RPG developer shortage and hiring challenges, unrealistic job requirements, importance of evaluating technical skills, experience versus natural talent, salary and compensation considerations, remote hiring options, mentorship and apprenticeship programs, RPG training initiatives, and best practices for attracting and retaining RPG talent.
RPG Developer Availability
If you're looking to hire RPG developers, you may be feeling the pressure of a shrinking talent pool. However, it's important to note that RPG developers aren't the only ones looking to retire. Retirement is a widespread issue across all industries and technical stacks. This is due to demographics rather than perceived outdated technology. And the IBM i is certainly not outdated.
When it comes to hiring RPG developers, there are a few best practices you can follow to ensure you're making the right choice.
It's important to have a clear understanding of what you're looking for in a candidate. This includes technical skills, experience, and cultural fit. Additionally, if you have not hired an RPG developer in a number of years, it might be necessary to reevaluate your salary and overall compensation and benefits packages because the full-stack IBM i developer brings more than just RPG.
Ultimately, hiring RPG developers (and any other technical talent) requires a thoughtful approach. By understanding the current talent landscape and following best practices, you can improve your chances of finding the right fit for your organization.
Is the RPG developer shortage inflated?
It is true that RPG developers are retiring, leading to an increase in demand. However, it is important to note that this shortage may be inflated due to unrealistic requirements that companies place on potential candidates.
Unrealistic requirements
Companies are often too restrictive in their hiring requirements, which can hinder their ability to attract the right talent. Part of this comes down to hiring practices and the specific criteria that companies look for.
Oftentimes, unnecessary requirements hinder a company's ability to hire and attract the right talent, which creates a perceived developer shortage.
Here are some common requirements that might be preventing you from finding a talented IBM i developer:
- Is a bachelor's degree really required for the role?
- If you are hiring an experienced RPG developer, a large percentage of them don't have a bachelor's degree because they came through the technical college system or picked up RPG on the job.
- Solution: Drop the bachelor's degree requirement.
- If you are looking to hire an entry-level programmer for an RPG position, you can easily find someone with a bachelor's degree, but there is a good chance they will not be familiar with the RPG development language.
- Solution: Hire a developer externally or internally and put them through an RPG training or apprenticeship program.
- Do you really need someone with all of the following: RPG, JD Edwards World, XML, Javascript, Optio Forms, Robot, Island Pacific, Aplus, and along with IBM i Administration experience? Maybe. But, it is important to realize that your IBM i shop is as unique as the next and expecting to find someone with identical experience, while possible, will prove difficult.
- Solution: Avoid hiring in the image of someone that is retiring but rather, seek out natural talent and individuals who are curious as well as ones that have the most important skill, the ability to ramp up on new technology quickly.
Hiring Best Practices
When it comes to hiring RPG developers, there are a few best practices that you should keep in mind. These practices can help you find the right talent and ensure that your team is set up for long-term success.
Consider whether you want to hire for natural talent or experience. While experience can be valuable, it's important to remember that RPG is a niche skill. Instead of focusing solely on experience, consider looking for candidates who have a natural aptitude for programming and can be trained in RPG.
Hiring Remote: Another important consideration is whether you're open to hiring remote workers. With the rise of remote work, it's becoming increasingly common for companies to hire developers who work from home. This can be a great way to expand your talent pool and find the right person for the job, regardless of their location.
Mentorship programs and apprenticeship training models can also be valuable when hiring RPG developers. These programs can help new hires get up to speed quickly and ensure that they have the support they need to succeed. By investing in your team's development, you can create a culture of learning and growth that benefits everyone.
RPG training programs. These programs can help you find candidates who are specifically interested in RPG development and have already started building their skills. By partnering with training programs, you can tap into a pipeline of talented developers who are eager to learn and grow.
Share
Found this article interesting? Others in your network may too. Please use the social media buttons to spread the word. Thank you!
Ongoing Insight
Get Talsco Weekly: Where IBM i security, talent, and continuity intersect
Each week, Talsco Weekly covers:
- Real-world IBM i talent and succession planning ideas
- Questions hiring managers should be asking—but often aren’t
- Signals that talent gaps may be becoming security gaps
- Practical insight from inside the IBM i ecosystem