Headhunter Diaries - Prologue.
I’ve noticed that there hasn’t been a lot of information online about the life/job of an IT Recruiter. If there is any info out there I’d like to find it! I know there are some recruiting websites, a few forums, etc. but no blogs and insights into the industry. Maybe it’s because it’s a closely guarded industry or maybe because no one has talked about it before. Hopefully I can help change some of that. Or at the very least provide some cool insight into the industry.
I’m in the process of joining a company as a brand new IT Recruiter and I’m planning on blogging about it and post some insights into this career. Obviously I won’t be saying anything that is confidential, but I will try to post some general insights for those looking to break into the industry as well as for those candidates looking for a good company to place them. From what I do know (based on interviews, research, and talking to people in the industry) is that it can be quite lucrative. The job market for IT is pretty hot right now in the US and there are a lot of opportunities for good programmers, networking people. SAP specialists, etc. Hopefully as I break into the industry I’ll be able to learn a ton and make an impact!
So stick around as I try to enlighten you on my endeavors as a brand new IT Recruiter (aka Headhunter). I’m excited about it and can’t wait to begin!
Let me just talk a little about how I’ve gotten interested into this industry. I have an IT background, mostly in web development/management, networking, etc. I also have a good number of years working with a startup and handling operations management. Between the two of those careers I’ve been able to learn a ton about networking, sales, support, accounting, etc.
IT Recruiting has something that has interested me for a bit now. Back in 2002 I was laid off from an IT job and used some recruiting companies to do some contract and temp work. On the candidate end it seemed pretty easy. I called them and they hooked me up with some work (simplified version). I’ve also talked to a number of IT Recruiters that didn’t seem to be too sharp on the IT industry. In other words, I could snow them over with terminology and industry jargon. So I got thinking that if they can do this job then I can do this job. Especially with a decent IT background and industry experience.
So after my latest venture ended I decided to pursue this career option and through some contacts I was able to get in and interview with a local company that has a growing IT recruiting division. It’s been a pretty exciting process. I’ve gotten to meat a variety of employees and pick their brains and see how they’ve been enjoying it and getting some good advice. Mostly it was just some good affirmation that this is something I want to pursue. Something I’m ready to jump right in and succeed! I should know by the end of the week whether or not I have the job (waiting for the official offer).
Next post: Company name and all that stuff!
