posted 28th January 2026
The Managed Service Provider (MSP) landscape is evolving rapidly, and with it, the expectations of hiring managers seeking to build exceptional teams. As we move into the new year, the demands on IT professionals working in MSPs have never been more complex – or more rewarding. Understanding what hiring managers prioritise can give you a significant advantage, whether you're actively job hunting or simply looking to future-proof your career.
At TSR Select, we work closely with MSP hiring managers across the UK, placing candidates in both technical and sales roles. We've identified the key trends shaping recruitment decisions this year, and in this guide, we'll share insights into exactly what hiring managers are looking for and how you can position yourself as the ideal candidate.
The Changing MSP Landscape
MSPs are no longer just providing basic IT support – they're strategic technology partners helping businesses navigate cloud transformation, strengthen cyber security, and leverage emerging technologies. This evolution means MSPs need adaptable, strategic thinkers who can handle complexity, communicate effectively with clients, and stay ahead of rapidly changing technology trends.
Technical Skills: Going Beyond the Basics
While solid foundational IT knowledge remains essential, hiring managers in 2026 are looking for candidates with expertise in specific, high-demand areas.
Cloud Expertise is Non-Negotiable
Cloud computing has moved from "nice to have" to essential. Hiring managers expect candidates to have hands-on experience with at least one major cloud platform – Microsoft Azure, AWS, or Google Cloud – and ideally some multi-cloud familiarity.
You should understand cloud fundamentals: virtual machines, storage, networking, identity and access management, and basic security principles. For those seeking IT jobs in London with competitive salaries, cloud skills significantly increase your market value.
Key areas hiring managers seek:
- Experience migrating workloads to the cloud
- Cloud cost management and optimisation
- Knowledge of cloud-native services
- Designing resilient, scalable solutions
Cyber Security Awareness Across All Roles
The cyber security threat landscape has intensified, making security knowledge essential for virtually every MSP role. Hiring managers expect you to understand security principles and recognise potential threats.
For technical roles: understand common attack vectors, security frameworks, experience with security tools (SIEM, EDR), and ability to implement security best practices.
For IT sales jobs within MSPs, security literacy is equally important for speaking credibly about solutions and understanding client concerns.
Automation and Scripting Capabilities
MSPs need team members who can work with automation tools. Hiring managers highly value candidates with scripting skills – particularly PowerShell for Windows and Python or Bash for cross-platform work.
You should be comfortable writing basic scripts, understanding automation tools, identifying automation opportunities, and working with Infrastructure as Code tools.
AI and Machine Learning Awareness
While deep AI expertise isn't yet expected for most roles, familiarity with AI tools and understanding how AI can improve service delivery is increasingly valuable. Hiring managers appreciate candidates who show curiosity about AI applications and understand both possibilities and limitations.
Client-Facing Skills: The Make-or-Break Factor
Technical prowess alone won't land you the job. MSPs are service businesses, and client interaction is central to success.
Communication Skills That Build Trust
MSP professionals regularly interact with clients who may not understand technical concepts. Your ability to translate technical information into business language is crucial, assessed from your first interaction – your CV, phone call, and interview responses.
What sets candidates apart: clear, jargon-free explanations, active listening, strong written communication, and ability to manage difficult conversations professionally.
Customer Service Mentality
Unlike corporate IT roles, MSP professionals serve multiple clients with varying needs. Hiring managers look for candidates who genuinely enjoy helping people and maintain professionalism under pressure. This is especially critical for IT support jobs, where you're the first contact for frustrated clients.
Consultative Approach
The best MSP professionals don't just react to problems – they anticipate them. Hiring managers want candidates who think like consultants, understanding business objectives and recommending valuable solutions.
Adaptability and Multi-Tasking in Dynamic Environments
MSPs are fast-paced environments where priorities shift rapidly. Hiring managers need people who thrive in this setting.
- Handling Multiple Clients: You might switch between several client environments daily. Each has different systems and expectations. Hiring managers look for effective context-switching ability, particularly valuable for remote IT jobs requiring exceptional self-management.
- Learning Agility: Technology evolves constantly, and MSPs adopt new tools regularly. Hiring managers prioritise candidates demonstrating quick learning ability through recent certifications, personal projects, and examples of mastering new tools.
- Resilience Under Pressure: MSP work involves managing urgent issues, sometimes outside standard hours. Hiring managers need people who remain effective under pressure and recover quickly from setbacks.
Cultural Fit and Team Collaboration
Cultural fit is often the deciding factor between similarly qualified candidates. MSPs rely on collaboration, and hiring managers look for candidates who share knowledge generously, ask for help when needed, contribute to team success, and handle feedback professionally.
Hiring managers also assess alignment with company values and look for candidates with clear career goals, who actively seek growth opportunities and view challenges as learning experiences.
Industry Certifications and Continuous Learning
Professional certifications signal expertise and commitment but hiring managers increasingly value recency and relevance over quantity.
High-value certifications for 2026:
Technical: Microsoft (Azure, Microsoft 365), AWS certifications, Security certifications (CompTIA Security+, CISSP), VMware VCP, Cisco CCNA/CCNP
Sales: Vendor-specific certifications (Microsoft, AWS, Cisco), cyber security sales training, sales methodology certifications
Beyond formal certifications, hiring managers value engagement with industry content, participation in online communities, side projects, and conference attendance.
What Makes Candidates Stand Out
- Proven Results: Instead of listing responsibilities, articulate results with specific metrics like "Reduced ticket resolution time by 30%" or "Exceeded sales quota by 125% for three consecutive quarters."
- Industry Knowledge: Understanding MSP industry trends, challenges, competitive landscape, and emerging technologies signals genuine interest in the sector.
- Strong Professional Network: Candidates with well-developed networks bring additional value through industry connections and access to knowledge beyond direct experience.
- Genuine Enthusiasm: Hiring managers respond positively to candidates who understand and appreciate the MSP model – the variety, challenge, and accelerated learning it offers.
Preparing for MSP Interviews in 2026
- Research Thoroughly: Understand the company's service offerings, client sectors, culture, and recent news. Review their online presence.
- Prepare Specific Examples: Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for examples demonstrating technical problem-solving, client relationship management, handling pressure, learning quickly, and team collaboration.
- Ask Thoughtful Questions: Inquire about career development, team structure, technology stack, typical client challenges, and success metrics for the role.
- Demonstrate Your Value: Clearly articulate what makes you valuable – specific expertise, relevant experience, proven relationship management, or track record of driving results.
Making Yourself the Ideal Candidate
1. Build In-Demand Skills: Prioritise cloud, security, and automation through hands-on projects and certifications.
2. Develop Client-Facing Skills: Seek opportunities to interact with clients or stakeholders. Practice explaining technical concepts simply.
3. Demonstrate Results: Track achievements with specific metrics. Build a portfolio of successful projects and value delivered.
4. Stay Current: Regularly engage with industry content, experiment with new technologies, and maintain updated certifications.
5. Build Your Professional Brand: Maintain an updated LinkedIn profile, contribute to professional communities, and showcase expertise.
Finding the Right MSP Opportunity
The MSP sector offers exciting opportunities for both technical professionals and sales experts. At TSR Select, we specialise in connecting talented IT professionals with leading MSPs, Cloud Computing companies, and Cyber Security firms. We understand what hiring managers are looking for because we work with them every day.
Our specialist consultants can help you position your skills effectively, identify opportunities matching your career goals, and navigate the interview process confidently. Whether you're an experienced technical professional, a sales expert wanting to work in the MSP space, or exploring what MSPs can offer your career, we can help.
Get in touch with us by emailing contact@tsrltd.co.uk or calling 020 3837 9180. We look forward to helping you find your ideal MSP role.
