Ethical Recruitment

As a software developer, I’m appealing to recruiters and engineers in tech. I’ve seen my fair share of rudeness on LinkedIn from software developers of late. Likewise, I’ve been caught in the crossfire of questionable recruitment practices. Let’s explore both sides together.

Annoying InMails

Marketing is the way businesses reach people. This comes in many forms, but everyone is trying to make a living. Yes, recruiters contact people online to try and provide a service to seekers. Remember that they have mouths to feed next time you’re annoyed by an incoming hard sell.

Just Plain Rude

Devs often think they are God’s gift to the Earth. The tech scene is booming and the high school popularity contest doesn’t apply to the real world. The nerds are queens and kings now. Those high school upbeat underdog movies are self-fulfilling, or are they? The new jocks are the developers, giving nasty replies to bulk messages and not replying to direct messages. Most developers don’t do this, but I argue that human dignity is paramount and being the better person is a treasure.

Early Start Date

Incoming companies love to flog the outgoing ones here. It’s convenient to ask a placement to start early, but it does hurt the outgoing party the most. I appeal to engineers not to bend to your new boss too much. Yes you should respect them, but have a spine. How would you want to be treated? Understand the situation of the company you’re leaving.

Contracts

Have you ever been rushed to just sign a contract at the prospective company? Don’t do this! Consult a family attorney or pay one to check it. I’ve saved a lot of money and tears this way. Thank you Dad for your 40 years of contract experience. Take special caution with overtime clauses, intellectual property, business interests, probation.

The Chat

I hope you have a good relationship with your current boss. I recommend having ‘the chat’ before resigning. If you’re not definitely leaving, give her/him a chance to compete for you and be respectful (aren’t you lucky). Time is a luxury currency for a technical manager. Bad bosses can use this against you, but there will come a point in your career when you probably don’t care about being taken for a ride any more.

Final Thoughts

I hope this exploration brings some perspective. I’ve made mistakes in all of these discussed areas so far. Years later, I’ve tried to right my mistakes, which has also cost me. In the end, there is better sleep at night these days. I implore you to be a contributor to positive systemic change.