Want to Hire Tech Talent in Mexico? 7 Reasons Why It’s Popular

Interview requests for tech talent in Mexico top the global list; acceptance rates average 55% 

Want to hire tech talent in Mexico? You’re not alone. Mexico continues to grow as a source for candidates for tech roles, attracting the attention of recruiters, talent acquisition teams, and engineering hiring managers worldwide. With a growing pool of skilled engineers, developers, and engineering managers, Mexico offers a compelling value proposition for tech companies expanding their teams. 

In fact, Hired’s tech recruitment platform data shows global interview requests for talent based in Mexico are more than double those for the next country on the list. More than half, or 55% of jobseekers on Hired accept the request for an interview.

In this article, we will explore 7 reasons why many tech companies are “nearshoring” (vs. offshoring) by pursuing candidates for software engineers and other tech roles in Mexico. Also, why Mexico is an attractive location to hire tech talent.

Related: How to Hire Developers

1. Mexico has a thriving tech ecosystem

Mexico boasts a thriving tech ecosystem that has been steadily growing over the past decade. Several factors contribute to the vibrancy of this ecosystem:

Education and Training

Mexico is home to a strong educational system, with many universities and technical schools offering top-notch engineering and computer science programs. Graduates from these institutions are well-prepared for tech roles.

Cultural Alignment

Mexican tech professionals often share cultural similarities with their North American counterparts, making collaboration easier and enhancing team dynamics.

Time Zone Advantage

Mexico’s time zone aligns well with the United States, making real-time communication and collaboration between cross-border teams convenient. The majority of Mexico aligns with the central time zone, although it stretches across all four in the contiguous US.

Top tech cities in Mexico include Guadalajara, Merida, Mexico City, Monterrey, and Queretaro.

Related: Hiring Tech Talent Now: A Comprehensive Guide

2. Companies gravitate to hiring in lower-cost-of-living markets

Tech companies are increasingly looking for cost-effective solutions without compromising quality. 

In Hired’s Tech Hiring Tightrope: Balancing the Skills & Shifts in Talent research report, proprietary talent marketplace data showed tech employers were interviewing in fewer time zones and markets in 2023 compared to 2022. 

While companies, especially larger ones, were choosing to list more roles as in-office or hybrid instead of remote, some chose to focus remote roles or even open hubs in smaller, nontraditional tech markets.

Survey data

When asked if their company hired in smaller markets or internationally to reduce compensation costs, 23% of employers said definitely, while 17% said probably. 

When asked where their company was hiring or planning to hire to reduce compensation costs 16% of employers identified Canada or Mexico, while 18% said Latin America. 

Hiring tech talent in Mexico often provides a significant cost advantage compared to hiring in the United States or Canada. Salaries for skilled professionals in Mexico are competitive but generally lower than those in North America, offering a compelling value proposition.

3. Mexico maintains a skilled tech workforce

Mexico has a rich talent pool of software engineers, developers, and engineering managers. Many Mexican tech professionals have experience working for multinational companies and are well-versed in the latest technologies and best practices. This experience makes them valuable additions to tech teams.

Related: Hired partners with organizations to help companies navigate compliance, payroll, and tax issues across borders. 

4. Many tech workers in Mexico are bilingual

English proficiency is common among tech professionals in Mexico. Many engineers and developers are fluent in English, which is crucial for seamless communication and collaboration with international teams and clients. 

Based on local census sources, nearly 13% of Mexico’s population, or 15.7 million individuals speak English. The majority live near the US border and in the larger cities.

5. Mexico’s government has invested in STEM education for years to support the tech industry

The Mexican government has taken many initiatives to support the growth of the tech industry over the years. Programs like ProMéxico and Prosoft aim to promote technological development and innovation, offering incentives for tech companies to establish a presence in the country.

6. US finds great cultural compatibility with tech workers in Mexico

Cultural compatibility plays a significant role in building cohesive teams. Mexican professionals are known for their strong work ethic, dedication, and adaptability. They are often quick to adapt to company cultures and values, making integration smoother.

7. Scalability

Mexico offers scalability options for tech companies ready to expand their operations. Whether companies need a handful of engineers or an entire development center, Mexico’s flexible labor market frequently accommodates corporate growth needs.

Hired helps companies source tech talent in Mexico

Mexico’s tech talent pool, cost-effectiveness, cultural compatibility, and government support make it an attractive destination for tech companies eager to hire software engineers, developers, and engineering managers. With a thriving tech ecosystem, skilled workforce, and the advantages of time zone alignment and language proficiency, 

Mexico presents a compelling case for tech talent acquisition. By considering Mexico as a strategic location for hiring tech talent, recruiters and hiring managers tap into a valuable resource. This helps to drive innovation and growth in their organizations.

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