From the Desk of a Data Centre Recruiter: How to Find and Keep Top Talent
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by Conor Kealy
Data Centre Guidance
Hey everyone, it’s Conor from GemPool. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how the data centre landscape is evolving—and with it, the battle for top talent. It has been some journey for myself from building my own PC’S and servers as a tech enthusiast, constantly researching NVIDIA-powered GPU’s and what next gen CPU’s have to offer, and now I get to connect with brilliant tech professionals who power our data centres. Today, I’m sharing what I’ve learned about finding and keeping the best in the business.
Understanding What Top Talent Really Wants
One thing that’s become crystal clear is that competitive pay isn’t the whole story. When I talk to data centre engineers, operations managers, and technicians, three recurring themes emerge:
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Career Growth: Candidates aren’t just looking for a job; they want a clear path to advancement. Many have told me, “I need to see where this role can take me in the next couple of years.”
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Work-Life Balance: Data centres run 24/7, and burnout is a real concern. Offering flexible shifts and hybrid work options can really set you apart.
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Learning & Development: Whether it’s certifications in AWS, Cisco, or specialised training in data centre operations, continuous learning opportunities are a huge draw.
Finding That Needle in a Haystack
Attracting top talent isn’t as simple as posting an ad and waiting for applications to flood in. The best candidates are often already employed, so you must be creative:
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Networking is Key: Some of my best hires have come through industry meetups and tech conferences. I once met a potential candidate over coffee at a local tech event, and that conversation led to a referral that became one of our star engineers.
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Think Outside the Box: The perfect candidate might not have a traditional data centre background. I’ve discovered brilliant minds from industrial automation and high-voltage electrical engineering—skills that translate surprisingly well into our world.
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Digital Communities: Besides LinkedIn, niche forums, job boards, and even tech subreddits can be great places to discover talent.
Making Candidates Choose You
Once you’ve found a great candidate, the next challenge is convincing them that your company is the right place to build their career. Personalised interviews and genuine interactions make a big difference. I’ve heard candidates say things like, “I chose this role because I felt they truly cared about my career goals.” Here’s what helps:
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Personalised Interview Experience: Tailoring the process to show that you understand their ambitions can be a game changer.
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Transparency & Culture: Sharing real stories about the team and the company’s vision builds trust. A conversation with a current team member who’s passionate about their work can tip the scales.
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Clear Career Roadmaps: Top candidates want to see where they fit in the future. Outlining growth opportunities and professional development plans goes a long way.
Retaining Your Best People
Finding talent is only half the battle—keeping them is equally challenging. Here are some strategies that I have seen that has worked well with past candidates I’ve dealt with:
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Regular Check-Ins: Beyond standard reviews, genuine conversations about career goals and challenges help pre-empt issues.
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Investing in Growth: Sponsoring certifications or sending employees to industry conferences can make them feel valued. I recall one technician who was reignited by a sponsored course in advanced cooling systems.
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Recognition and Rewards: A simple thank you or public recognition during team meetings goes a long way.
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Flexibility: Offering flexible work arrangements is crucial in preventing burnout, especially in a 24/7 environment.
Final Thoughts
Being a data centre recruiter isn’t just about filling roles—it’s about connecting with incredible people and understanding what drives them. The companies that win are those that invest in their people, foster a supportive culture, and provide real opportunities for growth. If you’re in the hiring game or just curious about the world of data centres, feel free to reach out. Let’s keep the conversation going and build teams that inspire and innovate.
