You are sitting at your desk and the phone rings…

“Hi, it’s Kyle from Anchor Point”

“Hi Kyle, I can’t talk right now, I am at work”

That’s ok, just wanted to let you know about an opportunity that your skills and background would be a good fit…will you have some time to chat later?”

“Nope, I am not looking for another job”   (click)

What just happened?  Well, you just let a golden opportunity pass you by.  The opportunity Kyle called about, was it perfect?  Maybe and maybe not, but what was perfect was a chance to talk to someone with great insight and knowledge on what is going on in Indianapolis when it comes to IT companies.  Why is that important?  It is important because you have a job.  You work in the local IT community, you are employed.  You have survived some tough times and have made it through budget cuts and layoffs and (shudder) rightsizing.  You made it through because you are good at what you do, and make others look good.  It is important because you could fill that job, or know someone who could.  Maybe you know someone who doesn’t have a job, and would be perfect.  Maybe your friend at the company down the street is looking (or should be)?  How would Kyle know that if you don’t find out what he is calling about?  How can you tell Kyle about your buddy who would be great at that job?  What happened was a missed opportunity…for everyone.

Yes, I know you like your job.  Yes, I know you don’t like being called at work.  So tell me when a good time is to talk I will call you back.  Let me call you back and learn more about you…your skills, your experience, what you like about your job, what you don’t.   Tell me what would be the perfect job, life balance, compensation.  Tell me who you know, and what is important to you.  

Tell me what you see going on in Indianapolis.  Ask me what I see going on.  Are most companies in Indianapolis going away from Application Development Project Managers and hiring Scrum Masters?  Are there Coldfusion shops in Indy.  Does anyone still use an AS/400?  Do I see more contract opportunities or direct hire opportunities.  Use the opportunity to learn more, and to help us learn more.  This is a small little network, this Indianapolis IT community.   Use the opportunity to learn and educate.  You may find out something that makes your job easier, or another job may make your life easier.

I understand you don’t want a new job today.  Give Kyle 10 minutes anyway.  He may have the perfect job for you, or at least some good insight.  You may eventually say no…just don’t say no first.

We get asked by job seekers all the time…why do companies do contract to direct hire instead of hiring directly?  I have heard many different “spins” as far as an answer to this question.  Here is the truth:

Companies do contract to hire as a benefit to both themselves, and the candidate they are hiring.  Companies spend lots of resources when hiring a new employee (much as candidates spend lots of resources finding an new opportunity).  In most cases, the hiring process moves fairly quickly.  Companies have needs, and perspective employees want to move to a new job, or secure a job.  The vetting process, while trying to be thorough, usually moves too fast for both the company and the candidate to get a true sense of what both have to offer.  The company is trying to get the best candidate possible, and will present the opportunity in the best light.  The candidate is trying to get the best opportunity, and present themselves in the most positive way possible.  Within the interview process, it is hard for both parties to get a true sense of one another.  Contract to hire gives both the company and the candidate a window, after starting the job, to get comfortable with all that each party has to offer.  For the company, it is an opportunity to see the candidate in action, and understand how they work and fit in to the organization.  For the candidate, it is a period that they can start the job, and make sure they are comfortable with all that the organization stands for, and is trying to accomplish.

The real benefit for each party is this:  For the company, if the candidate is not the right fit, they can make that decision within the contract time frame, and move on.  For the candidate, if the job isn’t what they expected or wanted, they can make that decision within the contract period, and put on their resume that it was a contract position (as opposed to trying to explain in the next interview why they left a “permanent” position in such a short time frame.   It really is a benefit to both parties, as everyone is looking for the best they can get…the best candidate, and the best opportunity.  The best benefit for the candidate?  If they do a great job in the contract period, they have some ammunition to get a better permanent offer.

So the next time you are presented with a contract to direct hire opportunity, take a good look.  It really is in your best interest.

Happy Thanksgiving, and welcome to the Holiday Season.   Many people say that this time of year is the worst time to make a career change.   Don’t believe it.  This is a great time to look for that next opportunity.   You have a built in excuse to contact friends, acquaintances, recruiters, hiring managers and people in your network.  Wish them all a Happy Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas, a prosperous New Year, or a Season’s Greetings.  Send out an email, or better yet, a card with an update on your search. 

Companies this time of year are trying to use up budget, or are ramping up for a position that starts in January.   Don’t waste the opportunity to get in front of people who can help you search.  Recruiters at Anchor Point would love to hear from you.  Give us an update, send a new resume, or just call to say hi.  You never know when that right email, card or call will generate the offer of a lifetime, so don’t miss out this holiday season.

Integrity is a word that is thrown around a lot these days, but unfortunately many businesses and individuals do not give it enough real thought.

Here at Anchor Point, it is thought about on a daily basis, and we strive to uphold its true meaning. We believe that it quite simply means: Living true to your word, and most importantly, doing what is right.

Far too often in this business, do I hear of people leaving an engagement early (or without 2 weeks’ notice), canceling on an interview with an hours notice, or simply not showing up their first day. But this is a two-way street, I have spoken with many contractors, who have been led on by other vendors, not given any feedback at all, or blinding submitted around town. All of which baffles me, because this is no way to behave in any walk of life.

At Anchor Point, we uphold on integrity on all sides of the operation. Whether it is from the client side or candidate side, you can count on us to deliver what we say we will, provide timely feedback, and be true to our word.

Do what you say you will do, and do what is right.

We feel that this simple mantra is yet another factor that sets us apart from the herd. Let’s face it, there are numerous organizations that try to succeed in this very same arena, but few can come close to matching the value that we provide.

So give us a ring, and see what we can do for you.




 

“While it is important to grow a business, a consistent vision should never be sacrificed chasing an unsustainable growth strategy.”

                - 'Jim Collins,' New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Business Week bestselling author

In late January of 2011, I remember in detail the meticulous interview process that I endured for my current position as a Technical Recruiter for Anchor Point Technology Resources. During my interview with Jeff Kennedy, Director at APTR, our conversation went in many directions that ranged from the company work environment, to the hard work and dedication that the Technical Recruiter position entails. Having done much research on other Technical Recruiting positions at many of the larger IT Consulting companies in the area, I was not completely sold on the opportunity until Jeff discussed with me the Anchor Point business model that has continued to place them high above the competition in the Indianapolis market.

Jeff explained to me that the reason APTR's continuous success since it was established in 2004, was because we have maintained a consistent (but simple) vision of locating and creating strong relationships with the area’s top IT talent. Being able to continuously produce these superior resources has proven to consistently satisfy the long term needs of our growing client base.

More simply put, APTR focuses on “Quality over Quantity.”

By creating these lasting relationships with our clients, consultants and candidates that we’re in touch with on a daily basis, we are able to gather the vital information needed to provide our clients with top-tier talent; and our candidates with top-tier employment opportunities.

The relationships that we form with our clients and consultants at Anchor Point are built on the vision that we will be working with you throughout your entire career. This consistent vision and deep understanding of client/consultant wants and needs is what has allowed APTR to over QUADRUPLE its consultant base throughout Indianapolis and the Midwest in the past year.

Anchor Point has set a company goal of continuous growth and success, and maintaining this consistent vision of producing Quality resources is what has allowed us to evolve from a small boutique consulting firm to one of the most talked about IT Consulting firms in the Circle City.

My 8 year old son was struggling in school the other day, and his teacher ask him why he was having trouble concentrating.  He said "my little sister has been sick with the stomach flu all week and up all night and I have not been able to sleep".  His teacher sent my wife and I an email asking if everything was ok with his little sister (she also copied the Assistant Principal).  Trouble is, he doesn't have a little sister and no one has been sick in our house.  Exasperating for a Parent (Grandma and Grandpa thought it was funny), but a good learning tool for us to use on him...and for a job seeker writing a resume, or filling out a job application.

The moral of the story?   DON'T LIE!!

Good advice...especially while you are looking for a new opportunity, or trying to further your career.  Many companies use background checks through professional organizations, or at the least, check out LinkedIn and Facebook to learn more about you...so don't lie.  If you have hiccups on your resume, or your career path, or your credit...don't be ashamed to let your recruiter know up front.  It may not be important if it is flushed out up front.  The later issues come out in the interview process, the harder it is to explain, and more importantly, the harder it is to get the offer.

So, don't have a college degree?  Don't say that you do...it may not matter, but if it does, don't lie.  Maybe the company has a program that will help you finish your studies.  Position it that way ("I don't have a degree, but was hoping to finish it soon"). Fired from previous job?  It happens.  Be up front, and own it without blaming others.  That goes a long way with interviewers. Been convicted of a crime?  Own it and explain it and let them know you have paid for that mistake, and move on. Anything you think will be an issue...let your recruiter know.  They can help put it in the right light and let you move into your next position.

Remember, Mother knows best, DON'T LIE.

 

Welcome to the Anchor Point Blog!

The Anchor Point Blog is a weekly collection of information to help the IT community become more connected.  Here you will find technology trends, career advice, and information to help you do your job better, or your company become more successful.  So, stop by often and please comment on what you find…the better job we do, the better the community becomes.

We start this week’s blog with some networking basics.   Who you are on the internet is sometimes who you are to the IT community (prospective employers, prospective employees, clients, customers, contractors).  Creating and maintaining your web presence, not just your company’s…but your own, is a continual process.  Have you met a person at a user group that you have never met before?  Chances are you checked LinkedIn to get more information about them.  Looking at resumes?  LinkedIn, Facebook, current company’s website were probably used to learn more.  More so, those people are doing the same with you. 

So, update your LinkedIn profile (both company and personal), and keep your Facebook account somewhat professional.  Double check company website often, looking for mistakes, and potential ways to use it to make your company more relevant.  Do you blog?  Keep your professional and personal blogs separate (don’t advertise you are a clown for hire on the weekend on your professional profile site). Use social media to increase your reputation as a professional.  The more people learn about you on-line, the better opportunity you have to sell yourself to prospective employers, employees, contractors and customers.

Career Advice

When looking for a new opportunity, connect with us (ok, if not us, a reputable consulting firm, or us).  We have our fingers on the pulse of the local IT community…we know the jobs, the hiring managers and the opportunities.  We can point you in the right direction, give you resume help, interview tips, negotiating advice, and improve your visibility.  Finding the right job for your skills and what you want in a career is a moving target.  We will be happy to help you find your anchor point.

The Anchor Point Team (Pictured / Minus a couple) successfully weathered the storms and pulled off an amazing Tailgate Party!  Despite the outcome of the game and extremely wet day, a great time was had by all!  Our Anchor Point Recruiters and Account Managers greeted our happy tailgate guests and showed them how to have fun!  We also want to thank Dewpoint and Hitachi for joining us for the evening.

Date/Time: Thursday 09/15/2011, 5:30 PM.
PDUs:1.5
Location: The Mansion at Oak Hill in Carmel
On-Line Registration: Ends on Monday, 09/12.
Cost On-Line: Members $20 / Non-Members $25/
Volunteers $10/ Executive Board Members
Cost on Site: $25
Cancellations: $3.00 (accepted through 09/12)

GENERAL SURVEY

We will be conducting a general survey at each Program meeting. Your responses are very important to us and are evaluated to ensure that you continue to receive a very beneficial membership experience.  Please complete the survey card and place it in the container marked Surveys on the table in the back, thank you.

GENERAL NOTICE

Notice: Photographer on Premises: A photographer may be on site to document the PMI Central Indiana Chapter program activities. Photographs are the sole property of PMI Central Indiana Chapter. By registering for and attending these events, attendees understand that PMI Central Indiana may use the likenesses for future promotional purposes. If you do not wish to be photographed, please notify the photographer and/or videographer on site.

Colts vs Steelers
September 25th
Please contact Jeff Kennedy at jeff.kennedy@anchorpointtr.com to register today.