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Inside Tech Recruitment
Technical recruitment is more than just matching skills to job specs, it’s about foresight, deep understanding of client environments, and keeping ahead of ever-changing tech trends. We sat down with Yonela, CyberPro’s Talent Acquisition Manager, to get her insights on what’s shaping the IT recruitment landscape and how CyberPro continues to deliver top-tier talent that exceeds client expectations.
What are the most in-demand IT skills you're currently recruiting for?
While there will always be a consistent need for core IT skills, Yonela notes a significant surge in demand for Data Engineers, AI specialists, and developers with .NET and Azure experience. AWS capabilities remain highly sought-after, especially among cloud-focused clients.
“We’re also seeing growing interest in Business Analysts with domain-specific experience, particularly in the investment and financial sectors, including Anti-Money Laundering (AML). These roles require not only technical know-how but also deep industry understanding.”
How has the technical talent landscape changed in the past 2 to 3 years?
The rise of AI has undeniably reshaped the IT landscape, but not in the way many feared.
“AI isn’t replacing jobs, it’s changing how we work,” Yonela emphasizes. “There’s a major increase in AI integration across all types of roles. Whether it’s predictive modelling or automation, professionals are expected to understand and leverage AI to drive efficiency.”
Cyber security, too, has taken center stage, especially with the new threats AI can pose. “Understanding how AI interacts with security frameworks is becoming essential.”
Her advice? “Learn to use AI as a tool, not fear it. Those who embrace it early gain a competitive edge.”
How does CyberPro's approach to talent acquisition benefit clients?
CyberPro sets itself apart with a proactive, relationship-based approach. Unlike reactive agencies, CyberPro’s Account Managers (AMs) work closely with clients to understand their business inside and out, from culture, team dynamics, tech stacks, delivery expectations, and more.
“This insight helps us find candidates who are the right fit beyond just technical requirements,” explains Yonela. “We don’t wait for roles to open; we anticipate them by staying engaged with our clients and their evolving needs.”
Dedicated AMs manage long-term client relationships, allowing for consistent alignment and faster placements with better fit.
What feedback do you receive from clients about the quality of CyberPro’s technical talent?
The praise from clients speaks volumes. Yonela shared a few standout moments:
- Nyiko, a .NET developer, was commended for his outstanding contributions to a high-stakes project, where he not only delivered a secure online payment solution but also significantly improved system performance and collaborated effectively with the team. His client noted that he “exceeded expectations in every aspect.”
- Two other consultants, Moeketsi and Morena, received recognition for their attention to detail and dedication, leaving a notable mark on their projects.
- Another client praised CyberPro’s seamless collaboration, saying: “Partnering with WebTonic and CyberPro has been one of the best business decisions we have made.” Projects were delivered on time, within budget, and the process was straightforward: “a rare experience with dev partners.”
“These kinds of testimonials are why we do what we do,” Yonela says. “Clients go the extra mile to retain our consultants when they see the value they bring.”
What processes do you use to verify and validate technical skills, especially for specialized roles?
CyberPro goes well beyond CV screening. Our internal team is consistently trained through technical sessions led by our director, equipping recruiters with a strong grasp of what top-tier tech talent looks like.
“We’re also developing custom in-house technical assessments tailored to specific roles,” explains Yonela. “It’s not just about ticking boxes. If a candidate can’t impress our principal consultants in a technical interview, they’re not ready for client-facing roles.”
Further validation includes project portfolios, client-run technical interviews, and sometimes additional assessments. “We aim to present candidates who are not only technically sound but project ready.”
How do you assess soft skills to ensure consultants can integrate into client teams effectively?
Soft skills can be harder to quantify, but they’re just as critical. “We look at how candidates communicate, their tenure at past companies, and how they’ve handled different environments or feedback,” Yonela says.
For roles like Business Analysts and Project Managers, communication and stakeholder engagement are non-negotiable. “We use scenario-based questions, assess body language, and ask about past team dynamics to gauge fit.”
Not all roles require strong communication, developers, for example, may not need to be extroverted, but past experience and consistency still matter. “We consider the full picture.”
How does CyberPro attract and retain top technical specialists in a competitive market?
CyberPro’s edge lies in how we care for our consultants.
“We offer competitive rates, regular upskilling opportunities, and even fund certifications if needed,” says Yonela. “Our consultants get to work on high-impact projects across top-tier clients, building invaluable experience.”
What sets CyberPro apart is the support for formal training and certification. As an official AWS, Microsoft, Salesforce, and Snowflake partner, CyberPro often works with clients who require specific technical credentials.
“One of our clients, for example, asked that consultants complete Azure and AWS certifications. We cover the cost of those exams to ensure our consultants are properly equipped. We want to remove barriers to growth and help them succeed in delivering real impact for our clients.”
CyberPro’s internal team also has access to a wide range of knowledge-based learning resources, helping recruiters deeply understand technical requirements and stay on top of trends.
With flexible work arrangements, team engagement events, and long-standing relationships, many consultants who leave eventually return. “That speaks volumes about our environment.”
What role does recruitment play in CyberPro’s ability to scale for large projects or new technology domains?
Recruitment is the engine that drives CyberPro’s delivery capability.
“Our director is hands-on and technically savvy, which means we’re always aligned with project requirements,” Yonela explains. “We’ve placed principal consultants who help shape our approach to acquiring the right talent for new domains.”
CyberPro can rapidly assemble full teams for turnkey projects, thanks in part to AI-driven recruitment tools and a developer on the internal team who has helped automate critical hiring processes.
“We don’t just fill roles, we build project-ready teams,” Yonela adds.
About Yonela Maka
Yonela joined CyberPro in 2019 as a recruiter and quickly rose through the ranks to become Talent Acquisition Manager in 2021. She leads a team of senior recruiters in Gauteng and works closely with the Western Cape team to ensure nationwide delivery.
With over a decade of experience and a background in brand, marketing, and PR, Yonela brings a unique perspective to the tech recruitment space. She oversees operations, mentors her team, and personally handles strategic placements for high-level technical roles.
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