Tag Archives: technical recruiting companies

IT Staffing: Is a Small Company for You?

As candidates seek new career opportunities, they have the opportunity to choose from large corporations or small businesses.   While most are easily swayed by the aura of a prominent brand name, they may not realize the benefits they pass up from snubbing the smaller corportations.  Here are some reason IT contractors should consider working with the little guys.

Part of the Team

Smaller companies tend to be teams working together to reach a common objective.  Each IT headhunter plays a crucial role toward the process of achieving that goal through teamwork and an individual strive.  Working side by side, technical recruiters are bound to develop more personal relationships than the standard IT recruiting connection.  Also, because employees in a small IT staffing company work in such a tight knit group, workers have the opportunity to voice suggestions and provide honest feedback to management.

Tangible Results

The efforts of a technical recruiter are more likely to be noticed at small technical recruiting companies than at a larger corporation.  He will have the opportunity to see how his work contributes to a project and its final output.  IT headhunters can also help to implement new policies if the company is flexible and standards are not already in place.

Learning Experience

Most emerging companies perform on the trial and error process.  IT recruiters must be ready to step outside of their comfort zone, make mistakes, and take on additional responsibilities.  The benefits to employees are they are exposed and cross trained to different departments and forced to find a drive for inner creativity.

Is it the Right Atmosphere for You?

As an IT contractor, are you ready to on the risk?  Not all emerging businesses are guaranteed successes, but if the company thrives, you will be taken along for the ride.  Likewise, if it fails, you will experience the downfall and disappointment.  Are you ready for additional responsibility?  The words “not my job” are rarely used at small companies.  You must be willing to take on more than your fair share of work to succeed at the company.  Finally, if you are not willing to work in a team, emerging corporations are not the place for you.

Not everyone is cut out to work in a small company, but part of finding out is being involved in the experience!

Technical Recruiters Warn: The Flu Season Approaches

As the temperature drops, fevers rise.  From October through the month of May, flu season raises its ugly head to spite IT recruiting offices throughout the Northeast.  When IT recruiters find they are the victim of the plague, should they be the office heroes or stay curled up in bed?  Here are some reasons why it is better to stay quarantined at home than in the office when a technical recruiter becomes ill.

Causes of Illness

Germs and viruses are incubated in colder weather as more people opt to stay indoors longer.  The air becomes stale and recycled.  Another reason illnesses are on the rise is because children are back in school.  Children are more weary of bacteria and easily spread their germs, bringing it home to their families as well.  Soon the whole household will be sick and will share it with fellow IT headhunters, wiping the IT staffing company.

Reasons People Come to Work Sick

Whether they are afraid of being reprimanded for their absence or hurting their chances of being promoted, some employees try to make it to technical recruiting companies under any condition.  With jobs being cut across the country as the recession continues, there are less replacements to cover workloads and cross train on projects.  Employees may avoid taking a sick day because they would prefer to use their PTO for vacation time, but which is more important: overall health or a day’s work of pay?

Reduced Productivity

An IT recruiter will not be the office hero if he is working at fifty percent of his healthy productivity level.  Soon he will be bringing other’s efficiency levels down with him whether from contagiousness or pure distraction.  If a recruiter must work while sick, he should offer to sift through resumes at home if possible and be available via phone or email.

Hiring managers would rather have happy and health employees than ones who miserably strain themselves while taking a toll not only on their physical health, but also their mental health.  If you are not feeling one hundred percent well or begin to feel sick, notify your supervisor in a timely manner and request a sick day.  IT staffing companies will thank you in advance!

IT Recruiters Boston Get Around Town

Ask IT recruiting companies that call Boston their home how they get around and you will get a number of answers.  The technical recruiters of AVID Technical Resources weigh in on their choice methods of transportation.  Which do you use?

Driving

Those who do not fear traffic, pedestrians, or the inevitable parallel parking in the streets of the city choose to use their own car.  While courting yourself around might seem more convenient, IT recruiters must remember the costs associated with owning a vehicle such as insurance, gas, and routine maintenance as well as the random perks of parking tickets.  To help lessen the burden of owning a car, an IT recruiter should consider joining a car sharing company such as Zipcar. Those who have flexible spending might enjoy the luxury of letting someone else grab the wheel by taking a cab.

Biking

The more health conscious or eco-friendly technical recruiter rides their bikes to IT recruiting firms or across the city.  The benefit of owning your bike is that you do not need to worry about fueling or traffic.  You will be reducing your carbon foot print, having fun, and taking care of daily exercise in one punch.  If you are uncertain if you want to invest in a bike, try Hubway bikes which are conveniently located throughout the city.  Always review terms and conditions as well as prices when considering your choice.

Public Transportation

If you do not mind crowds and a few delays, the MBTA is the most convenient way for technical recruiting companies to get around town.  The MBTA runs boats, busses, and trains to accommodate Bostonians at affordable prices.  Taking opportunity of these rides is not only good on your wallet, but it also helps the environment and reduces traffic, too.  There are private companies that even offer services to distant towns, cities, and other states.

Walking

Sometimes walking is the best solution for IT staffing firms, especially with there are one way streets and parking issues.  The best things about walking are it is a form of exercise and easy for almost anyone.  Next time you have an IT job interview, check to see if it is in walking distance so you can enjoy the weather and beat the traffic.

Boston may seem like a tricky city to get around if you are tourist or new, but once you get the hang of it explore the history and have some fun.

IT Recruiting: Lunch Etiquette

Technical recruiting companies frequently engage in lunch meetings with their candidates to discuss business and life in general.  These gatherings can range from low key to a strict agenda depending on the client.  If IT recruiters are uncertain of how to behave during a meeting, here are some tips to stay in line during a standard corporate lunch.

Before

Technical recruiters should look up the menu in advance so they do not waste time deciding on lunch.  Choose two different meals, one light and the other a full meal while avoiding messy and finger foods.  Plan to arrive fifteen minutes early and dress professionally.  IT headhunters may be over dressed for the restaurant or relative to their client, but it is better than standing out in a negative way.  Prepare an itinerary for the meeting and leave phones off or in the car.

At the Meeting

IT recruiting firms should greet their client with a firm handshake and wait to be seated.  Place napkins on the lap and do not put cell phones on the table even if they are on silent.  The contractor should place his order first, and then the IT staffing rep can choose his meal depending on what the contractor orders.  This way the contractor will not be waiting for the recruiter to finish his steak if the candidate only ordered a salad.  Also, try to avoid going to the meeting hungry because technical recruiting firms may become too distracted with food to discuss the importance of the meeting.  Before diving into business, make small talk to set a comfortable mood and then transition the subject after placing the order.

The Food

Anything that can stain or get stuck in the teeth of an IT recruiter should be saved for a night out with the pals.  Also, food that is messy and difficult to eat is distracting and can upset the client while alcohol is typically avoided.  When the technical recruiter is finished eating, rest the utensils on the plate with the napkin on the table.  It might be tempting to take a doggy bag with you, but fight the urge.

Be polite to all wait staff and maintain focus through the meeting.  If the recruiter extended the invite, cover the bill and be discreet in regards to tipping.  Remember to thank clients for their time!

 

IT Staffing Woes: The Language Barrier

Working in the IT recruiting industry, technical recruiters are bound to face the near inevitable.  You discover resumes of the most talented candidates with the near perfect background and experience and reach for the phone.  You begin to explain why you are calling, talking about a potential IT job, when the person on the other end begins to speak, but you cannot understand them.  What do you do?

Be Patient

If it’s hard for IT recruiters to understand the candidate, chances are, candidates are having difficulty understanding the recruiters as well.  Speak slowly and clearly by carefully enunciating words.  It’s also important to avoid mumbling and rushing through sentences.  After prospective candidates have spoken, IT headhunters should reiterate what they have heard.  It might seem rude or annoying during the first few times, but it is best if both parties know the game plan.

Be Specific

Avoid colloquial phrases and abbreviations whenever possible, as this might add to the confusion.  Be mindful of cultural differences and time zones as well.  When technical recruiting companies plan to meet with clients or schedule phone calls, send an appointment reminder and meeting agenda if necessary.

Follow Up

The key to communicating when there is a language barrier is not just following up, but having multiple sources of contact within IT staffing agencies.  Sending a follow up email to recap your discussion and plans may just be important as the initial communication.  If there is any misunderstanding, the client or the technical recruiter can address it immediately.  Also, some candidates might prefer to be contacted through email versus phone or vice versa.

At first it might troublesome for an IT recruiter to discuss business when there is an impediment such as language and accents.  The more you do it, the easier it should become!  With the advances in technology and a degree of patience, hardships such as communication will eventually be eliminated.

The Doormat IT Recruiter

IT recruiting companies recognize technical recruiters who exceed expectations and consistently achieve goals.  These recruiters are hardworking, putting forth their best effort to fill IT jobs and eagerly accepting new challenges.  In the background, there is the doormat recruiter who is picking up the slack of his peers and always lending an ear.  He fears being disliked and is willing to sacrifice his work in hopes it will bring him closer to his co-workers.

Be Assertive

IT recruiters who cannot say no send the message that their time is not nearly as valuable as their co-workers’.  If a recruiter needs assistance, it is acceptable to extend help to an extent.  Do not allow the additional workload to become routine.  If the technical recruiter is too busy to offer assistance, do not be afraid to give a firm no or direct him to someone else within the IT recruiting agency.

Call People Out

If someone is constantly asking for favors or running late, do not be afraid to bring this to their attention.  Would this person return the favor?  Would they put up with tardiness if they were on the other end?  Technical recruiting companies run on tight, busy schedules so when something comes up, it generally causes a snowball effect and wastes others’ time.  Try to be flexible, but remind the person of their actions and your own responsibilities.

If a person becomes defensive when you cannot accommodate their request, politely ask them why it is necessary.  Rebuttals such as it will take two seconds, I forgot, or I just changed it are not legit reasons.  Respect your responsibilities, stick to the facts, and remind the offender that your time is just as valuable as theirs.

Stay Calm and Responsible

People pleasers can take a severe hit in the self esteem department.  Co-workers may feel the need to assign guilt or blame to doormats because they will take it.  Do not give into rude people as they seek to hurt others.  You cannot control another person’s actions, but you can choose to remain calm and not welcome negative thoughts and attitudes.

Claim Your Achievements

Own your achievements at IT recruiting firms.  If you choose to let others overshadow you, you will never be recognized for your success.  It might be difficult to engage in conversations you wish to avoid, but preparing and doing so will help build confidence.  State your opinion and be yourself.  You do not always need to agree and often people who stick to their opinions are most respected among their peers.

The goal is to have mutual respect for yourself as well as others!

The Foul Mouthed Technical Recruiter

What is a candidate’s first thought when he steps into an IT recruiting company and technical recruiters are tossing swears back and forth?  Is he impressed?  Does he join in?  While it might all seem in good banter to causally throw out a few expletives, one must keep in mind the consequences of his actions while working with technical recruiting companies.

Beats Stress

Swearing at IT recruiting firms might seem like a way to vent, but there are more professional ways to de-stress.  Instead of rattling off a few curses, take a breath or remove yourself from work.  Refocus your frustration to improve on your weak areas.

Seems Laid Back

Cursing during your conversation with an IT recruiter will be more casual, but this could back fire.  When you start using unprofessional language with technical recruiting agencies, they will reconsider you for their IT jobs.  Recruiters do not want their candidates to make poor impressions regarding their work.

More Persuasive

IT recruiters can seem more persuasive if they throw in a few swears in their spiel.  Remove swears and you have the same content.  There is no need to inflate dialogue with words that have no meaning.  Instead, enhance your vocabulary while impressing others.  Not only will you sound more intelligent, your language will be more tasteful, too.

Boosts Team Morale

Most IT staffing firms have some sort of rally or team pep talks to encourage IT headhunters to achieve their goals.  Adding swears can make these talks seem more serious and passionate, but in reality it sounds trashy.  Keep it professional and remember team objectives.

While a swearing taboo sounds outdated, it is the most professional way to conduct business.  IT professionals want to work with the most skilled, confident, and trustworthy recruiters, win clients over with your class, manners, and skill!