The right tools, innovations, and people are crucial in the ever-changing tech industry. Knightec, a Swedish tech consultancy, has thrived for over two decades by staying at the forefront of technology and finding the right talent. Their success lies in project-based work, diversity, and a data-driven recruitment process.
Innovative and project-based work – a key for growth
Since 2003, Knightec has grown into a strategic partner for customers in various industries, including energy, sustainability, and cybersecurity. Most of their work is project-based, with 65% involving project teams collaborating with customers to deliver custom solutions. About 70% of this work is done in-house, requiring strong internal collaboration and expertise.
"Our clients come to us not just because they need help with technical problems, but because they value our expertise and ability to deliver innovative solutions", says Kevin Brunnberg, Talent Acquisition Specialist at Knightec.
This approach has helped Knightec position itself as a leading player in the tech industry, but it also places high demands on finding the right talent.
The hard part of hiring: finding and hiring the right people
The tech industry is one of the most competitive job markets. For Knightec, the biggest challenge is not finding candidates but convincing them that Knightec is the right choice. Kevin explains: "It’s not hard to find talent, but getting them to choose us over the competition requires a well-thought-out and professional recruitment process." To achieve this, Knightec has implemented Alva Labs.
By integrating Alva Labs’ scientifically-based personality and cognitive tests, Knightec accurately assesses both readiness (hard skills and experience) and potential (soft skills, personality traits, and motivation), providing a holistic view of each candidate. In Knightecs case, this is especially important in sourcing, as 55% of Knightec's new hires come from active recruitment, while only around 30% come from job advertisements.
"Through Alva Labs, we get a clearer picture of each candidate's strengths and areas for development. This helps us select people who not only have the right technical skills but also fit into our culture and have the potential to grow with us in the long term."
Innovation thrives through diversity and inclusion
Another factor that sets Knightec apart from many other companies in the tech industry is their strong focus on diversity and inclusion. The company has employees from over 40 countries, and 35% of the workforce is women – an impressive figure in an industry that has traditionally been male-dominated.
"We know that different perspectives lead to better solutions," says Kevin. "Our mix of genders, cultures, and experience levels allows us to develop more creative and innovative solutions for our clients." Knightec’s inclusive work culture, along with its international reach, has become a competitive advantage appreciated by both clients and employees.
Increased NPS through a smooth and positive candidate experience
For Knightec, one of the biggest benefits of using Alva Labs is the efficiency and transparency it brings to the recruitment process. By using Alva Labs' logic and personality tests, Knightec ensures they make the right selections early in the process, while also offering candidates a clear and positive experience. The result? A significant increase in the company’s NPS (Net Promoter Score) – from 35-40 to 56-57.
"We are very proud of our high NPS. It shows that our candidates appreciate the professionalism and clarity we offer throughout the recruitment process. Alva Labs plays a big role in this by helping us structure and streamline the process."
Kevin continues by stressing that it's not just about finding the right person for the role – it’s also about giving all candidates a positive experience that strengthens Knightec's employer brand.
The future of technology and continued growth
Knightec is on an exciting growth journey, recently merging with Semcon, which has increased its workforce to nearly 2,900 employees. This expansion allows the company to both broaden and deepen its offerings, enabling them to take on larger, more strategic client projects that demand the highest levels of innovation and complexity. Simultaneously, Knightec continues to expand in forward-thinking sectors like energy, sustainability, and cybersecurity.
"Our growth is directly linked to the development of our employees. We continue to invest in training, certifications, and personal development to ensure everyone has the best conditions to grow and thrive in their roles," says Kevin.
In this effort, Alva Labs is a strategic partner, not only for finding the right candidates but also for supporting long-term development within the company. "Through Alva Labs, we can identify people with high potential and give them the right conditions to develop within Knightec. This is crucial for our long-term success," Kevin concludes.