How Global Hiring Is Solving the Tech Talent Shortage
The pandemic-driven remote work revolution only ratified what so many in the industry had long suspected: distributed teams are not only possible—sometimes, they’re even optimal. Global hiring has since ballooned, especially in tech, as companies grapple with an ongoing talent shortage.
Before COVID-19, signs had been appearing in abundance. Korn Ferry had projected in 2018 that vacant jobs would bleed the global economy of $8.5 trillion in lost revenue by 2030. Fast-forward to today, and Gartner and McKinsey reports validate that talent shortages in tech are hindering progress in high-leverage domains such as AI, quantum computing, and cloud infrastructure.
Cross-Border Hiring Is Increasing
To bridge this shortfall, companies are relying more and more on global recruitment. Cross-border tech employment doubled between 2020 and 2023, says Gartner. In 2022, 58% of organizations employed remote staff who worked from other countries—a definitive sign of growing adoption of global teams.
In order to better grasp this transformation, Oyster—a worldwide recruitment platform—constructed a platform data and surveyed over 500 North American and European HR business partners. Their goal: uncover where companies are hiring, what jobs are on the mind, and how pay differences across markets vary.
Tech, Sales, and Marketing Dominate Worldwide Hiring
Some jobs lend themselves more to remote work. IT, sales, and marketing lead the way due to their digital nature and worldwide applicability. Digital jobs will grow by 25% to over 90 million jobs globally by 2030, according to the World Economic Forum. Oyster data shows a high correlation:
- Information Technology: 35% remote workers
- Sales & Marketing: 12%
- Admin & Office Support: 6%
Not only are these functions simpler to do from a distance, but they also present scalable possibilities for firms entering new markets. IT functions, particularly software development, depend on transferable skills that enable remote professionals to function. Sales and marketing departments gain from the employment of local specialists who know the regional markets. Admin functions, on the other hand, facilitate global operations and enable firms to have 24/7 service through the coverage of time zones.
Most Hired Roles in 2024
Most leading roles hired by foreign hires this year are:
- Software Engineer (18% of total hires)
- Marketing Coordinator
- Customer Service Representative
- Data Analyst
- Account Manager
The Rise of Contract and Fractional Work
In addition to the shift to remote, we’re also seeing a reworking of work. Full-time no longer reigns supreme. The rise of gig work, freelancing, and consulting is proof of a larger trend: professionals wanting freedom and companies needing flexibility.
Oyster records a 46% rise in contractor hires between 2023 and 2024, while full-time hires dropped by a mere 2%. Consulting roles witnessed a whopping 10x year-over-year growth. These statistics point to a growing reliance on flexible, project-based workers—the ideal fit for companies that need to grow rapidly or survive turbulent markets.
Emerging Markets Gain Momentum
The figures also indicate higher trust in the hiring of emerging markets. In 2024, Oyster handled over $137 million in gross payments to staff in the markets—a 29% increase from 2023.
Almost half (47%) of all new hires on the platform this year were from emerging markets, up from 44% last year. More importantly, though only 37% of companies’ initial international hires are located in these countries, that figure rises to 48% for future hires. Once companies enter these markets, they tend to keep coming back.
Previous blog: How Small Businesses Are Winning With AI, Content, and Cybersecurity in 2025
Conclusion: Global Talent Is Here to Stay
The post-pandemic world has revolutionized how companies hire, build teams, and engage in talent. With companies still on the lookout for innovation and scalability, international recruitment is turning into a strategic advantage, specifically in tech.
For founders and HR leaders, the message is clear: embracing global, remote, and flexible work models is not just a trend—it’s a competitive imperative.
We are Talentus: a global company that provides US companies with reliable IT services, near-shore talent, and support to meet their needs.
