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Archive for August, 2011

Trying too Hard in the IT Staffing Industry

Wednesday, August 31st, 2011

IT recruiters must have amicable personalities when working with different clients and candidates.  Adapting to meet one’s needs and personality is necessary when conducting business, but it is important to remain professional while respecting oneself.  Here are some tips to stay friendly without trying too hard

Overly Flexible

Whether you are new to IT recruiting companies or a veteran, it is important to refrain from being the doormat.  It may be hard to say no in fear you will be disliked, but always take care of yourself before you help others.  Those who choose to take on more work than they can handle are the ones who cannot say no and feel their time is not as valuable as their peers’.  Set boundaries and limits early on as it may be difficult to set matters straight while progressing within IT recruiting agencies.   

Too Personal

Nothing is more uncomfortable than overbearing technical recruiters who want every intimate detail of your life.  Being friendly is encouraged, but try to maintain a business oriented relationship.  Clients might not be willing to share a relationship beyond business and a technical recruiter should abide by their wishes.

Talking too much and always butting into others’ private matters is a severe offense.  Rather than prying for details, let the other party open to an IT recruiter before trying to start a conversation about their weekend or significant other.  Likewise, limit yourself from spilling all the details of your personal life to your candidate.  It might make you seem like an inviting person, but could also creep out the client and come off as a braggart. 

Too Pushy

When a contractor is uneasy about a commitment, pushing them will only make them feel more uncomfortable.  IT headhunters will then become upset if the contractor backs out of his contract.  Rather than persuading the candidate to make an ill fated choice, allow him to time to think it over and make decisions with his best wishes while providing support if he has questions or concerns. 

Jeopardizing the technical recruiting company and your reputation to close one deal is not worth the risks.  Keep working conditions comfortable by staying consistent and professional.  The contractor may refer you to others, providing you the opportunity build your network.

The Deadbeat Technical Recruiter

Monday, August 29th, 2011

You remember your first interaction with IT recruiting companies, an unexpected phone call offering a world of IT jobs and opportunities.  You eagerly engage in a phone conversation, followed by an in-person interview with your IT recruiter.  After much prepping, you land a role and then your recruiter disappears.

Stay Connected

Technical recruiters are supposed to be available for their candidates.  The relationship does not stop after the client accepts a position.  Be sure to maintain contact through the duration of the contract, and if appropriate, help the contractor take on additional roles after positions end. 

The candidates of IT recruiters are a reflection of their work.  If the candidates are unhappy or have concerns about their roles, it is the recruiter’s responsibility to promptly address these issues in a professional manner.  Leaving loose ends with contractors is a poor reflection on not only recruiters, but also IT staffing firms.

Procrastination is Contagious

It might be tempting put off assignments and bask in the glory of “free time”, but this free time is typically borrowed time at technical recruiting companies.  When a recruiter procrastinates, there is generally someone waiting on the other end.  Holding up others drastically reduces efficiency levels and increases stress levels. 

A recruiter’s lax work ethic can be contagious and affect other’s output.  Others within the IT recruiting firm will observe how the recruiter may get by with doing less work or have tasks done for him and follow suit.   Some may do the opposite and dismiss all projects related to the lazy IT headhunter, eliminating potential networking.

Self-Motivated Success

The key to technical recruiting is self-driven success.  If a recruiter feels he is not being challenged, he may resort to laziness.  Rather, he should be productive by setting goals, making changes to his routine, and rewarding himself for his accomplishments.  When the lazy recruiter begins to work with other lazy co-workers, he may become frustrated and reconsider his actions and priorities!

IT Recruiters Learn to Say No

Friday, August 26th, 2011

Most technical recruiters avoid the two letter word like the plague.  Whether it is fear of burning bridges, appearing rude and causing conflict, or losing opportunities, saying no is one of the most difficult aspects of technical recruiting.  Before stretching oneself too thin, here are some suggestions so one does not feel guilty when he must turn down others.

Taking Care of Yourself

When working at IT staffing firms, recruiters want to be accommodating for others.  Revising schedules is one thing, but nixing plans and time with family is on another level.  When others’ work begins to affect personal lives and responsibilities, it is time to respect and enforce limits.

At IT recruiting agencies, one must maintain a list of projects in order of priority to have a better idea if he can take on more work before giving a direct no.  Also, ask for an estimated amount of time the project or request would entail.  If the recruiter cannot provide help, at least he will have other priorities as reasoning and can direct the requester in the right direction.

Ways to Say No

Ask Me Later

If a recruiter is feeling overwhelmed, asking the person to follow up later is a way of saying no for now, but possibly in the future.  IT staffing representatives should use this rebuttal if and only if they are uncertain if they can and will provide assistance.  The last thing anyone wants is to be strung along.

I can’t help you with this, but ____ might be able to…

When something is not one’s responsibility or he does not have time, pass the job off to the right person within the technical recruiting agencies.  It might sound bad to volunteer someone else for a task, but chances are the other person can provide more accurate information or do a better job if they are not busy.  Be respectful when doing so and the other party should understand.

Simply No

Often people let emotions and fear of conflict control their actions.  Explaining oneself too much can be unnecessary when a simple no is needed.  Put feelings aside and stay firm with an answer.  IT headhunters will be more in control of their responsibilities if they do not load up with tasks accepted in guilt.

No one wants to let others down and always saying yes seems like the way to go, but not following through is much worse than saying no.  Do not be the person who constantly forgets, runs late, makes mistakes, and has no personal time.  Work toward establishing personal goals first and then extend a helping hand.


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