How do you recruit?
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@Katie said:
@Carnival-Boy Make sure you have a clearly written job description that clearly delineates the skill set you are looking for. I remember when I was first getting started in IT that job postings for entry level positions weren't always as entry level as the listing described.
That's because (in my case) right now it's only me. I'm not 100% sure you can give a completely accurate description. It's a weird world branching out from a job that I created for myself to a business that others can contribute to.
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@Katie said:
@Carnival-Boy Make sure you have a clearly written job description that clearly delineates the skill set you are looking for. I remember when I was first getting started in IT that job postings for entry level positions weren't always as entry level as the listing described.
That's the tricky thing. I'm looking for someone who is comfortable developing lots of different skill sets (a jack of all trades, master of none, if you like). That's the beauty of working for an SMB, but isn't too everyone's taste. The job ad is very long, but I'm hoping it gives candidates a taste of what's involved. I'd be grateful to know what you think. I'm not sure of what the job title should be - IT Systems Administrator maybe?
The role:
You will be involved in all functions of the IT department. This includes day to day administration and troubleshooting, user support and training, software and hardware installation, and systems development. Systems include ESXi, Windows Server, Exchange, Sharepoint, ERP, MS Office, CRM, HP hardware, PBX, iOS, SQL Server, and VPN. You will help to maintain and support around 70 users and 10 servers, including a number of remote workers. This is a very varied role with lots of scope to develop new skill sets.
Your profile:
• Experience of, or a keen interest in the technologies listed above.
• A degree and at least one year’s experience, or the equivalent work experience
• A self-starter who requires little supervision.
• An ability to work well in cross-functional teams.
• An interest in manufacturing, particularly Lean Manufacturing.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Good programming and scripting skills.Typical duties and responsibilities:
• Automate administrative tasks on remote Windows systems with Powershell.
• Configure, manage and maintain users and computers in Active Directory.
• Configure, manage, maintain and test system backups, including writing scripts to automate tasks.
• Create, modify and maintain ERP system user and management reports.
• Provide telephone, remote and on-site support to users for all the company’s primary business systems, including Office, Windows 7, ERP, printers, office phones and mobiles.
• Help support CAD users and liaise with external providers of technical support to resolve issues.
• Install, configure and upgrade new hardware, including Windows PCs, printers and office phones.
• Configure, manage and maintain Apple mobile devices (tablets and phones) using Meraki MDM.
• Provide general maintenance on PC and server OS, including log analysis, temporary file deletion, defragging and general servicing to ensure OS is running optimally.
• Configure, manage and maintain wired and wireless LAN.
• Liaise with Vodafone and BT on all aspects of the company’s telecoms infrastructure and work with external support agents to resolve issues.
• Work with departmental managers and power users to develop and maintain Sharepoint team sites.
• Configure, manage and maintain IT security, including liaising with external security providers.
• Test and document backups and disaster recovery policies.
• Monitor system health of servers and workstations using various software management tools including vShpere Client, LogMeIn, Spiceworks and Veeam One.
• Upgrade and patch software using various software management tools such PDQ, WSUS and LogMeIn.
• Configure, manage and maintain the company VPN and support remote workers.
• Configure, manage and maintain the company’s cloud-based applications, including Livedrive, Google Apps, Office365, Meraki and GFI.
• Suggest and trial other potential low cost cloud-based applications that would add value.
• Provide remote support to the company’s satellite Manchester office.
• Perform occasional weekend and evening work to upgrade, maintain and service company servers and systems.
• Work with the Marketing Department to develop and co-ordinate website and social media strategies and other IT based marketing campaigns.
• Provide one on one and group training to end users on various systems, including running webinars for remote staff. -
@Katie said:
@Carnival-Boy Make sure you have a clearly written job description that clearly delineates the skill set you are looking for. I remember when I was first getting started in IT that job postings for entry level positions weren't always as entry level as the listing described.
Depends if you want someone who can hit the ground running today or if you care more about how someone will mesh with the team and grow over time.
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@Hubtech said:
@Katie said:
@Carnival-Boy Make sure you have a clearly written job description that clearly delineates the skill set you are looking for. I remember when I was first getting started in IT that job postings for entry level positions weren't always as entry level as the listing described.
That's because (in my case) right now it's only me. I'm not 100% sure you can give a completely accurate description. It's a weird world branching out from a job that I created for myself to a business that others can contribute to.
NTG is always in that boat too. What we need today is unlikely what we need tomorrow. Descriptions would be misleading or counterproductive in many cases.
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@scottalanmiller said:
@Hubtech said:
That's because (in my case) right now it's only me. I'm not 100% sure you can give a completely accurate description. It's a weird world branching out from a job that I created for myself to a business that others can contribute to.
NTG is always in that boat too. What we need today is unlikely what we need tomorrow. Descriptions would be misleading or counterproductive in many cases.
Nothing more frustrating than responding to a job post and upon further query, the actual job is nothing at all like what the posting said. Waste of time and energy if it's a mis-match.
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@Katie said:
@scottalanmiller said:
@Hubtech said:
That's because (in my case) right now it's only me. I'm not 100% sure you can give a completely accurate description. It's a weird world branching out from a job that I created for myself to a business that others can contribute to.
NTG is always in that boat too. What we need today is unlikely what we need tomorrow. Descriptions would be misleading or counterproductive in many cases.
Nothing more frustrating than responding to a job post and upon further query, the actual job is nothing at all like what the posting said. Waste of time and energy if it's a mis-match.
That's how nearly all detailed job descriptions end up being. The more detail, the more likely it is incorrect.
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@scottalanmiller said:
@Katie said:
@scottalanmiller said:
@Hubtech said:
That's because (in my case) right now it's only me. I'm not 100% sure you can give a completely accurate description. It's a weird world branching out from a job that I created for myself to a business that others can contribute to.
NTG is always in that boat too. What we need today is unlikely what we need tomorrow. Descriptions would be misleading or counterproductive in many cases.
Nothing more frustrating than responding to a job post and upon further query, the actual job is nothing at all like what the posting said. Waste of time and energy if it's a mis-match.
That's how nearly all detailed job descriptions end up being. The more detail, the more likely it is incorrect.
So by that logic, be as vague and non-descriptive as possible!!!
Watch as the resumes come flying in! 
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i dont like resumes. i want to hire folks I know. maybe this is why i'm still solo. i dont want to work with anyone i know ha.
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@Hubtech said:
i dont like resumes. i want to hire folks I know. maybe this is why i'm still solo. i dont want to work with anyone i know ha.
That's why we use communities to find people.
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rtment. This includes day to day administration and troubleshooting, user support and training, software and hardware installation, and systems development. Systems include ESXi, Windows Server, Exchange, Sharepoint, ERP, MS Office, CRM, HP hardware, PBX, iOS, SQL Server, and VPN. You will help to maintain and support around 70 users and 10 servers, including a number of remote workers. This is a very varied role with lots of scope to develop new skill sets.
That's how I was approached. As for that job description, I would shorten it up, and leave the skills to the discussion for anyone that may be willing and decide from there.
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Yeah, it is a bit long. Part of my thinking was that it's a test to see how much research the candidate is prepared to do before the interview. For example, I wouldn't expect them to know what Meraki MDM is before the interview, but would discount them if they had done so little preparation and research that they couldn't tell me what it is during the interview.
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How Junior of a position are you looking for? You can often find entry-level talent at the local community college's job office.
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Ideally, degree plus one year's experience or the equivalent without a degree.
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Do you advertise the salary level when you place job adverts?
Pros:
- gives a good indication of the level of candidate you require
- stops over-qualified wasting their time applying
Cons: - salaries are always flexible for the right candidate, and you might put the perfect candidate off applying because they incorrectly believe you can't afford them
- you might be unrealistic about current salary levels in your industry
How do you handle this?
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I put salary negotiable dependent on experience. Makes it vague enough to sound like I am willing to really pay the right person
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If anyone looking for someone in the baltimore - washington area
I'm your boy.If anyone is looking to relocate someone to Texas or North Carolina
I'm your boy. -
I think that he is looking for the UK
Which I would much prefer.
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Yes, UK. And we couldn't afford any relocation fees. I guess it would be tricky to get a work visa anyway, our current political leaders are all very anti-immigration at the moment, sadly.
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Moving between the US, Canada and UK is always tricky.
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So, I'm about to replace another job advert on Monster.com. This time I'm going to go minimalist! I'm just going to list the job role. I'm not going to put any restrictions on the amount of experience or skills that the potential applicant requires. If they think they can do the role and are happy with the salary, they're free to apply.
Looking at other companies adverts there is so much bullshit. A lot of this is marketing guff that I guess is used to entice the candidate into applying. I'm not marketeer, does this stuff work? Will my minimalist ad be too boring and put people off?
Here are some exerts from ads I've browsed this morning:
- "This is a varied and challenging role that requires good time management, an eye for detail together with the ability to assess information and provide first time solutions to queries in a timely fashion. You will be able to prioritise your workloads and work on your own initiative."
To me, this translates as - "This is an IT role. We want someone who is quite good at IT". It's bullshit.
- Strong problem solving skills and the ability to think through problems logically.*Able to forge relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Able to work to deadlines & manage projects outside of day-to-day work in a proactive manner*
Able to work to deadlines? Who would want someone that doesn't work to deadlines? Do you ever see "An ability to meet deadlines is preferred but not essential as we're ok with candidates who are a bit slow"?
- **The company has offices in Australia and the UK. They live and breathe by their core values of “caring about our customers”, “doing things right”, “down to earth”, and “having some fun”*.
Core value of having some fun? It's bullshit.
- Pushing back the frontiers of business, enabling deals, sparking big ideas, connecting great people – we do all that and more. Changing the game takes some very special people. We might be all about business, but our people check their corporate masks in at reception. They’re super sharp and always switched on. Flexible, friendly, and up for any challenge.. So if you join us as a Technical Support Analyst, get ready for something new.
Check their corporate masks in at reception? What does this even mean?
- Innovative and challenging, brilliant at customer service and great at identifying and resolving problems, you thrive in a high-pressure environment.
In my experience, "high-pressure environment" means "in order to save money, we don't employ enough staff so you'll be rushed off your feet and stressed". Who thrives in that environment? It's bullshit.
- "This is an excellent opportunity to join an advanced technical team in a thriving company who can offer excellent career prospects, with all staff encouraged to pursue further professional accreditations to assist in personal development. The position will be highly rewarding for the right candidate with a varied and challenging role*
This is both boring and meaningless.
So, should job adverts "sell" your company? Or would you be ok with minimilist job adverts (this is the job spec - apply if you're interested).
