As a Developer and a User Group manager I have encountered my share of “pimps” AKA recruiters. Now to be fair all recruiters aren’t douchbags. To name a couple Scott Gordon and Tiffany Jennings are two excellent examples of recruiters that do there job well and know how to work with someone to find them the best development position they can.
What’s this all about?
In the next week or two Sept 23rd, I have been given the opportunity to speak at a recruiter “lunch and learn”. Now I am not one to speak at something like that unless it is a Flash or Flex event but one thing that I have been trying to do is help bring the talented developers and talented recruiters together so I am taking it for what it is. It’s a great opertunity to layout “our” thoughts as developers and bridge the gap. I have been given up too a 30min spot to speak. Not sure I can fill that much time but there will be some Q/A that should be cool.
Where do you come in?
What I would like to do is get your honest comments below, of things you would like recruiters to know that would make the relationship better. Also feel free to share the good, bad and ugly experiences that you have had. This is all about laying it out there so that everyone can learn and hopefully help each other out.
#1 by kevin@rgia.org on September 2nd, 2009
Matthew, as a software contractor and once-recruiter I have the following comments toward recruiters: “Think of contractors as ‘people’ instead of bodies filling a ‘quota’!” My personal experience is that ‘Recruiters’ don’t really give a ’shit’ about the ’supply’ of people (talent), but instead are too preoccupied with the ‘demand’ and closing the ’sale’. Feel free to call me if you have any questions or need additional personal insights…888.287.7780 (kevin)
#2 by Matthew Wallace on September 2nd, 2009
Kevin,
Thanks so much for your comments. Your view is for sure not a new one. I actually share the same view as you. I guess my stance is that I am trying to do something about it by reaching out and being as transparent with both sides as much as possible.
Do you have any thoughts on how we could help change the landscape from a developers perspective?
#3 byScott Gordon on September 9th, 2009
I think that your post is spot on MW and agree with Kevin also. I know a TON of douche bag recruiters but I also know some pretty cool ones that if I were ever on the other side of the table would contact immediately. You just have to do your homework before putting your career in the hands of a recruiter.
Scott
#4 by hui on October 13th, 2009
I’d LOVE to hear your speech. It would be very interesting to learn what we/the recruiters/ have been perceived from the other side. See I am a recruiter too.. I totally agree with Scott on what he said doing your homework. one thing I’d like to know is…if I am your recruiter, you are my candidate and looking, however I dont have one for you just right now…what else I can help you with? What else I can do as a recruiter to help my candidates?