The recruitment of IT experts has changed significantly in recent years. Traditional job portals are often no longer enough to attract the right specialists. This is why more and more companies are turning to active sourcing. They use social networks and niche platforms to find IT talent in a targeted manner. But which platform is best suited to which IT profile? In this article, we provide an overview of the most important platforms and show how active sourcing can be successfully organised on LinkedIn, GitHub & Co. Active sourcing on LinkedIn and GitHub
Why active sourcing is indispensable in the IT sector
The market for IT specialists is extremely competitive. Many qualified developers and technicians are already in employment and do not respond to traditional job adverts. Active sourcing, i.e. proactively approaching talent, enables companies to reach even passive candidates. However, this means that recruiters need to know their target group and the appropriate platforms well in order to identify and approach the right candidates. The advantages are clear: direct contact often leads to faster recruitment and a better fit.
LinkedIn - The classic for IT professionals and managers
LinkedIn has established itself as an indispensable platform for IT recruitment in recent years. Most IT professionals, especially those in senior positions, are represented here. The advantage of LinkedIn is the combination of a comprehensive CV, network and various content formats that allow companies to get to know potential candidates better.
Recruiters can filter for specific skills, experience and job titles, which promises a high hit rate. LinkedIn also offers numerous tools for making contact, such as the option of sending messages directly to candidates or making your presence felt through comments in discussions. The platform is particularly suitable for senior positions and IT managers who already have a high level of visibility in the network.
GitHub - The platform for developers and technical specialists
GitHub is particularly popular with developers and programmers, as the platform allows them to make their own projects and code publicly accessible. For recruiters, GitHub offers an excellent opportunity to practically evaluate a candidate's skills. Using the publicly accessible repositories, recruiters can see how a candidate actually works, which technologies they are proficient in and which projects they have already implemented. Active sourcing on LinkedIn and GitHub
Another plus: GitHub is strongly focused on the community, so recruiters can recognise how well a candidate works in a team through collaborations and contributions to projects. However, GitHub is more of a niche platform and requires technical understanding from recruiters to correctly assess profiles and identify suitable candidates.
Stack Overflow - The insider tip for hardcore developers
Stack Overflow is one of the largest developer Q&A platforms in the world, attracting professionals focussed on specific technical challenges. The platform is particularly interesting for recruiters looking for experts in specific technologies and programming languages. A Stack Overflow profile reveals a lot about a candidate's problem-solving skills and their expertise in certain specialist areas.
However, the profiles on Stack Overflow are usually less detailed than on LinkedIn or GitHub, and recruiters need a bit of intuition to find suitable candidates. Stack Overflow is therefore particularly suitable as a supplementary platform for the targeted search for candidates who have already attracted attention through their commitment and professional contributions.
XING - The regional focus for the DACH region
While XING does not have the same international reach as LinkedIn, it is still one of the most frequently used platforms for professional networks in German-speaking countries. XING is particularly suitable for finding IT experts who are based in Germany, Austria or Switzerland and often hold junior to mid-level positions.
Recruiters can also use XING to search specifically for qualifications and professional experience and contact potential candidates directly. For companies recruiting primarily in the DACH region, XING is a valuable alternative, as candidates there are often willing to make local contacts and work in the local area. Active sourcing on LinkedIn and GitHub
How niche platforms can be used as a secret weapon
In addition to the large platforms, smaller, specialised networks are becoming increasingly important. Platforms such as Kaggle for data scientists, Dribbble and Behance for designers or the community platform Reddit, where specialised technical groups gather in specific subreddits, are valuable resources.
Niche platforms offer the opportunity to search for very specific skills and interests. The users registered there are often very committed and have specialised knowledge that is difficult to find in traditional networks. Recruiters should, however, inform themselves well in advance about the respective platform in order to understand the communication habits and skill level of the community.
Best practices for active sourcing on LinkedIn and GitHub
Effective Active Sourcing requires more than just sending messages. Targeted preparation and appealing communication are key to attracting potential candidates. Here are some tried and tested tips:
- Optimise profile and company presence: An informative profile and an attractive employer brand help to arouse interest.
- Targeted search and filter: Use precise search parameters to find really suitable candidates.
- Individualised approach: Messages should be individually formulated and tailored to the candidate's profile.
- Building sustainable relationships: Even if the candidate is not currently interested, it is worth making contact for future vacancies.
"In times of skills shortages, active sourcing is a must for any successful recruiting strategy in the IT sector. The targeted approach via platforms such as LinkedIn and GitHub enables us to reach highly qualified IT experts who would not be accessible via traditional job portals. At indivHR, we help companies to develop their active sourcing strategy and target talent exactly where they are." - says Ilka Zeiner, Managing Director of indivHR.
Use our expertise for your IT recruitment
The search for IT talent is challenging, but with the right platform and the right strategy, success is within reach. Let our experienced team at indivHR support you and arrange a free initial consultation now. Together we will find the best IT talent for your company.
