Building Data Teams #1: Power Platform Specialist
Building Data Teams: a case study series where we how a former data analyst now data & analytics recruitment specialist sources and screens for top tech talent at DR Analytics Recruitment.
Introduction
This is a case study / story of how DR Analytics Recruitment has supported a client and candidate from start to finish for a Power Platform Specialist role. First, what is Power Platforms? At a high level, it is Microsoft's product suite that allows users to analyse data, build apps and automate processes. This is a great graphic representation:
This is Power Platform. Source: Microsoft
Map of Microsoft Power PLatform.
The Beginning: Making Connections
Our story starts with a simple introduction. We were referred to a potential client who didn't have immediate needs but were well aware that in the data space there's a lot of fast-moving changes. Getting the T&Cs signed was a longer process than we would have liked but larger organisations are less agile in this respect.
The Challenge: Finding a Power Platform Specialist
The need for our expertise became evident as several data roles were advertised with this client. There was one where we had specialised interest and a candidate base ready to go: a Power Platform Specialist. Power Platform is a crucial yet niche area, for context the whole platform was officially released in 2018 so finding a specialist is difficult and a sought after skillset.
The Search: Our Response to the Challenge
Upon receiving the job brief, we engaged the candidate market immediately, launching our search for potential candidates to interview. What did this look like from a recruitment perspective?
LinkedIn Job Advertisement: paid LinkedIn ads are promoted to profiles that suit the position description. This helps spread the awareness of the role.
Targeted Headhunting: personalised outreach to individuals with known skillsets that align to the role. Building meaningful connection, not spamming.
Network & Database: run searches through our internal database to identify resume and skillset matches.
AI Sourcing: AI-powered tools used to analyse online and internal data resources to identify potential candidates.
Competitors: analyse competitors to gain insights and strategically position ourselves to attract that talent in the market.
Overcoming Obstacles: The Candidate Search & Screening
We faced considerable challenges in our search with several close matches. Our internal protocols to assess candidate competence include:
Technical questions
Soft-skill questions
Interviews
Due diligence
The first potential candidate we discovered was close but not quite the right fit for our client. Leveraging our industry knowledge and resources, we identified a second candidate that had heard of DR Analytics previously. This individual had the technical background necessary for the role and, importantly, displayed a desire to move into an environment like that of our client.
Motivation = Check
Skills = Check
The Outcome: A Successful Match
Once found, we were successfully able to support the new starter and client through the interview, negotiation, contract signing and onboarding process. The candidate's skillset and enthusiasm resonated strongly with the client, and they decided on a salary at the top end of budget. As the fit was evident, this was a smooth onboarding with the majority of recruitment effort made in the candidate search process.
Feedback and Reflection
The contract start date was last week. We'll not name the individual, but he is excited to be in a role where he feels supported with mentorships and learning pathways in place for his own development. Our client is also pleased with the result and as a snippet of feedback, they said "From the moment I reached out to Doug, he was incredibly attentive and responsive. He took the time to understand our needs ensuring that they matched us with the candidates." (Recruitment Contact).
Conclusion: The Value of the Journey
At DR Analytics Recruitment, we combine technical industry knowledge with recruitment skills to source, screen and support candidates in the data space. Asking technical questions and understanding jobs scopes is one advantage we hold. We look forward to empowering more businesses with the right data teams.
Please reach out if you're looking to build your data team!
@: douglas@analyticsrecruitment.com.au
#: +61 430 846 876
W: https://www.analyticsrecruitment.com.au/
