10 Trends That Every Tech Recruiter Needs to Know in 2022

Technical recruiters have a lot to think about in 2022, from relying more on recruiting technology to put more emphasis on diversity in hiring and training for diversity. Here are 10 of the latest IT and tech recruiting trends that tech recruiters need to know:

1. Supply and Demand Favor the Candidate

It's a candidate's market. Right now, candidates have more power than ever before; they can pick and choose between multiple offers, negotiate salaries and benefits packages, and even use the threat of switching jobs as leverage during the interview process.

Thanks to sites like Glassdoor, candidates know how much other companies are paying for similar positions—and they’re not afraid to ask for more money or better perks at your company if necessary!

2. More Hybrid and Remote Environments

The benefits of remote workare well-documented, with studies showing that employees who have the option to work remotely are happier and more productive than those who don't.

Given that candidates are looking for more flexible work arrangements, recruiters are leveraging this as an incentive to hire. This enables recruiters at IT organizations that provide entirely remote roles to broaden their talent search outside their immediate geographic area.

3. In-Depth Qualifying Skills Tests

Sometimes CVs can be misleading and aren’t always a true reflection of one’s capabilities – especially in the diverse tech industry. Because of this, tech recruiters are relying more and more on using coding skills tests to truly showcase what candidates are capable of.

These technical skills tests are designed to give a more accurate view of how well candidates perform and problem-solve when faced with a simulated real-world challenge.

4. Culture Matters More than Ever

HR managers and recruiters now understand that they can't simply sell a job to an applicant; they need to sell a company's culture. This means that there's more pressure than ever before for employers to develop a strong culture so they can attract talented individuals who bring value beyond simply filling open roles or providing labor for projects (though those are still important).

5. The Rise of Automation, AI, and ATS

Automation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Artificial Technology Systems (ATS) play a major role in recruiting by analyzing data from different sources like resumes or applications to determine whether an applicant is worth pursuing based on their fit with a job description (i.e., how much experience they have with certain skills). This allows recruiters to focus more time on higher-quality applicants who qualify for positions.

6. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion is a High Priority

Diversity is a growing priority for companies. In 2022, companies are ramping up their efforts to ensure that employees of all races, ages, sexual orientations, physical abilities, and other backgrounds feel welcome in the workplace. Some companies even implement unconscious bias training programs; others have diversity initiatives like employee resource groups (ERGs) that serve as networking opportunities for underrepresented groups.

7. Online Interviews Are Here to Stay

The convenience of virtual interviews means that time is no longer wasted driving back and forth between locations; instead, teams can meet virtually whenever they want without disrupting their schedules. As virtual interviewing tools such as Zoom, Skype, and Google Hangouts become more advanced, there’s no reason for hiring managers not to use them.

8. Data-Centric Recruiting

Recruiters and hiring managers are becoming more and more data-driven, with tools like Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) making the process of screening candidates more efficient. ATSs can even predict which applicants will pass the test phase with high accuracy and then rank them, accordingly, thus saving time and money on sourcing candidates.

By using data science to make decisions, as well as their gut instinct and experience working in the field, they can use data to show why one candidate is better suited to fill a position than another—and then make their case based on these facts! The result? A less biased hiring process that helps companies make meaningful hires that fit both culturally and professionally into their organization's needs.

9. A Bigger Budget

Tech recruiting budgets are on the rise. Why? Because tech talent is scarce, demand for it is high and companies are scrambling for any edge they can get to find and hire the best people.

Many companies have had to raise salaries to keep up with demand and stay competitive with other tech companies. Larger companies are hiring more and more developers in large numbers, which means that talent acquisition teams need a bigger budget.

10. A Higher Focus On Candidate Experience

The notion of candidate experience has been around for a while, but it's only now that we're seeing more companies prioritizing it in their hiring processes.

According to recent Officevibe statistics, candidates want to be heard and feel valued by a company they are considering joining - they want an open dialogue with hiring managers who understand their needs and desires.

Conclusion

As the tech recruiting industry continues to evolve, it's important for recruiters to stay in tune with the market changes and trends that impact their work.

While it's more challenging than ever for technical recruiters, there are still plenty of opportunities for them who can innovate in line with changing market conditions.