NETWORK WORLD NEWSLETTER: AMY SCHURR ON IT LEADERSHIP 09/23/04 Today's focus: Mailbag: Five tips for hiring
Dear [EMAIL PROTECTED], In this issue: * Readers take exception to recruiter's hiring advice * Links related to IT Leadership * Featured reader resource _______________________________________________________________ This newsletter is sponsored by Alterpoint Read the latest analyst report on Network Change and Configuration Management (NCCM) written by EMA's Dennis Drogseth. This report discusses the latest developments in the NCCM market, including an in-depth look at DeviceAuthority Suite, a comprehensive solution for configuring, changing, and controlling today's complex, multi-vendor IT network infrastructures. 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By no means were the five quick tips outlined meant to be an exhaustive guide to hiring, but only a starting point for improving accuracy when selecting candidates. (See http://www.nwfusion.com/newsletters/itlead/2004/0823itlead1.html Two readers took exception to some of Hall's advice. I thought it would be useful to share their points and give him an opportunity to respond, so what follows is a portion of that feedback. Martin Fregeau, a telecom analyst for Domtar, believes Hall is off the mark. "Let's face it, good IT people are the kind of individuals that relate more to machine than man," Fregeau says. "I can see him missing a lot of good talented people because they don't express their social skills as much as others." Fregeau says that while he may lack in social skills, that shouldn't make him a bad prospect, especially because the qualities Hall outlines seem better suited for a manager rather than a techie in the trenches. "I haven't had one of my former bosses tell me hiring me was not a definite plus for them because I do good work, I'm quick to think on my feet and am knowledgeable," Fregeau writes. Hall responds, "I love this reader's comments! Though they speak of their own inadequacy in areas of communication and enthusiasm, they have actually demonstrated a key ingredient to being a great employee. They just gave a passionate argument to how simply looking at the exterior qualities of a person can be completely wrong." He goes on to say that the right person for the job must possess talents that match the job objectives, and that the ability to fix what's broken may be the most important aspect required from a technical person. "But, make no mistake about the fact that in order to advance in today's tight marketplace in IT they will need to possess the "soft" skills which are being demanded." Diane Scott, vice president of SunTrust Mortgage's Mortgage Technology Division, recognizes that compatibility is an important aspect of the hiring decision. However, she's concerned that this may send the wrong message to new managers or those who aren't experienced in the appreciation of diversity in terms of communication styles, critical thinking methods, etc. "The statement that jumps out at me in that respect is: '...someone you can relate to....' Far too often I feel that managers (especially technical managers) recruit and retain people just like themselves. One of the downsides of that is the fact that the clients may not be able to relate to that particular style," Scott says. In response, Hall says he stands by the statement he made that hiring someone who moves you is one of many gages to utilize when hiring. "Especially those whose core values complement that of your company, internal team, and even your own. If the values are at opposite ends of the spectrum then watch out. That could be a dangerous hire." _______________________________________________________________ To contact: Amy Schurr Amy Schurr is an editor for Network World's Management Strategies and Features sections. If you have any career topics you'd like her to cover or want to comment on this newsletter, you can reach her at <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>. _______________________________________________________________ This newsletter is sponsored by Nokia NW Special Report: Preparing an Infrastructure for Mobile Applications. Mobility, properly done, increases productivity and decreases operating costs. So get up to date information about building a mobile infrastructure, dealing with security issues, the latest networking options, connectivity alternatives and operational support enhancements. http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=81432 _______________________________________________________________ ARCHIVE LINKS Archive of the IT Leadership newsletter: http://www.nwfusion.com/newsletters/itlead/index.html _______________________________________________________________ FEATURED READER RESOURCE GETTING AHEAD OF SARBANES-OXLEY The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, which was passed in the wake of accounting scandals at firms such as Enron and WorldCom, is one of the greatest challenges to companies' corporate reporting and compliance efforts. Find out how Thermo Electron's Michael Kamens is meeting the requirement for having a properly audited system of internal controls and processes is in place by November. 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