It seems the recruiting scene is bubbling in New York. Recently, I hear much more of people offering jobs than looking for them.Technical co-founders are particularly in demand. A recruiter friend said they don't even attempt technical co-founder hires. It's not just about screening for skill sets and relevant experiences. Co-founders can be like spouses - with personalities, emotions and motivations all being major factors. It can get very complicated. You have to be a million dollar matchmaker to pull this off - it's just not worth it.
It's certainly not new. The last couple years top medical schools have started looking beyond just grades and scores and placing a huge on interpersonal and communication skills. As part of this, applicants must participate in a 'speed dating' process, rotating through a serious of 10 minute interviews. The financial services industry did their own invite-only 'Minute to Spin It' recruiting event. This type of event puts applicants in a social setting. It also showcases how companies are open to new and creative ideas.
There seem to be some good advantges to this format. If you thought of recruiting more like dating, what would you do differently? Flowers on the first date? Would you tell them about your crazy parents, or wait till the second or third date? Would you be more attuned to personality fit than you are now? Is it something you are willing to try?
What would you recommend for the applicant. It's hard to tell who we should go about approaching for a job opening, or in this case ask out. Should it be as simple as an email? I don't normally respond to dates via email though.
ReplyDeleteHey Epiphany. Is two years too long to get back to your response here? :-) I apologize for never catching your comment here. You have a great question.
ReplyDeleteI think it's important to do your research. Just like how (I've heard) the digital dating scene works, you often know plenty about them before even meeting. You should have a good idea of the company, the space and players. Is this a company you want to be involved with? If so, I would say it's not even essential there is a job opening. Get in touch and demonstrate your interest.
I agree that cold/unsolicited emails with *asks* in them don't go far, but you can tell if someone is interested (in your company) and when that is the case, usually people are open to meeting and talking more. That's your in.