With the ever-changing dynamics of technology and the increased level of competition in a shrinking economy, candidates who bring a variety of complementary skills to the table typically garner the most attention from hiring managers. One such breed of candidates combines both business acumen with technology capabilities, allowing them to deliver specific products or services to their end-users. Let’s take a look at who these full-cycle candidates are and why they are in such high demand.
What is a full-cycle candidate? In the past when working with enterprise software such as Oracle and/or SAP, these types of candidates were referred to as “techno-functional.” Techno-functional was a moniker given to those who understood the technicality of the software and hardware and its myriad of machinations, as well as had the ability to communicate and articulate this in a way that allowed the larger business user community to gather business requirements, complete definitions, and conduct UAT (user access training). Full-cycle candidates are much the same; they are not only technical but also possess a strong business acumen.
Why are full-cycle candidates important? Their ability to be both technical and business-minded allow them to extrapolate information in a non-technical manner from business users to define what it is they need to do their jobs appropriately with the technology at hand, or translate how the current technology needs to be modified in order to increase productivity.
How do you become a full-cycle candidate? Full-cycle candidates rarely learn their skills in a classroom; instead, their knowledge of technology and how it crosses over into business is inherent. Since iPhones, portable devices, and desktop computers are so ubiquitous, especially with the millennial generation, users have had to adapt to an abundance of different technologies both at work and even outside of work. Those that provide that technology have had to do so, as well, and have had to learn how to present information in a clear and concise manner to the business user. Millennials and the generation after them are immediately in tune with technology and use it part and parcel of their daily lives, not just in business, so in essence, they are becoming full-cycle candidates as well at different levels.
Where do they thrive? Full-cycle candidates thrive in organizations that take a more flat organizational approach, where the culture breeds a free flow of ideas and creativity at all levels, allowing them to work cross-functionally to develop software, products or whatever they are manufacturing quicker.
Who is looking for a full-cycle candidate? As recruiters, we see more and more of this requirement in Project Manager, Business System Analyst, Network Engineering, System IT Architect and some various Development roles especially when areas encompass open or shared technology. With the regiments of the larger technology companies of the world, you still have a structured approach with defined roles. However, these organizations have begun the process of breaking down these structures to become more fluid in interfacing with both their internal and external customers.
Think you qualify as a full-cycle candidate? If you do and you are looking for a new role, check out our current job openings.
