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Archive for July, 2011

Technical Recruiting – The Plot

Friday, July 29th, 2011

Prologue

A Boston IT recruiting company is given the task of filling an IT job for a well established firm.  A technical recruiter begins cruising through Monster.com, CareerBuilder, and LinkedIn.com to find the most qualified candidate and a resume jumps at him.  He immediately pulls the resume and compares the job qualifications to its listed experience.  Success!

The Introduction

IT recruiters makes the initial contact typically through a phone call or email.  He begins by introducing himself, stating the reason he is calling, and listens for cues of interest.  The IT recruiter will explain the position and answer any of the contractor’s questions.  If the candidate is interested in the position and the technical recruiter has verified all the candidate’s skills and experiences, the recruiter will submit the client’s resume for the job opening.

Rising Action

Hypothetically, the applicant is offered an interview.  The IT headhunter calls the candidate to let him know the good news and prepares him for what to expect.  The recruiter might meet with the contractor before the interview to coach him and ease nerves.  After the interview, the IT recruiter will follow up with the applicant to see how the meeting went and address any questions or concerns.

The Climax

A few days pass and the IT recruiter receives word from the company that they would like to bring the candidate on board.  The IT staffing salesperson calls his client to let him know the exciting news and extends the offer.  Before the contractor begins his position, the recruiter will typically meet with him to walk him in and make him feel comfortable on his first day.

Falling Action

Technical recruiters will periodically touch base with the contractor to maintain their relationship and ensure everything is going smooth and see if the contractor has any questions.  The two will stay in touch and relay changes, if any.

Resolution

Either the techncial recruiter will continue working with the contractor or they will go their separate ways whether it is new job opportunities or life changes.  Ideally the team will end on good terms and the two will share a connection for future networking and a new plot begins.

Seeking…a client? Part II

Wednesday, July 27th, 2011

During the Meeting

The Introduction

The opening of the meeting should be about building a relationship.  Always greet your client by name and extend a handshake.  As IT recruiters, you want to establish a rapport before you jump into business, so have your client open up to you and do the same.  Once you feel comfortable, move onto the business side of the meeting.

Getting to Business

Gradually shift to the topic of the meeting, but do not make it completely random.  This segment of the meeting should be entirely about the candidate, so turn on your technical recruiting cues.  Ask what the IT manager’s wants and needs are about this position.  Address any questions and concerns and if you do not have an answer right away, be sure to write them down to follow up. 

Discuss the IT job and the prerequisites.  Ensure he or she has all the required experience and skills before you get his heart set on the position.  If the client does not have specific experience or skills the job is looking for, make it known so you do not get his hopes up.  Offer to keep him or her in mind for other openings you may be working on. 

The Conclusion

When closing the IT staffing meeting, make sure you have addressed all the key topics, concerns, and details of the position.  Thank the client for his or her time and try to always end a meeting on good terms.  Sincerely extend another handshake, offer your business card, reiterate the value-add that you and your IT recruiting firm can provide, then wish the prospective client well. 

Like dating, keep arranging client meetings with different candidates until you have found “the one”. 

Seeking a…Client? Part I

Tuesday, July 26th, 2011

It seems coffee meetings are the go to from catching up with business or friends to first dates and meeting with new IT staffing clients.  At first glance, comparing the IT recruiting business with dating might seem entirely wrong, but when you think about it the processes are pretty similar.  They both involve finding “the one” with all the perfect attributes, right?

The Want Ad

Technical recruiters use job boards to post open positions, listing specific criteria to find their most ideal match for the IT job.  It is a blind way of weeding out candidates without personally offending anyone.   Job listings also provide the luxury of choosing from multiple candidates without having to limit yourself to just one applicant.

Preliminary Screening—The Background Check

You will most likely conduct some investigating prior to a date and the same goes for a client meeting.   As a technical recruiter, you will research a consultant’s prior experiences and check to see if you have any connections through LinkedIn or past companies.  A phone call prior to the face to face meeting may help ease nerves for the IT recruiter and contractor.

Getting Ready

Dress to impress as you prepare for your meeting.  Run through your check list to be sure you have all the right material…resume, job description, notepad for questions.  Note the client’s interests so you have topics for conversation.  Leave early so you allow plenty of time to arrive early or on time in case of traffic.

Looking for tips during the meeting?  Check AVID’s blog for Seeking…a Client? Part II.


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