6 Things New IT Recruiters Need to Know

Beginning a new career in IT recruiting can be challenging. Whether you’re transferring from a technical field or just starting out, the change of pace is a daunting obstacle.

But the challenge can be a very rewarding experience for successful recruiters. If you know what you’re doing, recruiting can even be enjoyable!

If you want to make your new career a success, you have come to the right place. With years of practical experience, our list of 6 things every new IT recruiter needs to know will steer you in the right direction.

1. Know Your Niche

The phrase “IT recruiting” can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. When you’re first starting out, you won’t always have the chance to specialize in a field right away. It takes time.

That said, specializing in a field can be a great way to strengthen your skills as a recruiter. Having in depth knowledge about a particular industry helps you guarantee you make the right call when interviewing candidates.

But what field do you specialize in? Well, that can vary depending on your situation. Maybe you know a lot of people in a particular field, people you can consult. Or perhaps you have a background in a desirable skill that can help you.

Your niche will develop with time. Remember that the recruiting business is all about making connections. As you begin to develop your network, you may begin to find where your focus should be.

2. Be Inquisitive and Take Risks

Tech recruiters won’t find any success without taking some risks. Inquisitive minds and sociable attitudes dominate the industry. The faint of heart need not apply.

It is important as an IT recruiter to always ask questions. Ask about candidates’ work experiences. Ask developers and engineers about new technologies. Ask managers what they need. Questions find answers.

With your newfound knowledge, don’t be afraid to put it to the test. Yes, finding your niche hiring market is important, but what are you missing out on? There are plenty of opportunities to be had.

Leaving your comfort zone is scary. But the benefits are often very rewarding. Remember to ask in depth questions about areas of interest and listen carefully. Risk is easily mitigated with concrete knowledge.

3. Social Tech Communities

If risk is assessed through information, then information becomes key. And the IT recruiting world is driven by information. Social media, conferences, recruiting meetups, tech forums, etc. – these are all tools of the trade.

Networking and connecting with other IT recruiters is an important factor in successful recruiting. The stronger your network, the easier it becomes to find the right candidates. The quicker you find good candidates, the quicker you can move on to the next one.

IT recruiters seldom shy away from helping other recruiters in their field. Often, they know how difficult the work can be. But they also know that opportunity is a two-way street.

Connecting with other recruiters can also give you a sense of community. Recruiters frequently work alone in their field. Having others to connect with can help to keep you motivated and give you a sense of teamwork.

Do not overlook this crucial step; lone wolves are a myth!

4. Prioritize Data

Data prioritization cannot be stressed enough when it comes to IT recruiting. Data collection tools and strong analysis can make even the greenest recruiter look professional.

Accurate data simplifies the recruiting process by removing all the guesswork. Useful data will point you in the right direction, and in some cases even tell you what you need to do next.

Utilization of data is another skill that will take time to develop. But the investment is well worth the effort. Your data will only become more accurate the more you collect. And with more accurate data, your hiring process can be more efficient.

Be sure to look for ways to implement data collection and implementation into your recruiting process.

5. Strong Sales and Follow Up Skills

All recruiters work in sales. Some will try to fight it, but the fact remains. You will constantly need to sell a job to a candidate. You will also need to sell a company on a potential applicant.

The difference is that unlike most sales positions, people usually come to you because they need the service you’re providing. This makes your job a little easier. But it is still a good idea to approach the job from a sales perspective.

One example of that is being good with follow-ups. Strong follow-up skills, whether with a candidate or company, show that you are making an effort. This simple detail speaks volumes to many who have been shunned by previous recruiters.

Look for ways to utilize the salesman spirit and get the leads you need to close the deal.

6. Your Candidates Matter

Plenty of IT recruiters will throw candidates to the dogs just to meet their quota. This is not good. Showing a genuine interest in your candidates’ success may be difficult at times, but it’s a skill that pays forward to your own achievements.

It’s also just the right thing to do.

Remember, successful IT recruiting is all about networking and relationship building. Your candidate could be the next Steve Jobs. Or perhaps they will refer more candidates to you based on their positive experience. You get the idea.

Care about your candidates’ success, because it ultimately means your success.