A practical guide for recruiters and team leaders navigating the IT world.
Whether you’re a new recruiter, leading a recruitment team, or helping people switch careers into IT, having a foundational understanding of technology helps you communicate more effectively, ask better questions, and gain trust from both clients and candidates.
The tech core: what you really need to know
You don’t need to know everything. But you do need a “minimum viable knowledge” base. Here’s what that looks like:
1. Key tech roles and what they do
Think of these as personas you’ll encounter over and over again:
- Frontend Developer – Works on the parts of the website or app users interact with. Think buttons, layouts, and anything visual.
- Backend Developer – Handles logic, databases, and servers. The invisible but critical side.
- Fullstack Developer – Does both
- DevOps Engineer – Makes sure the development and operations sides play nicely. They automate deployment and monitor systems.
- QA Engineer – Catches bugs, breaks things (in a good way), and ensures quality.
👉 Pro tip: Ask candidates what their day-to-day looks like. You’ll learn a lot quickly.
2. Popular tech terms (and what they actually mean)
Let’s demystify a few buzzwords you’ll hear regularly:
- API – A way for different software systems to talk to each other. Like digital handshakes.
- CI/CD – Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment. Automating code testing and release. It’s a sign of a mature tech setup.
- Agile – A way of working in short cycles (called sprints) to build and improve products quickly.
- Cloud – Basically renting someone else’s computer (like AWS or Azure) to host software or data.
- Tech Stack – The set of technologies used to build a product (e.g., React + Node.js + MongoDB).
3. How to read a Tech CV
Don’t panic. Instead, scan for:
- Languages – Java, Python, JavaScript, etc.
- Frameworks – React, Angular, Django
- Tools – Docker, Git, Jenkins
- Responsibilities – Look for action verbs like “built”, “optimized”, “migrated”
Remember, buzzwords aren’t everything. Context and your conversation are the keys.
4. How to have smarter conversations with Developers
You’re not expected to talk tech in depth, but you are expected to understand what someone means when they say:
- “We work in microservices.”
- “We’re moving from monolith to the cloud.”
- “I’m on-call for production support.”
If you’re unsure? Ask. Most candidates appreciate honesty over fluff. Try:
“That’s helpful—could you give me a simple example of how that works in your role?”
It shows curiosity, not ignorance.
5. Common mistakes to avoid
- Mixing up Java and JavaScript (they are not the same).
- Assuming DevOps is a junior role (it’s not).
- Believing everyone who codes is a “developer” (there are architects, testers, data engineers, etc.)
- Talking about “the IT guy” as if all tech roles are interchangeable.
Final Thought: confidence comes from ontext
You don’t need to become a tech expert overnight. But gaining a solid foundation helps you:
- Ask better questions
- Understand job specs faster
- Build credibility with hiring managers
- Improve candidate experience
It’s not about knowing everything—it’s about knowing enough to be confident, competent, and clear.
Need help training your team or getting up to speed yourself? That’s exactly what I do. Let’s talk about coaching that meets you where you are.