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What is a Technical Recruiter?

What is a Technical Recruiter?
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Last Updated: December 21, 2023

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A technical recruiter works for an organization to find, source, and hire exceptional candidates for employment involving science, technology, engineering and maths(STEP). However, the term has been predominantly used to refer to people who assist companies in hiring people wanting to go into technology- and engineering-related professions.


Whilst profiling the role of a technical recruiter, the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) asserts that a technical recruiter aims to identify, recruit, screen, and present good candidates for technology positions, collaborating with hiring managers to set realistic technical requirements.


Similarly, Maryville University found that the role of a technical recruiter is to assist businesses with their hiring procedures by utilizing an in-depth understanding of the technology sector and the requirements of a business to identify qualified applicants. Technical recruiters help HR create a high-calibre workforce by planning how to find outstanding information technology (IT) talent.


A LinkedIn publication aiming to differentiate technical recruiting from regular recruiting asserts that technical recruiters are professionals who spot candidates with the qualifications and experience required for a job. They can search effectively and efficiently, saving you time when interviewing applicants that don't fit your requirements. Additionally, they are skilled at posting vacant positions on all the relevant websites so that qualified applicants may find them.


Interesting Facts

  • The global technical recruitment market is expected to reach $25.4 billion by 2025. (Statista, 2023)

  • 80% of candidates find their jobs through technical recruiters. (LinkedIn, 2023)

  • The average salary for a technical recruiter in the US is $102,730. (Indeed, 2023)


How do I find a Technical Recruiter?

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Start by making use of professional networking-focused websites like LinkedIn. Research indicates that more than 87% of recruiters proactively use LinkedIn to find and establish connections with possible job candidates. 


Participating in online and physical tech communities and forums is also beneficial. 64% of tech workers regularly participate in these forums, according to a TechCareers survey, making them excellent places to find recruiters with specific knowledge.


In addition, attending conferences and events tailored to a certain field may present chances to network with respectable technical recruiters. More than 70% of IT workers, according to research, go to industry events to network and keep up with the latest developments in the field. Technical recruiters who are looking to develop ties with possible applicants are frequently among the attendees. 


Furthermore, trustworthy employment firms that focus on IT positions can be helpful associates. Because of their experience and extensive talent networks, recruitment firms are preferred by 62% of organizations when hiring IT workers, according to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). By using these techniques, businesses may successfully navigate the market and locate a technical recruiter who meets their unique requirements and helps their talent acquisition efforts succeed.


According to research, 78% of recruiters said that automation and artificial intelligence (AI) tools improve their capacity to find and evaluate prospects. Interacting with technical recruiters who use these technologies demonstrates a dedication to remaining at the forefront of cutting-edge recruiting techniques.


What is the difference between HR and Technical Recruiters?

The contrast between Technical Recruiters and Human Resources (HR) specialists is critical in the talent acquisition field since each has a specific function in the hiring process. HR professionals concentrate on a wider range of workplace-related human resources activities. They are in charge of everything from employee engagement to onboarding and are the architects of a company's HR infrastructure


Conversely, Technical Recruiters serve as specialized talent scouts by delving deeply into the particular requirements of technology-related roles. The first significant distinction is in their areas of expertise: technical recruiters focus specifically on the nuances of the IT sector, whereas HR covers the whole field of human resource management.


Another differentiating factor is the skill set prioritized by these two roles. HR specialists place a strong emphasis on communication skills, handling conflict, and worker welfare. They are skilled at maintaining a conducive work atmosphere and handling a wide range of HR issues. On the other hand, technical recruiters focus on understanding the tech field and what prospective candidates must possess. Their expertise goes much beyond conventional HR domains to include a thorough understanding of the rapidly changing technological environment. 


A survey conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management found that 57% of HR professionals believe that specialized skills are the most important element impacting hiring decisions in the tech industry, indicating that specialization is becoming more and more important.


Lastly, the hiring procedure itself sets the two positions apart. HR specialists frequently take part in every step of the hiring process, from publishing job postings to holding first interviews. Conversely, technical recruiters take a more focused approach, using specialized platforms to examine candidates' technical competencies. 


Pre-employment tests are used by 76.9% of employers in the hiring process. Technical occupations frequently call for more specific assessments. 


In essence, technical recruiters and HR professionals both help to create a talented workforce; the variations between them are primarily related to the hiring process' complexities, skill set, and areas of focus. Recognizing and respecting these differences is essential for companies looking to maximize their hiring practices..


What skills are needed for a Technical Recruiter? 

To begin with, technical recruiters need to be proficient in understanding the intricate language of technology. They need to be knowledgeable with the nuances of software frameworks, programming languages, and cutting-edge technologies, much like linguists decoding old inscriptions. 


This competency is more than just a checkbox; rather, it's a dynamic requirement that guarantees recruiters can interact with candidates efficiently and evaluate their technical aptitude with accuracy. Technical proficiency was deemed the most important ability for a post by 72% of tech recruiters, according to a Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) poll.


Second, networking is an important skill. Technical recruiters who are successful create and maintain large networks in a world where connections are everything. According to a LinkedIn report, networking is extremely important because it is used to fill 85% of crucial job openings. 


To build relationships with possible candidates, technical recruiters should participate in online groups, attend industry events, and interact on social media. In the talent acquisition industry, their capacity to build reputation and trust inside these networks is comparable to a craftsman creating priceless connections.


A deep grasp of market trends is another skill for a technical recruiter. A technical recruiter needs to be aware of changes in the IT industry, much like a stock analyst keeps an eye on market movements. 74% of tech recruiters actively follow industry news and trends. They can advise clients on current market conditions, wage standards, and the availability of particular skill sets. Technical recruiters become market analysts with this strategic ability, which helps them avoid hiring mistakes.


Strong communication skills are also essential. Technical recruiters need to be skilled interpreters who can bridge the knowledge gap between technical language and layperson comprehension. According to a Glassdoor survey, 89% of job seekers think that an employer's ability to communicate effectively influences their decision-making. 


Finally, adaptability is the final skill that distinguishes outstanding technical recruiters. Recruiters need to be flexible and receptive to changing approaches in the ever-changing tech industry, where change is the only constant. 


According to research by HR technologists, new recruitment technologies are actively embraced by 65% of successful technical recruiters. Adaptability guarantees that technical recruiters are not just keeping up with industry changes but also at the forefront of innovation in talent acquisition. Examples of this include AI-powered tools and applicant monitoring systems. 


The competencies needed for a technical recruiter include a dynamic blend of technical expertise, networking power, industry knowledge, clear communication, and flexibility. 


Conclusion

To be effective, technical recruiters need to keep abreast with the changing world of technology. They often achieve that by following tech trends and the changing world of work.


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Cindy Baker
Brandon Murambinda
Author
I am a highly organized and dedicated human resources practitioner and consultant with a passion for organizational design and development. I am also an experienced writer with a knack for creating clear, concise, and engaging content. I have hands-on experience managing human resource functions such as job evaluation, employee engagement, and organizational restructuring. I am also an enthusiast of human resource ethics.
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