An article in yesterday's Boston Globe discusses the rebounding tech job market.  The article mentions conventional compensation and new wooing techniques - something I definitely think makes this "tech boom" stand apart from the past:

One difference today is that job candidates are more concerned about salary and conventional compensation. The allure of stock options has faded in an era where initial public offerings are less common. "There were days in the bubble where it wasn't unusual for someone to take a $200,000 pay cut in exchange for 8 or 10 percent of the company and the promise of an IPO," recalled Flint at Polaris.

 

Today, employers have to offer competitive benefits. GetConnected, a company that creates specialized software for retailers, is sponsoring a job fair tomorrow at its offices in the North End. The company, which is trying to hire 20 engineers to support its growth, is boosting its contribution to employee health plans. It's also offering pet insurance along with its 401(k) and flexible spending account.

 

And company managers are trying to entice candidates with their collaborative culture and proximity to good Italian restaurants.

Most employers these days are thinking more rationally and long-term about what they can offer employees (fantasy stock options - no, awesome health care benefits - yes), and like-wise, jobseekers want to feel like the employers care.  Established companies are having to prove they care about the individuals applying to their companies - or else they risk losing them and they know that.  A trend you won't be able to ignore will be the increasingly "personalized" experience employers will almost have to mass produce for their applicants and interview finalists.   I find it all very fascinating to watch - but then again, I'm a dork.

So be on the look-out.  Which companies out there seem they care the most about your candidate and employee experience? 

via BostonWorks Hiring Hub