Superstar techies get 'Hollywood' agents

IT experts should sign up Hollywood-style talent agents to help them land highly paid positions, according to the Association of Technology Staffing Companies (ATSCo).

ATSCo chief executive Ann Swain said most IT professionals would rather focus on their technology skills and outsource their marketing to professionals.

Swain said there is a shortage of top talent in areas such as games development or security, where IT experts can almost pick and choose where and who they want to work with.

Recruitment companies usually match candidates to employers' requirements - whereas talent agents would instead act on behalf of highly skilled individuals, negotiating their contracts.

IT recruitment companies are now looking at providing "a gold-plated" bespoke service for the highest-earning IT professionals, ATSCo said.

The talent agent would act as the marketing and sales representative on behalf of the IT professionals, assisting with CV presentation, career planning and negotiating terms.