Few pointers on how to survive a job hunt.

Now, when number of people actually looking for a new place of employment and some job-seeking activity on the rise, let me share some thoughts based on my personal experience of "being hired". I am not an HR professional, so, this is a mostly "engineer's view" on existing practices and processes. And it is not complete or perfect in any way or form. But those are patterns that I can see a year after year.

A word to a job seeker.

1. Prepare your resume. In my opinion, tailoring your resume specifically to a position on which you are applying to, is not the right move. Your resume must adequately "picture" your professional experiences and give HR and hiring manager more or less clear understanding of your capabilities and career goals.
2. Be ready to openly talk about your career goals. If you do not know of what do you want to become, you at first, do disservice to your-self.
3. Be honest. If position requires a knowledge, experience and expertise in "A", deliver honest evaluation of your level of expertise with "A". Do not lie, that your are expert in what you do not.
4. Never stop with professional growth. Read the books, pass the tests and certifications. Find a time. Grow in the direction in which you want to develop your career.
5. Broad your search but be smart about it. If current market is looking for an experts in "X", and your level with "X" is not current, or rusty. Bring yourself to the speed. Read the book. Watch online courses. Do not sit on the couch just because you can not get 100% match with what you looking for, but do not jump without thinking. I've had some hefty frustrations in my past employment due to the choices of positions that I've made. Sometimes I feel that I shall try something new, and that is fine. But sometimes, I did not think clearly. I believe, that even in current market, there are place for every professional who is smart about own professional growth and choices.
6. Be clear about your options. You willing to commute ? Relocate ? Go to "junior" from "senior" ? Startup ?

A word to a headhunter.

1. Read profiles and resumes. I do not know how, tune your AI and narrow your search. But actually read something about your candidate.
2. Try to never call person without arranging a time over instant messaging or over e-mail. That is the matter of politeness.
3. If your first question "What's your hourly rate", I am knowing that you are calling from a "sweat shop". Question of compensation will be brought on the table, but not as the first one. You know how to use salary analysis on LinkedIn, GlassDoor, etc ... Sure, we also do. Ranges of salaries and hourly rates are not a secret anymore. Information about Company, project, position, candidate are far more important at the first stages of discussion.
4. Do not try "to sell" candidate to a position, he is not suitable for. If position requires an exposure to "X" and candidate telling you that he or she is bit rusty with "X", it is okay to tell to a candidate that you will try to find another position for him, instead of bring him or her to an interview and let him or her fail. It is a waste of time for everybody, never mention some frustration buildup.
5. If your candidate is not specifically mentioned that he or she is willing to relocate, do not bombard that candidate with positions that is not within geographical reach.

Here, is some thoughts, which may be useful to someone. If they do, drop me a note. If you disagree with any or all my "pointers", well, you have a right to be disagree. And good luck, everyone !