Talent Mapping for a DevOps Engineer With Security Clearance.

Client Background: Our client, a leading IT consultancy, was facing significant difficulties in finding a qualified DevOps Engineer with the necessary security clearance for a high-priority public sector project. Despite working with four different recruitment agencies, they couldn’t find the right candidate for the role. The project was critical but the talent pool was narrow and the client was feeling the pressure to deliver.

Challenges: This recruitment effort came with multiple obstacles:

1. High Demand for Security-Cleared DevOps Engineers: Security-cleared professionals are in high demand, and the market for these candidates is highly competitive.
2. Onsite Work Requirement: The client’s office was located outside a major city in a less accessible, remote location, making the role less attractive to potential candidates.
3. Limited Talent Pool: Due to the strict onsite requirement and the niche skillset needed (DevOps with security clearance), the available pool of candidates was significantly reduced.

Our Approach: Talent Mapping as the Key to Success

At 3RGT, we don’t take a traditional “post and pray” approach to recruitment. Instead, we dig deeper into the unique challenges our clients face and devise a strategic plan. Here’s how we approached this recruitment challenge:

1. In-Depth Consultation & Needs Analysis

Rather than jumping straight into the candidate search, we took the time to fully understand the client’s needs, their project requirements and the barriers they were encountering. We arranged a detailed consultation where we gathered insights into:

• The specific technical skills required for the role.
• The importance of security clearance and its impact on candidate availability.
• The difficulties surrounding the location of the office and its effect on attracting talent.

This conversation led us to the conclusion that a strategic Talent Mapping exercise would be the best way forward.

2. Talent Mapping & Market Research

Our Talent Mapping service is designed to provide a clear, data-driven view of the recruitment landscape. We took the following steps to assess the market and craft a targeted hiring strategy:

• Identifying Talent Availability: We conducted in-depth market research to pinpoint security-cleared DevOps professionals who were actively seeking new opportunities. This research revealed key insights into where talent was located, what skills were in demand, and where the greatest competition for candidates lay.
• Understanding Barriers to Entry: We identified that the biggest barrier wasn’t a lack of qualified candidates, it was the rigid onsite requirement. Most potential candidates were simply unwilling to commit to a full-time, onsite role in a remote location, especially when other opportunities offered more flexibility.
• Benchmarking Against Competitors: We researched how other companies successfully attracted security-cleared DevOps professionals. This helped us understand how other employers were addressing the location challenge (e.g., offering hybrid work options, higher salaries or more attractive relocation packages).

By mapping out the challenges, we gained a clearer understanding of why the role was so difficult to fill and what changes could be made to attract more candidates.

3. Strategy Adjustment & Candidate Engagement

Armed with the findings from the Talent Mapping exercise, we advised the client on potential adjustments to their approach which included:

• Reevaluating the Onsite Requirement: We recommended considering flexible work arrangements such as a hybrid model where candidates could work remotely for part of the week.
• Salary and Benefits Benchmarking: We suggested revising the compensation package to make the role more attractive in a highly competitive market, particularly in regard to relocation assistance, travel stipends or bonuses for security-cleared candidates.

At the same time, we proactively reached out to security-cleared DevOps professionals and began engaging them with more tailored job descriptions and messaging that aligned with their preferences (e.g., hybrid roles, competitive pay).

Results & Impact:

• Access to a Larger Talent Pool: By adjusting the client’s approach and addressing the location challenge, we immediately expanded the talent pool. Candidates who previously were not considering the role began to engage.
• Successful Placement: Within six weeks, we successfully placed a highly qualified DevOps Engineer with the necessary security clearance who was willing to work within the adjusted parameters.
• Long-Term Strategic Success: With the insights gained from the Talent Mapping process, the client was better positioned to plan future hires and attract top talent for similar roles, reducing their reliance on traditional recruitment methods.

Why This Matters to Employers:

By choosing 3RGT for their recruitment needs, our client was able to:

• Tap into a Niche Talent Pool: We gave them access to highly qualified candidates who had the right skills and security clearance but who might have been overlooked by more traditional recruitment methods.
• Strategise for Long-Term Success: Instead of just filling the immediate vacancy, our approach provided them with valuable market insights, helping them adjust their hiring strategy to be more competitive moving forward.
• Save Time & Reduce Frustration: By offering a more targeted, data-driven approach through Talent Mapping, we saved the client time and resources in their search for the perfect candidate.

At 3RGT, we believe that recruitment is more than just filling a position—it’s about finding the right talent for your business and ensuring that both candidates and employers are set up for long-term success. Our Talent Mapping service helped this IT consultancy not only overcome their immediate hiring challenges but also gain the insights they needed to approach future talent acquisition with greater confidence.

Looking for a strategic partner to help you navigate tough recruitment challenges?
Let us show you how our Talent Mapping service can give you the edge in attracting top talent. Contact us today to discuss your hiring needs.