5 Myths About Training Future Recruiters (a.k.a. Teaching Kids to Code)

In today's digital era, training the next generation of talent acquisition wizards—yes, even the tiny humans—is becoming a booming industry. From recruitment apps for kids, interactive hiring toys, and HR-themed robots to specialized handbooks and recruiter-in-training camps, the options are endless. 

But just like picking the perfect candidate, figuring out how to teach coding (or recruitment skills) isn't always straightforward. There's even debate over whether everyone should know how to code—because let’s face it, not everyone dreams of becoming a programming prodigy. So, let’s decode some common myths about teaching kids to code, with a recruitment twist. 

Myth 1: Recruitment Starts at the Job Board 

Just as recruitment isn't all about posting job ads, coding doesn’t have to start with a computer. Introducing young kids to the world of coding can start with offline activities that foster the kind of logical thinking and problem-solving skills crucial in programming—and in hiring. 

Think of it as building their "invention literacy," similar to how we nurture little talent scouts. Let them explore, create, and tinker with the world around them. By the time they’re ready to sit in front of a screen, they’ll have the creative confidence to dive into coding or, perhaps, into their future recruitment empire. 

Myth 2: Coding Is as Dull as Dry Resume Reading 

Who says coding—or recruitment—has to be boring? If we taught coding to kids the same way we teach adults to filter resumes, they’d zone out in no time. But tools like Apple’s Swift Playgrounds make learning to code as fun as swiping through job applications on a recruitment app (without the typos). 

These platforms introduce logic and problem-solving through interactive games, setting the stage for real coding later. And just like gamified recruitment tools make hiring fun, these apps make coding an adventure. 

Myth 3: Kids Need to Start Coding Before They Can Spell "Recruitment" 

We’re often told that the earlier kids start coding, the better. But recruitment (like coding) isn’t a race. Some of the best recruiters (and programmers) didn’t start until their teenage years or later. 

Whether kids start with basic logic games or jump into visual languages like Scratch around 8 years old, the key is nurturing their interest. Remember, the recruitment world didn’t crumble before LinkedIn, and kids don’t need to code before they hit double digits. 

Myth 4: There's a Perfect Programming Language for Every Kid 

In the recruitment world, there’s no one-size-fits-all candidate, and the same goes for programming languages. Some suggest starting with Python for its simplicity, others lean toward JavaScript for its versatility. But the truth? It doesn’t matter much where you start—what matters is that you start. 

Kids will gravitate toward different languages, much like recruiters have their favorite sourcing tools. The tech world evolves fast, so today’s hot language might be obsolete by the time these kids are job-hunting. Teaching them the fundamentals of logic and problem-solving is the real win. 

Myth 5: In the Future, Everyone Will Be a Recruiter (or a Coder) 

Not everyone needs to code, just as not everyone needs to become a recruiter (though, wouldn’t that be a dream?). While digital literacy will be vital, it doesn’t mean every job will require coding skills. 

Kids uninterested in coding can still thrive in tech-related fields. Much like how some recruiters specialize in specific industries without needing to be experts in those fields, future professionals can be tech-savvy without being coders. However, a basic understanding of coding can enhance digital literacy, making them more adaptable in an increasingly digital world. 

So, whether your child dreams of being a tech-savvy recruiter or a coding wizard, debunking these myths can help set the stage for their success in any future career path.

What do you think? Ready to swap out coding for recruiting in this new spin? Let me know if you'd like any adjustments!