New Age Hiring Strategies for EdTech Startups in India: Insights and Takeaways

The EdTech industry in India has grown manifold over the recent years, driven by increasing demand for quality education and technological advancements. This growth trend continues to persist as startups target segments like e-learning, online training and a plethora of brands. It is evident that the industry is witnessing multi player consolidation. With acquisitions, mergers and partnerships being formed and new startups emerging, the EdTech space has opened up a wide range of career prospects.

As the EdTech market in India expands, hiring the right talent becomes critical to their success. In this blog post, let’s explore new age hiring strategies for EdTech startups in India.

Define the roles and skills required

The first step in hiring for an EdTech startup is to define the roles and skills required. It's essential to have a clear understanding of the type of talent needed to drive growth and innovation.

For instance, a mobile app development startup may require developers and UX/UI designers. In contrast, an online education platform may require instructional designers, content developers, and subject matter experts.

Build a Strong Employer Brand

Before you start using social media for hiring, it's essential to build a strong employer brand. This means creating a clear and compelling brand story that showcases your company culture, values, and mission. Use social media to share your company's successes, highlight employee stories and share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your team at work.

Teachable , an online course platform, has a strong employer branding strategy that helps them attract top talent. The startup regularly showcases its company culture and values on social media, which helps to build a positive reputation in the industry.

Look for passion and purpose

EdTech startups are looking for people who share their passion for education and purpose. When hiring for your EdTech startup, look for candidates who demonstrate a genuine interest in education and are committed to making a difference in the industry. Passionate individuals are more likely to stay motivated and aligned with the company's vision, leading to better performance.

upGrad , an online learning platform, uses hackathons as a recruitment strategy. They organize hackathons to find and recruit top talent that is passionate about data science, artificial intelligence, and other tech-related fields. This has helped UpGrad attract passionate and innovative individuals who are eager to work on cutting-edge technologies.

Leverage networks and referral bonus programs

Referrals from your network can be an excellent way to find the right talent for your EdTech startup. You can tap into your personal and professional networks, such as alumni associations, industry associations, and social media platforms like LinkedIn, to source potential candidates. Referrals from current employees can also help bring in high-quality candidates.

Vedantu , an online tutoring platform, has a successful referral bonus program. They offer a cash reward to employees who refer qualified candidates that are eventually hired. This has helped Vedantu build a team of individuals who are committed to the company's mission and share its values.

Use LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram to source candidates

Social media platforms can be an effective way to reach a broader audience and attract top talent. You can use LinkedIn to search for candidates with specific skills, experience, or educational backgrounds. You can also use these social media platforms to post job openings and encourage your employees to share them with their networks.

Additionally, you can create targeted ads based on factors such as location, education, and interests. You can also create ads that highlight your company culture and values to attract candidates who align with your mission.

BYJU'S , a popular EdTech startup in India, uses social media platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook to recruit top talent. They create engaging posts and videos that showcase their company culture and mission, and target potential candidates based on their location, interests, and education.

Evaluate soft skills

While technical skills are essential, it's also important to evaluate soft skills such as communication, adaptability, and problem-solving. EdTech startups need people who can work collaboratively, take ownership, and thrive in a fast-paced environment. Conduct behavioral interviews to assess these skills and select candidates who fit your company culture.

Offer attractive compensation packages

EdTech startups need to offer competitive compensation packages to attract the best talent. While cash compensation is essential, startups can also offer equity, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for career growth and development. These incentives can help to attract and retain top talent.

Host Virtual Hiring Events

Virtual hiring events can be an innovative way to engage with potential candidates and showcase your company culture. During the event, you can provide an overview of your company, showcase your products and services, and answer questions from potential candidates.

Simplilearn , an online learning platform, uses virtual job fairs to attract top talent. They participate in industry-specific job fairs and create virtual booths where candidates can learn more about the company and its culture. This has helped Simplilearn connect with candidates from all over the world and build a diverse team of professionals.

Share User-Generated Content

User-generated content, such as customer reviews and testimonials, can be a powerful way to showcase your company's impact on the education industry. Share positive feedback from users on social media, and encourage your employees and customers to share their experiences as well.

Udemy , an online learning platform, uses video content to showcase its company culture and attract top talent. The startup creates video profiles of its team members, which helps to humanize the company and build a personal connection with potential hires.

Conclusion

The EdTech industry in India is on the rise, and hiring the right talent is crucial for startups' success. By defining the roles and skills required, looking for passion and purpose, leveraging networks and referrals, evaluating soft skills, and offering attractive compensation packages, EdTech startups can attract and retain the best talent. With the right team in place, EdTech startups can drive innovation and transform the education industry in India.

Looking to attract and hire the best talent for your EdTech organization? Write us today at [email protected] to find out how SilverPeople can help you build a high-performing team.

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