Things Your Recruiter Would Love To Tell You

The world of IT recruiting has changed dramatically over the last few decades. Supply chain uncertainty, global events, and the rise of AI technology have all forced the industry to adapt. Change is constant. At Enspire Partners, we embrace it—and it’s helping us make 2025 an exciting year.

This year, opportunities are fewer, but salaries for in-demand roles are rising. We are now staffing more strategic positions—managers, directors, and VPs—alongside the tactical roles we’ve always filled, like analysts, developers, and project managers. But one trend stands out above all: candidates must rise to meet higher expectations than ever before.

A Quick Look at the Evolution of IT Recruiting

I’ve been a full-time recruiter since 1996. Over the years, the quality of candidates expected by employers has dramatically increased. Let’s take a look at how we got here.

During the Y2K era, companies invested heavily in IT systems to avoid potential disasters from the two-digit to four-digit year conversion. Programmers thrived, and businesses grew at a blistering pace without much regard for profitability.

By 2001, the dotcom bubble burst, changing hiring practices almost overnight. Companies became cautious, focusing on sustainable growth rather than headcount expansion. Later, the shift from mainframe systems to client-server technology offered new opportunities, only to be tempered by the 2008 financial crisis, which made companies even more conservative in recruitment.

The New Normal: 12 of 10

Recruiting standards have shifted. Once, satisfying 70-80% of client requirements was enough. Today, recruiters and candidates must meet—and exceed—expectations. We aim to fulfill “12 of 10”: not only fulfilling client requirements but providing additional value that sets candidates apart.

Employers today don’t settle for “good enough.” They wait for exceptional talent. This heightened standard makes the process more challenging—but also more rewarding for those who understand what it takes to succeed.

How This Impacts Candidates

Here’s how these trends translate into the hiring process:

Right Fit ✅

Employers have more rigorous requirements. Applying for roles you aren’t fully qualified for wastes your time. If you have the right experience, we’ll help position you accurately for the roles where you can truly excel.

Candidate Flexibility 🔄

Employers are looking for people who can go the extra mile—learn quickly, adapt, and become long-term assets. Highlighting these “plus” skills during interviews can make all the difference.

Consensus Hiring 🗣️

Most IT teams interview candidates collaboratively. You’ll meet peers, stakeholders, and the hiring manager. Understanding how your role interacts with others is key to showing your fit and building rapport.

Online Testing 🧠

Companies increasingly use online tests to measure cognitive, personality, and job-specific skills. Rather than seeing testing as a hurdle, view it as an opportunity to distinguish yourself. Strong performance often elevates candidates to the top of the selection stack.

Long-Term Goals 🎯

Finding the right person for the right role benefits everyone. Candidates thrive, employers gain engaged employees, and companies reduce turnover. Patience in the hiring process pays off with lasting success.

Working With You

At Enspire Partners, we treat every client and every qualified candidate as precious. Our goal is to guide you through the hiring process with professionalism, expertise, and care. Success is a collaborative effort. Whether you are seeking a new role or looking to hire top IT talent, we help ensure that the right people connect with the right opportunities.

Hiring is a labor-intensive process—but when done correctly, it is immensely rewarding. With the right guidance, you can achieve your goals in 2025 and beyond.