The positions that are most difficult to fill closely match those those are most in demand. But HR heads say technical skills are slightly harder to find than sales and marketing roles that are more in demand (see chart 5 and 6).
HR heads say the most difficult technical positions to fill cover IP-based skills, RF and transmission planning, and performance optimization and project management.
Chai said BT has strong demand for lead-generation roles, both sales and presales, as well as solutions architects.
Curbing turnover
While 36% of HR managers turn to recruiting companies, 30% say they are addressing skill shortages with training.
"We see strong demand for new technical staff," said SmarTone-Vodafone GM for human resources Rita Hui. As the Hong Kong operator continues to upgrade to new technology and develop new services, she said the required know-how is not always available in the market like in the past.
"We are focusing on internal training and development of our own staff, not only for technical expertise but also so they understand the company's mission and vision. We believe it is always most effective to develop from within."
Chai said BT's investment plans in the region, which involves adding 300 people or a 15-20% increase in headcount over the next 12 months, is helping to attract people and to keep top talent. "Many are excited about our growth plans and that can make a difference."
One of its main recruiting channels is executives' networks of contacts.
To retain and attract staff, BT is expanding opportunities internally, investing in people by offering more structured learning programs for new hires, making existing training plans more visible to staff and offering more internal and external certification plans.
"We're leveraging what is already in place to make it more accessible. This is across BT Global Services, not just Asia Pacific."
Other elements besides remuneration, Baker agreed, can contribute significantly. "Companies should make themselves attractive to their employees by providing them with opportunities to develop within the company through training and clear promotion pathways."