Which characteristic is essential for candidates seeking roles in an agile IT department?

A combination of business and technical experience is essential for candidates seeking roles in an agile IT department because agile methodologies emphasize flexibility, responsiveness, and collaboration. In such environments, team members are often required to wear multiple hats, bridging the gap between technical implementation and business objectives. This blend of skills allows individuals to communicate effectively with both technical teams and business stakeholders, ensuring that projects align with organizational goals while adapting to changing demands.

Agility in IT requires a collaborative mindset and the ability to work in iterative cycles, which necessitates understanding the business context alongside the technical aspects of the work. This dual expertise empowers candidates to make informed decisions and contribute to successful project outcomes.

In contrast, a focus solely on technical skills would limit a candidate's ability to understand business needs and adapt solutions accordingly. Preferring rigid project roles and avoiding collaboration contradicts the fundamental principles of agile practices, which thrive on teamwork, adaptability, and ongoing communication.