tech recruiter for a phd?
May 28, 2013 7:49 AM
I'm lacking direction in my job hunt. Can you recommend a specific tech recruiter?
I know it's supposedly a bad idea to work with a recruiter for all sorts of reasons, but, like I said, I'm lacking direction. I have a non-CS PhD and none of the hot programming languages on my resume. But I've got a computer engineering background, some impressive C++ in my github account, and past industry software experience. And I've been coding my entire PhD (mostly in Matlab ). If an employer had some patience, I could easily become productive in a machine learning or data scientist role, but I'm not sure of an efficient way to demonstrate or communicate this to employers.
Have you had excellent or acceptable experiences with a specific tech recruiter?
I know it's supposedly a bad idea to work with a recruiter for all sorts of reasons, but, like I said, I'm lacking direction. I have a non-CS PhD and none of the hot programming languages on my resume. But I've got a computer engineering background, some impressive C++ in my github account, and past industry software experience. And I've been coding my entire PhD (mostly in Matlab ). If an employer had some patience, I could easily become productive in a machine learning or data scientist role, but I'm not sure of an efficient way to demonstrate or communicate this to employers.
Have you had excellent or acceptable experiences with a specific tech recruiter?
(Totally willing re NYC and Chicago. My goal is NYC, actually. Potentially interested in finance depending on sub-area.)
posted by zeek321 at 8:07 AM on May 28, 2013
posted by zeek321 at 8:07 AM on May 28, 2013
I was a recruiter in Philadelphia and then San Fran in the earlier part of my career.
The point was to try to match people and their passion to the right gig, not fill a slot with a drone. So, a good recruiter will help.
the person I still trust in the field is Bonnie Halper, she owns this agency.
She's based in NYC, but recruits for LA, SF and Seattle/Portland as well.
Based on the small amount of info you have provided, if I was you, I'd look at Job Postings at companies you think are interesting and craft a few resume versions specific to a posting.
Google, Apple, Microsoft still hire people with interesting mixes of skills.
Don't rule out Academia, there are decent jobs but the process is SLOW.
finally, don't scoff... but consider seeing a job coach. They help you dial in what you want and help get your resume in the best shape for what you want.
The best one I have ever met works in Berkeley, CA... Peggy Klaus.
posted by bobdow at 8:15 AM on May 28, 2013
The point was to try to match people and their passion to the right gig, not fill a slot with a drone. So, a good recruiter will help.
the person I still trust in the field is Bonnie Halper, she owns this agency.
She's based in NYC, but recruits for LA, SF and Seattle/Portland as well.
Based on the small amount of info you have provided, if I was you, I'd look at Job Postings at companies you think are interesting and craft a few resume versions specific to a posting.
Google, Apple, Microsoft still hire people with interesting mixes of skills.
Don't rule out Academia, there are decent jobs but the process is SLOW.
finally, don't scoff... but consider seeing a job coach. They help you dial in what you want and help get your resume in the best shape for what you want.
The best one I have ever met works in Berkeley, CA... Peggy Klaus.
posted by bobdow at 8:15 AM on May 28, 2013
Tech recruiters can be good if they understand the market. One thing that you may want to consider is that a lot of recruiters are not willing to consider you if your skills don't exactly match what is in the job description provided.
Since you obviously have programming experience but not in the hot languages among startups you may have trouble getting the attention of a recruiter.
But.
There are tons of tech/startup networking events in NYC that you can go to to network.
For finance I think your C++ experience, and perhaps Matlab, as well, would be an obvious benefit.
posted by dfriedman at 11:18 AM on May 28, 2013
Since you obviously have programming experience but not in the hot languages among startups you may have trouble getting the attention of a recruiter.
But.
There are tons of tech/startup networking events in NYC that you can go to to network.
For finance I think your C++ experience, and perhaps Matlab, as well, would be an obvious benefit.
posted by dfriedman at 11:18 AM on May 28, 2013
Also, since you mention data science: one of the more prominent venture capitalists in this area, Roger Ehrenberg, works in NYC. His firm's companies are always looking for new talent. Perhaps Google him and introduce yourself. You may be surprised at the positive reception you receive.
posted by dfriedman at 11:21 AM on May 28, 2013
posted by dfriedman at 11:21 AM on May 28, 2013
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posted by phunniemee at 7:54 AM on May 28, 2013