Recruiter in IT: what makes this role stand out?
In the IT industry, a recruiter’s role goes far beyond reviewing CVs. It requires adaptability, strong communication skills, and the ability to navigate a constantly evolving world of technologies and job profiles. Aleksandra Jarosz, Recruitment Specialist at Altimi, shares her career journey, experiences, and insights on what draws recruiters to the IT sector.
Career path and education
Aleksandra holds a master's degree in psychology and began her professional journey in HR a few years ago. Today, she works as a Recruitment Specialist at Altimi, responsible for both recruitment processes and onboarding new employees.
“From the recruiter’s perspective, working in an IT company doesn’t allow you to fall into routine. The variety of roles, technologies, and candidate profiles makes this job dynamic and engaging.”
Her academic work included a master’s thesis that surveyed over 300 people, including healthcare workers and non-profit volunteers, reflecting her interest in understanding human behavior in professional settings.
Why IT and early challenges
The IT industry attracts recruiters with its fast pace, diversity, and opportunities for professional growth. Aleksandra emphasizes that the constant learning required in IT motivates recruiters to improve their skills and adapt quickly.
While the role is increasingly popular, many beginners underestimate the preparation it requires. A significant portion of applicants may not meet the necessary requirements, highlighting the importance of strong communication skills and knowledge of human behavior.
Soft skills vs. technical knowledge
Balancing interpersonal abilities with foundational technical understanding is essential. While IT recruiters are not expected to code, having a clear grasp of technologies, programming languages, and team structures helps them communicate effectively with both candidates and technical managers.
“It’s like a bike shop. You don’t have to build a bike from scratch, but you should know what you’re selling. In IT, recruiters should understand which languages are frontend or backend, that Kotlin isn’t just ketchup, and that Java isn’t JavaScript. Without this, professionalism is hard to claim.”
Learning, growth, and the recruiter’s role
Access to resources and mentorship is key for development. Aleksandra recommends books like Technology Made Simple for the Technical Recruiter by Obi Ogbanufe, as well as articles from CodersLab, JustJoinIT (Geek section), and NoFluffJobs blog. Additionally, interacting directly with developers and project managers helps deepen understanding of technologies and recruitment needs.
In a fast-changing IT environment, a recruiter bridges the gap between people and technology. Success relies not only on matching candidates to roles but also on continuous learning, fostering relationships with teams, and ensuring that companies attract and retain the best talent.
Everything You Need to Know About Being an IT Recruiter
Does an IT recruiter need technical knowledge?
Yes – an IT recruiter doesn’t need to code like a developer, but having a foundational understanding of technologies, programming languages, and IT roles is essential. This knowledge allows recruiters to communicate confidently with candidates, ask meaningful questions, and understand the technical requirements shared by hiring managers. It also helps in accurately assessing whether a candidate is a good fit for a specific position.
What are the most important skills for an IT recruiter?
While soft skills are critical, technical awareness enhances effectiveness. The most important abilities include:
- Strong communication: Clearly articulating job requirements and company culture.
- Empathy: Understanding candidates’ needs, motivations, and concerns.
- Adaptability: Tailoring your approach to different personalities and backgrounds.
Combining these with basic technical knowledge ensures recruiters can bridge the gap between HR and technical teams.
Can someone become an IT recruiter without an HR degree?
Absolutely. A formal HR or psychology degree can be helpful, but it’s not required. Many successful IT recruiters come from diverse professional backgrounds. What truly matters are:
- Willingness to learn continuously
- Interpersonal and networking skills
- Ability to build trust with both candidates and hiring managers
Where do IT recruiters gain their knowledge of technologies?
IT recruiters acquire technical knowledge from multiple sources:
- Books and articles: Covering industry trends, programming concepts, and IT methodologies.
- Online courses and tutorials: Learning the basics of coding, frameworks, and software development processes.
- Hands-on experience: Engaging directly with developers, project managers, and IT teams during the recruitment process.
Continuous learning is key, as technology evolves rapidly and recruiters need to stay updated to remain effective.
