IT Recruiting: Don’t Shoot the Messenger
Most IT contractors are aware of the hardships when applying and interviewing for IT jobs. Luckily, the process is eased when working with a technical recruiter as the recruiter provides tips for your resume and interview. During the interview, the spotlight is on the candidate. This is your time to shine and win over the hiring managers. What happens when you follow the advice of your IT recruiter and you are rejected? Do you blame the IT staffing firm?
The Offender
It is a difficult experience for a recruiter to tell an applicant they did not make the final cut, especially when they are subject to the candidate’s blame and guilt. Technical recruiters root for their candidates throughout their interview process. They are not the ultimate decision makers when it comes to hiring an applicant and cannot reconsider the decision of a hiring manager.
The Victim
A candidate feels a loss of pride when they are rejected for an IT job. They may feel misled or a loss of hope upon first hearing the message. Rather than taking it out on the recruiter, ask for feedback. The IT staffing rep can provide honest opinions from the hiring managers on why the candidate may not be the best fit for the position. Do not be afraid to ask the recruiter to be kept in mind for other positions!
The Aftermath
No one enjoys receiving or delivering bad news, especially regarding a missed opportunity. As IT recruiters, explain why his skills were not applicable or if there simply was a better applicant while lending the disheartened candidate an ear as he vents. Suggest other openings you may have in mind and follow up with other positions as they arise.
As a candidate, you are allowed to express your feelings, but do not burn a bridge in the process. This failed interview could open the door to new positions and potential opportunities. If you made mistakes, use this experience as part of the learning process. Finally, remember that it is better to hear unfortunate news early such as being unqualified now than later down the interview process or during the position.
Sloppy IT Recruiters
Technical recruiters know that like apples, it takes one bad IT recruiter to spoil the bunch. Recruiters are often viewed as money driven IT headhunters who care more about their commissions than the well being of their clients. To maintain your ground as an honest recruiter, avoid these sloppy and often dishonest recruiting tactics.
The Bait and Switch
IT recruiting companies send an email saying you are an ideal fit for recruiters’ open positions. You head to a IT recruiting agency expecting an interview when the recruiter sits you down and asks you all your employment history and skills, which are on your resume. You soon realize there is no open position and the technical recruiting company is just looking to populate their database with clients.
There might be open positions, but the one initially offered is not mentioned. The suggested roles are more entry level IT jobs that slightly relate to your skills. The sloppy technical recruiter tries to talk up the jobs and make reaches in terms of relating your experience to the tasks and responsibilities to their open positions. When you decline, the recruiter pushes you to make a commitment where you do not feel comfortable.
Unresponsive
Once technical recruiting companies establish a commitment with candidates, they should follow up throughout the duration of their contract. Recruiters who seem to drop off the face of the earth post interviewing pose signs of a potentially weak relationship and could worry clients or hiring managers about the stability of their positions.
Impersonal
Recruiters have the advantage that they can spend more time discussing the skills of IT contractors and experience than a hiring manager can learn in one just one interview. When you talk to a contractor, try to establish a rapport so you can both feel comfortable with one another. When you send emails, make it personal rather than sending a mass mail. If you must send a mass mail, always check to make sure email addresses are hidden from other recipients.
Not all IT recruiting agencies behave the same so obviously their performances differ. Those that treat their clients as people and not inventory will see better results and reviews. You will also be happier with your day to day tasks as well!
Technical Recruiters: Best IT Staffing Snacks
With Halloween this past week, it might be tempting to hit up the after holiday sales and stock up on candy. Maybe IT recruiters are wiser and dip into their child’s stash. Before deciding to reach for a candy bar or visit the office vending machines of technical recruiting firms, stop. Here are some healthy snack alternatives to boost energy and treat oneself while avoiding potential guilt.
Sweet Tooth?
Sugary fruit flavored treats and chocolate seem to be a staple for snacking…that is if you are a child. As an adult, a technical recruiter should be educated on nutritional values and make healthy decisions. If an IT recruiter craves chocolate, be sure it is dark chocolate. If you still cannot shake a sugar craving, split a candy bar with another recruiter or candidate at your IT staffing company.
Looking for something fruity? Try canned fruit packed in water, not syrup, which can be easily stored. If a recruiter prefers fresh fruit, precut it and store it in containers. Greek yogurt provides an excellent source of protein while maintaining a low fat content, too. Just be sure your IT staffing firm has a fridge!
Salty?
Pretzels are low in fat and great to nibble on during mid afternoon slumps. Be aware of your portion size so you do not over eat. Microwavable light popcorn is conveniently storable and offers significant dietary fiber with a low calorie count to fill you up. Still not feeling satisfied? Reach for nuts which pack a powerful protein punch and healthy fat, but be mindful of your consumption. If you must have chips, choose baked or reduced fat.
An Inbetween?
Cannot decide between sweet or salty snacks? Try a combination to satisfy both of your desires. Opt for trail mix that has mixed nuts as well as chocolate candies or yogurt covered raisins. Dark chocolate covered pretzels may also do the trick. Peanut butter with crackers or an apple is an easy and handy small snack, too.
Choosing convenience over healthy snacks is bound to take a toll on your overall well-being. Pre-pack your snacks to maintain portions and save money. Keep these practical snacks on hand at IT recruiting firms to fight cravings and hold you over through the afternoon!