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I recently released a 6 question, multiple-choice survey to my Java Developer network to uncover some insights about the job-changing market for Java Developers in the UK. I was inspired by Stack Overflow’s annual software developer survey to explore my market in greater depth. In this article, we’ll be looking at current trends and comparing data across workplace and job-hunting experiences for Java Developers. 1. Current Workplace Experiences ‘Tech stack’ was rated most highly by Java Developers when asked about their favourite aspect of their current work. These results corroborate Stack Overflow's 2019 developer survey. ‘Opportunities for self-development’ were also valued more than ‘company culture and values’. Instead of internal recruiters marketing their offices as being ‘dog-friendly’ and ‘newly refurbed’ – what the market is actually telling us is that, as recruiters (both internal and agency), we should be proactively highlighting career-progression opportunities and aspects like training budgets. Surprisingly, the graph makes for some interesting interpretations as no respondents brought up flexible/remote working options as one of the best aspects of their current work. Either not enough companies are currently introducing these options into work practice or, contrary to current market demand, other factors are still favoured. Realistically, are there any major benefits to working from home if the project/tech you’re working with daily is boring? 2. Challenges to Productivity Three key answers account for approximately 75% of respondents' opinions when asked about their biggest challenges to productivity at work: Lack of career progression opportunities – this is one of the many reasons why the average Java job cycle lasts 18-24 months. It is typically easier to move as a Mid- or Senior Level developer via a company change. Distracting work environment – increased meetings and noisy environments. Being tasked with non-development work – a lot of the Java Developers I’m talking to now are looking elsewhere because their employer has been pushing them towards more hands-off responsibilities. Interestingly, 10% of respondents said that their teams are currently understaffed for the workload. The software development market is notoriously competitive and candidate short. With a record £5.5bn investment in the London tech scene so far in 2019, it’s no wonder most tech companies are looking to hire! 3. Most Important Factors in Decision Making The survey shows that ‘opportunities for professional development’, ‘tech stack’ and ‘remuneration’ are the most influential factors in decision-making processes for Java Developers. This corroborates the data discussed for questions 1 and 2. I was surprised to not see ‘company values and culture’ with a higher number of votes. A lot of Java Developers I have spoken with recently have highlighted the struggle to progress in bureaucratic environments where decision-making is out of their hands/too top-down. My own insights from conversations within this market would rank ‘tech stack’, ‘company values and culture’ and ‘remuneration’ as top factors steering job-decision making. 4. Approaches to Looking for Opportunities There were few surprises here with 46% of respondents mentioning something LinkedIn related as a tool for finding a new opportunity. Whether this is ‘opening yourself to new opportunities’ or applying to the jobs posted on the social media platform, it’s no wonder that LinkedIn is becoming increasingly popular for developers to find jobs that match their specialism. It currently has 20 million jobs listed on its platform! Arguably, 5 years ago this graph would have looked very different as the ‘job board’ option has drastically reduced but does remain present nonetheless with 22% of developers using them! I was expecting slightly more responses for the use of personal networks given the number of forums, slack communities and blogs in the programming space but understand that developers are most probably interested and curious about market insights on various projects and salary info which they would discuss in greater detail with recruiters. Reaching out to recruiters accounted for 12.2% of responses. 5. Working with Recruiters? Good news for all recruiters reading this! Over 36% of responses highlight the value of working with recruiters. This is due to our direct contact with hiring managers and key members in the recruitment process to keep track of applications, prepare candidates for interviews and what questions to expect and provide relevant feedback which can help with the rest of their job searches. Approximately 1 in 4 Java respondents use recruiters as a tool to find out more about the job market and industry insights. From speaking to software developers and hiring managers daily - recruiters (in general) have beneficial knowledge about salary expectations, new projects/tech worth getting experience with and opportunities across various industries. 6. What about Specialist Recruiters? An overwhelming 70% of Java Developers who took part in the survey said that they would work with a specialist recruiter. With the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) predicting that 56% of vacancies in the next 12 months will be filled by agencies, the role of the recruiter is pivotal. Insights around salary ranges, ‘up and coming’ technologies that are worth getting your hands on and specific information about career progression opportunities are just a few things that you won’t be able to get from a LinkedIn advert. Specialist recruiters (in any sector/industry!) speak to many candidates with similar profiles and can have invaluable knowledge on how you compare to others within your profession and importantly, which companies are looking for someone exactly like you. We know the interview processes too, have direct relationships with hiring managers, have case studies of candidates we have placed who have been promoted, negotiate salaries for you – and best of all, our entire service is free! Why wouldn’t you use a specialist recruiter? Overall, for the first survey I have done on my Java market, the research across the Java Development conducted makes for some interesting talking points for both hiring managers and recruiters (internal and agency). Tech stacks and opportunities for career progression are pulling factors to new opportunities whilst distracting working environments are pushing people to new projects. Next time you’re interested in a new role, why not use a specialist recruiter to give you some insights? You could really be missing out if you don’t! If you'd like to discuss the Java market with me in more detail or want to hear more about how we can work together, message me on LinkedIn, drop me an email or give me a call 01727 809830.

Carina Panchal graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a BSc in Psychology before joining Understanding Recruitment in our HQ in St. Albans, Hertfordshire. As part of our Delivery team, she now recruits a wide range of tech related roles, from iOS Software Developers to Marketing Analysts. 1. Why did you decide to get into a career in recruitment? After graduating I wasn’t sure what career path I wanted to take at the time, so I spent a lot of time researching different jobs and I finally stumbled upon recruitment. Having looked at some recruitment job ads and descriptions, I realized I would be well suited to a recruitment role, as it involves a lot of talking to different people on a daily basis and helping to find these people their dream job! In recruitment, your work is also attributed to you and only you, so it's easy to take responsibility for your hard work. Plus the earning potential and chance for career progression are a great bonus! 2. What’s the best thing about working at Understanding Recruitment? The best thing about working at UR is the company culture. In a very competitive and cut throat industry, UR really look after their staff and invest a lot in training us up and making sure we have all the tools we need to succeed. UR is very much about building each other up, and using the competitive nature of the job in a healthy way, to drive everyone to be their best. Everyone has been very supportive, friendly and helpful, and this has allowed me to have the best possible start to my career in recruitment! 3. What would your advice be to a graduate looking for a career in recruitment? To any graduates looking for a career in recruitment, my best advice would be to thoroughly get stuck in and give everything a go. In this industry, you only get out what you put in, so be prepared to work really hard! Resilience is very important, and being able to keep going after a bad day or week makes it that much better when things do start to fall into place! Curious about a career in tech recruitment? If you are ambitous, financially driven and outgoing we would love to hear from you. Drop Emily Kitamura or Jessie Edwards a message on LinkedIn, send an email to emily@understandingrecruitment.co.uk or call 01727 228 255.

If you are in the Tech world you may have heard of Berlin and its rise in the Tech standings. But when it comes down to it, what can Berlin really offer you as a Software Developer if you decide to make the move? Berlin is the fastest-growing tech hub in Europe and 2nd biggest when it comes to tech investment. In 2018 €3.4 billion was ploughed into the Berlin tech ecosystem. Following where people are prepared to put their money is usually a good start to see if something is worthwhile. Right now, investors are not shying away from putting their money into Berlin Tech companies, and because of this companies have to attract great talent into Berlin in order to keep it growing - and also keep the products and projects world-leading! Because of this Berlin can now offer a lot for a Software Developer. The 3 most important things I have highlighted below. 1. Truly International To attract great talent Berlin has opened its doors to some of the brightest and best from all over the world. In 2018 the number of EU Blue Cards issued in Germany was 27,241. Compared to 11,290 in 2013. As a result, it has created a tech melting pot where no matter where you are in the world you can join, work and learn from highly skilled people from different backgrounds. When a team comes together from different cultures the diversity of ideas is huge. They do say 10 people coming up with 10 different ideas = 100 ideas. 10 people with the same outlook coming up with the same 10 ideas are still just 10 ideas. The international approach seems to be working with some Berlin Tech companies offering the highest rates of growth in the whole of Europe. With many companies offering sophisticated relocation support from impressive temporary accommodation, relocation packages upfront, signing on bonuses, relocation managers to walk you through the Visa process, and personal support to help you adapt to your new settings. "It is hard to explain in words but 1 visit to Berlin and seeing the freedom on offer and how accepting people are it really is a city where you can be whoever you want to be!" 2. Cost of living For such an established Tech Hub the cost of living is pretty good compared to other cities in Europe and in Germany. Any research on Berlin rents would point you to the news articles of rent increases in the news, but in relative terms, the rents are still 26% lower than in Munich, and 32% lower than in London. This coupled with rising tech salaries (€61,000 on average for a Software Engineer) it is still making it economical place to pursue your Tech ambitions and start a new future. 3. You can be whoever you want to be In one of my first-ever meetings in Berlin, the Internal Recruiter said to me that Berlin was a place, “Where you can be whoever you want to be”. At the time I was fresh-faced and really did not get what that meant. Since then, from speaking to people and numerous visits, I see it is a place where people come from all over the world and there is little judgment, stereotyping and so much freedom to explore who you are and be completely accepted for it.