Some hiring managers recruit for all industries while others have niches. Depending on your line of work, you might recruit for specialized positions, like computer programmers, software developers, or other technology-based jobs. To be an effective technical recruiter, you need to speak the language. You must know IT terminology for recruiters.
What is a technical recruiter?
A technical, or IT recruiter, sources candidates for technology-based positions like developers and programmers. Usually, technical recruiters have backgrounds in technology, helping them recognize top-notch candidates.
Technical recruiters are well-versed in IT terminology, the industry’s current happenings, and the nitty-gritty details of specialized positions. As a technical recruiter, you must look for candidates who meet the skill requirements and fit into your client’s company culture.
How to be a technical recruiter
Many technical recruiters benefit from having some sort of background in technology. Although you don’t necessarily have to have a degree in an IT-related field, it might benefit your recruitment skills in this niche. To learn how to be an IT recruiter, follow these tips.
First and foremost, you should have an understanding of technology. Although you don’t need to master certain languages like HTML, you should be able to recognize and understand terms. Being able to grasp concepts helps you talk about them with clients and candidates. And, it will help you spot candidates who meet your client’s criteria.
Research the specific industries you plan on recruiting for. Understand the jargon and necessary skills for each position. When you receive a job order and job description, research the position thoroughly. That way, you can address candidate questions and assess qualified applicants.
Build your network of technical recruiters, candidates, and clients. If you want to operate in a split placement network, you will need other technical recruiters to partner with. And, you should have plenty of candidates who are in specialized technology fields in your recruiting database. If you only specialize in technical recruiting, make sure your current and potential clients know.
Top talent in technical fields stays current on what’s happening in the industry. You should, too. To keep up with talented individuals, you also need to know the latest ins and outs of the industry.
IT terminology for recruiters
Sometimes, it can feel like IT-related industries speak a different language. To keep up, you need to understand IT terminology. Take a look at this basic list of IT terms to help you out. Note that this is not an all-inclusive list:
Basic terminology
Read up on this technical recruiter training material to get started. These are some words commonly used in the IT industry:
Data: Data is anything stored in or used by a computer.
Server: A device that accepts and performs services.
Switch: This is a device that connects different networks.
Routing: Moving data between computer networks.
Broadcast: Transmitting a message to all computers on a network.
Multicast: Transmitting a message to a group of computers on a network.
Unicast: Transmitting a message to one computer on a network.
Bit: The smallest unit of data that has a single binary value of either zero or one.
Byte: A unit for data. It is made up of eight bits.
Malware: Malicious software coding that damages files, steals data, or destroys computer systems. A virus is an example of malware.
Development
Front-end development: Front-end development is the process of producing content that website users see. Workers use programming languages, like HTML and CSS, to create the appearance of a website.
Back-end development: Whereas front-end development is the pretty cover, back-end development is the content of the book. This is what makes a web page run. Workers need to know programming languages as well as how the server works.
Programming languages
All positions within the IT field must have an understanding of the different programming languages. Proficiency levels of each language can vary, depending on the field. And, some individuals will prefer using some languages over others. Below are languages that are most commonly used.
HTML: HTML stands for Hypertext Markup Language. This is coding used for structuring web pages.
CSS: CSS stands for Cascading Style Sheets. This is a programming language for the visual aspects of a web page, including font, size, color, and location of HTML information.
JavaScript: JavaScript is a scripting language that makes websites interactive and provides online programs. If your client needs a web developer, chances are they need to know JavaScript. This language works with HTML and CSS codes and animates them.
Java: Java is a standalone application that powers programs.
Ruby: This is another programming language where workers can write Ruby on Rails, a server-side web application framework.
Python: Python is another popular programming language that lets programmers use fewer lines of code than Java. The framework for Python is typically Django or Pyramid.
SQL: SQL is a domain-specific language that manages relational database management system (RDBMS) data.
Technical recruiting can be difficult if you have no experience in the IT field. There are hundreds of terms used by clients and candidates. Make sure to research the particular position your client gives you before you start executing your recruitment strategies.
