Ask A Recruiter - Tech

Feels like even referrals aren't moving the needle like they used to.
For recruiters—do referrals still stand out in the pile? Or has that signal gotten noisier too?

I’ve been asked to participate in ‘anonymous’ 360 feedback. How important is this and how can they guarantee it really is anonymous so I can really be honest. Is this a trick? I know this isn’t a recr… more

We talk a lot about red flags in interviews—what are some underrated green flags you’ve seen in a process that made you feel good about a company?

Do you ever ask candidates about their use of AI in their daily work? I’ve heard many people say that their companies are pushing for AI adoption and expecting results (mine included) but I haven’t be… more

I recently told someone that it’s better to hire someone with good soft skills because the hard skills can always be taught. Do you agree?

I’m interviewing for a different role. It didn’t say any travel expectations in the job description but it has come out during the interviews that I would need to travel 3-5x/year. I have two kids at … more

My best friend just had to quit her job as her boss was harassing her - are you able to claim unemployment due to extremely bad working conditions like that? Sadly she was in HR and going higher up th… more

You make it to the final round. Multiple interviews. Maybe even do a take-home.
And then… silence. What are candidates supposed to do here? Follow up forever? Let it go?

I’m looking for advice. I’ve been in my current role for over a year, but I stayed in my previous role for only seven months. I want to change jobs because I feel that I’ve already made most of the im… more

Do we think it’s time to retire the question “tell me about yourself?”. It always feels so rehearsed and broad. At this point it feels like a checklist item. Thoughts?

We rarely get honest access to tech recruiters.
Not the polished advice — the real filters, signals, and deal-breakers.
Behind every “no” is a reason candidates never see.
If you had one chance to ask a recrui… more

I’ve noticed more candidates asking what success looks like in the first 90 days. That question always tells me they are thinking long term. It is a smart way to understand expectations early. Do you … more

Hi Recruiters, (that receive applications and work with the hiring manager)

Do you look at the LinkedIn link that is submitted with the application, resume and cover letter?

I am targeting certain roles; but some… more

Hey! Went to CES last week. Anyone else go? Thoughts on the latest going on with tech? I saw some cool things but nothing groundbreaking

I’ve interviewed people who were great technically but struggled to talk about teamwork. In tech, how you work with others matters just as much as what you build. How do you usually explain your colla… more

I am interested in trying to get into IBM or Oracle. I'm interested in those companies because I am interested in how these large companies that is restrictive of promotions and good compensations stay innova… more

I’ve done more meaningful work on internal projects than on some "real products". Still, recruiters often frown at it. Should I reshape my experience around value created (time saved, risk r… more

Hard not to notice how rough the economic outlook feels right now. Ongoing geopolitical issues, both domestic and international, have created a lot of uncertainty, and that uncertainty is bleeding straight into c… more

I’ve seen candidates hesitate to ask for feedback after rejection. When it is offered, it can be gold for future interviews. Not all feedback is perfect, but some of it helps. Do you usually ask for f… more

I’ve led engineering teams for startups, and now I’m applying to larger companies but not hearing back at all. How do tech recruiters evaluate senior candidates who have plenty of technical skills but… more

Do you add pictures to your resumes, and does it actually help? I was sharing with my cousin that I've been out of work and finding it really hard to find another job, and he said it matters a lot… more

How do you see a candidate who has multiple work commitments at the same time? Is it showing that he is capable or that he is trying too do too much?

What are best older posts in this bowl that I should go read? I am mostly looking for funny or inspiring posts, but I will read anything that is highly recommended.

I’ve seen candidates panic when interviewers challenge their answers. Most of the time, it is curiosity, not criticism. Staying calm and explaining your thinking goes a long way. How do you react when… more

I’ve heard the phrase “not the right culture fit” tossed around a lot lately. Sometimes I wonder if it’s a catch-all for “we liked someone else more but don’t want to say why.” Recruiters—what does it… more

I’ve been a QA analyst for about four years and I’m trying to transition into a product management or data role. Do recruiters in tech typically support these kinds of cross-functional career changes,… more

I'm against strict salary ranges tied to roles and levels: doing the same job doesn't mean that it is done with the same quality and impact. Also salaries are part of a negotiation, why do som… more

I recently finished a full-stack bootcamp, but I keep getting screened out during the technical interview stage. How should entry-level developers approach recruiters when many postings still emphasiz… more

Hi Recruiters,

I receive a lot of random spam calls (car warranty, loans, etc). So much that I don’t pick up the phone if I don’t have the person in my contacts.

As a recruiter, do you leave voicemail… more

If you could ask a tech recruiter one question they would answer honestly, what would it be?
Is it about why resumes get rejected in seconds, how referrals actually work, or what makes someone an instant “yes”?
Rec… more

Just interviewed with another Tech company and then checked their attrition rate — turns out it’s over 10%, which explains why the interview felt like speed dating. Now I’m wondering if I’m evaluating them, or au… more

I'm going to be a father again in about six months. Do I need to mention this during job interviews? How would it look if I take paternity leave soon after getting hired, if I don't mention it… more

I’ve noticed candidates assume recruiters remember every detail from interviews. In reality, clear and simple answers stand out the most in notes. Overly complex explanations often get lost. Do you tr… more

personal opinion: If your job post says “fast-paced environment” and “wear many hats,” I assume your team is understaffed and the onboarding is chaos. What phrases make you immediately scroll past a r… more

Recruiters, what would you say are the top 3 tech skills to focus on to stay employed in tech? I got laid off three times in the last two years. It's been really disheartening, but somehow not eno… more

Recruiters, what type of roles or skillsets do you see will be in high demand for 2026 in tech in general?

Interviewing shouldn’t be a guessing game—but I love when a candidate surprises me with an unexpected, thoughtful question at the end. Something that tells me they’re not just looking for any role—the… more

I always see the same names on job postings, mainly on LinkedIn. Do you have any tips or alternative places to look for a fresh perspective or more interesting tech job opportunities?

How do people usually phrase questions around company/team culture and work/life balance? I’m always afraid asking directly will make it seem like I’m not willing to work.