Tag Archives: technical staffing firm

Selecting the Right IT Recruiting Firm for You

Finding the right IT staffing company can be difficult….especially in an area like Boston where there are so many IT recruiting firms to choose from.  To help you find the right technical recruiting company that is right for you, and ultimate an IT recruiter who you can build a relationship with, try the following approach:

1)  Cast a wide net:  Do a Google search for IT recruiting companies.  Consider doing a more targeted search if there is a geographic location you’re looking at such as IT recruiting companies Boston.

2)  Look for reviews of each technical staffing firm, then narrow your list down to 8-10 IT recruiting agencies that have the best feedback.

3)  Review the websites of the list of IT staffing firms on your short list and narrow it down to your top 3-5 IT recruiting firms.

4)  Contact each IT recruiting company and speak with one of their technical recruiters.  If you feel comfortable with the person, set up a time to meet in person.

Building a relationship with an IT recruiter is one of the most important components to a successful IT job search.  This will ensure he or she calls you first the minute the appropriate technical jobs opens up.

Hey—Don’t hire me!

Not the message you want to be sending to employers when you are shopping the IT job market.  Unfortunately, some candidates are unaware of their eye-popping mistakes.  Ignorance may seem bliss, but unemployment is not.  Here are some red flags IT recruiters use to screen candidates:

–          Poor Grammar and Typos

Neglecting to spell check and proof read your resume is an easy way to ruin your candidacy.  IT staffing firms select the best applicants for their open positions.  A spelling error or typo is a red flag for technical recruiters indicating this candidate does not check or review his work.  It is worthwhile to have a second set of eyes review your resume before you begin applying to postings.

–          Readability and Relevancy Issues

If an IT staffing agency has a harder time reading your resume than a Shakespearian play, this might be a clue it needs tweaking.  A technical recruiter will scratch a candidate who cannot communicate and highlight his skills in writing.  Gear resumes for the specific postings and keep it relevant!  Write about what YOU accomplished at IT jobs, not job descriptions.  Avoid buzz words that add nothing to your resume as it is better to be precise and brief than convoluted and lengthy.

–          Stretching the Truth

Never exaggerate your experiences or lie about your past.  If you are placed in an IT job in which you are unqualified, you will end up right where you were before you scored the position– only now you have lost the help from technical recruiters.  Tell the IT staffing firm your skill level and how frequently you used the skill set, including the last time you used them.  The technical recruiting company can then place you with the appropriate opening.  If you have gaps of employment or multiple short-term positions on your resume, be prepared to explain.  Technical recruiters Boston will not make a placement if he believes the candidate will not complete their assignment.

–          Negative Attitude

When IT recruiters Boston reach out to you, they also look for social cues.  Do you speak positively of previous employers?  Can you communicate and express yourself with adequately?  IT staffing agencies MA seek candidates who will work well in the office environment.  Negative attitudes create conflicts that can affect working conditions.  Keep your conversations upbeat, try to stay optimistic, and end on a good note.

–          Lack of Communication

If a technical recruiter reaches out to you, be sure to respond in a timely manner.  It’s not only frustrating waiting on a response, but it also halts a process.  The lack of response signifies your lack of interest in the position.  Be respectful and do not waste your IT recruiter’s time.  If something does not interest you or is not working out, tell your recruiter and they will take the next steps to try to accommodate you.

Remember to treat your technical staffing firm how you want to be treated!

For further tips on job searching, visit AVID’s Job Seekers page.