FROM FIONA: Your reply cordially requested

[pegkerr]

Tomorrow, as part of Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work, Fiona is going to be visiting Rob's store and spending the day with him, learning about his job. The last two years, she has spent this day with me at my office, learning about my job.

I'd like her to give her the chance to learn about a lot of jobs. Specifically, your job.

Won't you tell Fiona about your job, so she can get an idea of the vast possibilities in the World of Work out there?

If you can, please leave Fiona a comment by tomorrow night, telling her about your career. Something like:

What your job title is, and what that means

A description of a typical day

What you need in the way of training/education/experience to do this job

Why you like it and (if you dare)

Why you dislike it

What sorts of things can go wrong at your job?

What kind of person thrives in your job

Anything else you can think of that would give her an idea of what it might be like to choose your career?

I'd like her to get as many replies as possible. Thanks ever so much!

Cheers,
Peg (and Fiona)

Comments

[debellatrix.livejournal.com]

What your job title is, and what that means
My current job title is Senior Technical Recruiter.
I find the right people for the open jobs in our company. We are a consulting firm that specializes in PeopleSoft, which is a type of software package that automates many of the things companies used to do by hand, like payroll.

A description of a typical day
I search the web a lot for resumes of people looking for jobs (candidates) and see if they fit our job descriptions. I also create job descriptions and post them. If a candidate is interested, I discuss their experience and background, as well as things like their salary, they're willingness to travel, and when they could start. If after that, I still think they are a good fit, I'll set up an interview with a Project Manager. If the Project Manager likes them we may do additional interviews or, I'll make them an offer. I can be working on as many as a dozen openings simultaneously. I also help our managers decide how many people we should be hiring for a project.

What you need in the way of training/education/experience to do this job
I used to be a software developer, but it isn't necessary. I know some totally non- technical people who are great recruiters, because they understand what software development is without ever having done it. I think the most important skill to have, is the ability to listen well.

Why you like it and (if you dare)
I love that I get to talk to different people all the time and get them excited about a new job opportunity. I also get to work from home, which is very nice, because I get to work in my pajamas. And, in all honesty, because I'm well compensated.

Why you dislike it
Some days you just don't feel like talking to anybody, or you have to tell someone that they aren't going to get an offer. Some times I'd rather not work from home, because I'd like to actually be around people, and NOT be in my pajamas. Sometimes there is so much to do my head spins.

What sorts of things can go wrong at your job?
A candidate can change their mind and turn down our offer, and then I have to start all over again, which can be a big issue if we have a project with a tight deadline. Sometimes even though a candidate has been interviewed several times and has passed the tests we give them, they turn out to not be a good developer, and we have to fire them.

What kind of person thrives in your job?
Outgoing and persistent