IT Hire Wire

Way back in 1948 when modern bar coding began, it took off as a great concept and revolutionized product sales and inventory. So when we talk to candidates with the objective of marketing them in the best way possible, shouldn’t “coding” or “rating” them help us improve sales and inventory (also called pipelining in our world)? I think it should. We code candidates from 1-5 under “PTC” (Presentation, Technical and Communication) skills, so someone with excellent presentation (5), good technical (4) and great communication skills (5) would get a 5/4/5 rating - you get the idea. We get our fair share of variety though… 

Presentation

Most candidates present in a suit and tie - others are more business casual; the majority interview fairly well, some need a little tweaking - and then there are the ones in the “none of the above” category. Those definitely need extra prepping - if they have a shot at all that is. The one thing we tell candidates is - to present, to sell appropriately - it’s a fine line.

Technical

Usually applicants walking in are above average technically, but we can only ask so many intelligent technical questions, so online tests are a great tool to help us rate candidates. Check references too, if you hear “I’m sorry who?” you know its no good. Oh and don’t fall for the smooth talkers who say they guarantee their work for the first week - like one week is ever enough, nice try!

Communication

We’ve all met “Yes” folks - they dress in a suit and tie but try to “Yeah yeah I’ve don’t that” their way into the interview. And then there are some who believe phone interviews are easier than face-face; not the case - unless you make all the right moves to get called back for seconds!

In summary, sales and recruiting can use ratings to qualify candidates against open jobs. At the end of the day though, it’s important to prep both - the candidate (on what the client is looking for) - and the client (on what the candidate is all about). The result = No surprises!

My new slogan: It’s all about Managing Expectations.

 

 

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