only or they want flexibility and a positive culture. Embracing this new employment paradigm is critical in finding and keeping the best talent.

The lack of tech talent presents several risks for human resources leaders and employers alike. The big issues include obstacles to growth and innovations as well as lost revenue and failure to compete. Based on a study done last year by CodeSubmit, here are what we believe to be the top 5 threats to your company during a talent shortage.

5 Threats to Your Company During a Talent Shortage

1. Cost to hire and recruit.
   According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers, quality assurance analysts, and quality assurance testers are paid up to $110,140 on average per year, depending on their position and skills. While the cost of QA testers can be moderate, retaining them will require higher wages with experience and time in the company. And according to recruitment experts, developer recruitment costs can amount to $28,548-$35,685.
   
2. Leading risk for tech companies.
   In the 2022 Tech CEO survey, research firm Gartner found that acquiring and retaining talent as well as managing talent-related issues is one of the top priorities for tech CEOs. That same survey showed that 87% of respondents expect that labor costs will increase in the next 12 months.
   
3. Tech talent shortage.
   According to a recent CNBC report, 57% of tech executives say that finding qualified employees is their biggest concern. 26% say the same about supply chains and 20% name cybersecurity. In other words, tech talent shortages outrank both of these concerns.
   
4. Future jobs will require technical skills.
   According to estimates, a growing number of jobs rely on technical skills. 77% of jobs will require tech skills in the next decade. See these QA testing jobs as an example of the criteria and requirements sought by organizations.
   
5. Failing to keep up with innovation.
   64% of IT executives say that the shortage of tech talent is a major barrier to the adoption of emerging technology. The most affected areas are network, security, digital workplace, IT automation, computer infrastructure and platform services, and storage and database systems.

Tech talent shortages are a major issue for the tech industry and digital workplace technologies but there is hope if you are not successfully recruiting a top-notch team during this time. The opportunity to outsource may be one of the most important decisions you can make for your software testing needs and your business overall.

Avoid the Risks by Partnering with Experts

One of the most valuable resources a company can have if they are short on talent is to consider outsourcing services. For example, hiring a reliable software testing partner can alleviate the challenge and provide some relief knowing that your software is functioning as it should and that the experience works for every user. When your company is responsible for a 100% functioning product, outsourcing your software testing can be critical.

Hiring a partner can address many of the concerns above. A trusted partner will always be innovating to keep up with technology, so you don’t have to. An outsourced quality assurance team can provide the talent needed so you don’t have to worry about finding, hiring, and retaining test technicians. They can do it all for you.

It is important to note that when choosing to outsource a business function, you want to select a company that will take the time to get to know your company—someone that cares as much about the success of your projects as you do. You don’t want a contractor; you want a partner.

QualityLogic integrates with your team to build a fully customized approach to your software testing needs. Here are some of the benefits of partnering with a trusted provider for your software testing and QA service needs.

• Onshore test labs that provide exceptional value at competitive prices without the language, culture, time zone, and distance challenges of offshore outsourcing.
• A stable partner that has provided testing technology and services to enterprises and high-tech industries for over 35 years.
• QA engineering and testing services trusted by industry leaders.
• We utilize core testing technologies, such as virtualization and cloud computing, that allow us to scale our testing environment with minimal cost impact on you.
• Going above and beyond traditional QA testing with digital accessibility helps maintain function and ensures the experience works for all users.

To maximize efficiencies in the testing process, QualityLogic has designed a workflow support system that aligns with the client’s daily work schedule. This collaborative system allows the developers to have continuous support from the QA team which in turn, allows for a more dynamic and real-time workflow.

QualityLogic also supports the client during product releases occurring outside of normal working hours. In an effort to deliver seamless and transparent client support, the QA team is part of the release process from the initial design through to the final production push.

At QualityLogic, we hold ourselves accountable for delivering the best testing solutions available along with a relationship that you can trust. With a partner like QualityLogic, you don’t have to rely on H.R. to deliver talent, you can put the talent shortage behind you and leave the work to us.

Ready to Explore Ideas?

If your company is having a hard time finding qualified test automation engineers, test technicians, test case writers, or digital accessibility experts, contact us about outsourcing your QA functions.