And that's the word: pipeline recruiting

UserGER76227 — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 13:22:00 GMT

Heather Hamilton of Microsoft has written an interesting post about hiring managers' laziness that resonates with me because I'm on the other side.

Although I'm trying hard to find a job description that somewhat matches my interests and skills and potential, on the other side I'm facing people that seem to act single-minded, focused on the one job description only and apparently unable to look left or right.

I came to believe many managers think they can stick a tap to the wall and turn the knob to get as much water as they want.

And so they seem to approach recruiting, just turning the knob on the HR department to get them candidates raining down and the position filled in no time. Same procedure next time. New job, new knob.

This is where I drop out. I don't apply more than two or three times at the same company, because the last thing I want is being considered a resume spammer.

But then again, if the recruiting process resembles filling a glass of water, there better be a pipeline.

And this is where Heather's term "pipeline recruiting" resonates with me. BTW, is that an actual recruiting term? Or did she coin it? There aren't too many hits showing up on the search engines.

I wouldn't mind getting stuck in some recruiters pipelines. If they have an honest interest in my skills and potential, and are able to develop a relationship and provide feedback, we could at some point come together to make some hiring manager's wish come true.

Even better the hiring manager would cater a pipeline of candidates, to communicate the development of requirements, to get the feet back on the ground of the job market and to create a network of experience.

Here is where I see the chance of communities such as Job Burner. Although in it's current and early stage it only initiates communication from job seekers to recruiters, it could soon become a great tool for networking amongst job seekers, recruiters and hiring managers, a place for pipeline recruiting.

And that's the word.

Answering a cold call is not gonna keep you warm at night

UserGER76227 — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 07:12:00 GMT

Hey, the industry is abuzz. Even in Germany, I now get about two cold calls a month.

It's so ridiculous.

They don't know squat about you. Just name, phone or email and "works at a tech company".

The usual experience may go like this:

Hi!

My name is ... and I have a great opportunity for you.

Can you talk?

No. Not right now. Send me an email.

"Hi!

My name is ... and I have a great opportunity for you.

When can I call you?"

"Hello,
thank you for your message.

Before we start, I want you to understand I'm a software developer for applications and distributed systems based on Microsoft technologies. I'd not be available before November.

Regards"

"Ah, yeah, great. I, ahmm, will put you in our database and let you know if something comes up for you."

"Never mind."

Why don't they just type my name in Google and see what comes up?

And why, oh, why, do they always want to "talk"? To spend some "quality time" together?

Send me an email. Be honest. Show me yours, I show you mine. It's easy as that.

But I doubt that anybody who resorts to cold calling has anything to offer that keeps you warm at night.

Like a Cog in the Water

And that's the word: pipeline recruiting

Answering a cold call is not gonna keep you warm at night