Not to humblebrag, but Google recruiters like to email me about vague exciting projects that they don't describe, and of course I just don't reply to them, and this seems to make them really mad to the point they called me at work to complain about it.
Ask HN: What things that tech recruiters do, annoy you the most as an engineer?
31–40 of 210 posts
Re: Ask HN: What things that tech recruiters do, annoy you the most as an engineer?
#32Mixing up Java and Javascript in 2021 for one thing.
Though I leave my little Java experience (just some side tasks, no career in it) on the CV as a honey pot that allows me to identify stupid recruiters earlier. If they contact me because of it, I know they're just chasing buzzwords and don't care about actual experience.
Re: Ask HN: What things that tech recruiters do, annoy you the most as an engineer?
#33They call to see if you have a pulse and to ask how much compensation you are looking for. To them that's all that matters.
Re: Ask HN: What things that tech recruiters do, annoy you the most as an engineer?
#34A simple solution to the problem of recruiters always wanting to speak over the telephone is to set up a premium rate phone number and have them call you through that. You can sit at home on the sofa and chat with people about their hot new gig while the dollars roll in.
AFAIK premium rate numbers no longer exist in the US.
Re: Ask HN: What things that tech recruiters do, annoy you the most as an engineer?
#35Calls. Everyone wants to talk or even video chat. It’s the most annoying thing, not only by recruiters; everything is a voice/video meeting nowadays instead of mail or text.
A request for a synchronous form of communication is a request for your time. People should earn it first.
Re: Ask HN: What things that tech recruiters do, annoy you the most as an engineer?
#36Sadly I think the biggest pain I've suffered is from recruiters calling and making every conversation a rambly/chatty/friendly call that doesn't actually give any details. I've been called by recruiters who won't name the company they're recruiting for, the salary range, and are incapable of actually describing the daily-expections beyond buzzwords. I've found the best approach for me is to google "sysadmin helsinki"…
They're not saying the company name because they don't want you going there directly and applying without them getting their hefty bonus
> They're not saying the company name because they don't want you going there directly and applying without them getting their hefty bonus
Of course, but I'm not sure why that is my problem. Does the company want good people, or just the best they can afford after recruiter fees? If the recruiter can talk the talk, I'll hang with them vs going direct, and they will get the commission. If not, they won't get the placement anyway. They would be better off telling me the company and making a case for themselves why I should work with them (dealing with salary negotiation etc) vs hiding details and ending up up with me bailing early on the opportunity. The typical approach is short-sighted imo.
Re: Ask HN: What things that tech recruiters do, annoy you the most as an engineer?
#37Calls. Everyone wants to talk or even video chat. It’s the most annoying thing, not only by recruiters; everything is a voice/video meeting nowadays instead of mail or text.
Calls++
The initial intro and description can be handled via email or text. If not, well that is a red flag right away.
Re: Ask HN: What things that tech recruiters do, annoy you the most as an engineer?
#38Pretending to be the hiring manager / sending their reachout through the hiring manager's email.
Re: Ask HN: What things that tech recruiters do, annoy you the most as an engineer?
#39For me, it's reducing me down to a set of "$X years experience with the $Y language/framework/tool" dot points.
Followed closely by "how much are you currently earning?"
Re: Ask HN: What things that tech recruiters do, annoy you the most as an engineer?
#40Have you ever mentioned your first programs were written in C# then got .NET roles on your inbox forever?