How has your organization shifted its definition of an ideal candidate for an IT role in the past year?

Our organization has increasingly adopted my philosophy of prioritizing aptitude over specific experience. Given the maturing and developing nature of the current IT landscape, we recognize that candidates may not have a rich history with every new technology. Instead, we look for evidence that, regardless of their background, candidates have demonstrated success through their aptitude and ability to navigate the unknown.

While a technical background remains important, it is no longer the sole focus. Technical expertise is becoming outdated more quickly, so we now look for candidates who can embrace new tools and skills, especially those emerging with AI. We seek individuals who can navigate complex architectural landscapes and are prepared to master ongoing changes in the field.

Given the rapidly changing IT landscape and the pace at which technologies like AI are advancing, it's unrealistic to expect candidates to have extensive experience with the latest tools. There simply hasn't been enough time for anyone to develop deep expertise. As a result, we have adjusted our expectations and now place greater emphasis on potential: natural curiosity, enthusiasm for learning, and the ability to grow alongside evolving technologies. This approach ensures our people can adapt as the technology itself develops, which is particularly important with AI.