InsiderQ&A: How to join – or work with – an IT Staffing Firm

John McCallum, is a Senior Resource Manager at the Boston Office of Signature Consultants, an IT staffing firm with offices — and opportunities — across the U.S. In addition to his work at Signature, John is an avid player of team sports – baseball, hockey, and golf.We touched base with John to get his perspective on how to work as an IT consultant – or how to work inside Signature Consultants.

Tell me about Signature Consultants. I understand you were recently selected as the 2011 “#1 Best Staffing Firm to Work For” by Staffing Industry Analyst. How do candidates experience that as they apply for jobs?

Our recruiting model is predicated on the long term relationship, and our internal process is designed to ensure this. Our current and potential consultants recognize our hard work, dedication to the IT market place and the strength of our relationships with our clients and consultants. Candidates understand this right from the beginning.  We value our consultants and then we deliver with cutting edge opportunities.

How does a candidate get your attention as a prospective Signature Consultants employee? What do you look for?

The key things we look for in a potential employee are driven more by personality and soft skills rather than past experience.  Obviously, the more accomplished a candidate’s background in the industry the better, but someone who works hard, asks a lot questions, has a great attitude and has the aptitude for growth is a great fit.  This business is always evolving and there are always new things to learn. Those who have these traits seem to favor that dynamic naturally.

As a staffing firm, you hire for two different entities: 1. You hire employees to help your clients find staff, 2. You help clients find staff.

Can you talk a little bit about how you hire for each of these entities? Where are positions located? What types of positions are available right now? How is the hiring process different if you are applying to work with one of your clients than if you are applying to work at Signature Consultants LLC?

To evaluate our internal employees we hold fast to our values. We currently have opportunities open nationwide—for both sales and recruiting.  We have growing offices in Boston, Richmond, New York, Charlotte, Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Chicago, Des Moines, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Dallas, Phoenix, and San Francisco.  

To evaluate our external consultants we use tangible measurements from their resume – longevity of assignments, market reputation of previous employers, education and length between assignments – to determine if we’d like to start a relationship.  If the criteria are met, we begin to build a relationship and gain a real understanding of their intangible skills – communication, professionalism, attitude, and motivation. We align them with our client base not only from a technical standpoint but also on how they’d assimilate into that respective culture.  As a whole, Signature averages 244 job openings per week across our five divisions – Local, National Accounts, Long Line, Signature ERP Solutions, and Hunter Hollis.  We service clients for immediate openings across the United States and Canada.

The hiring process internally is more subjective than externally.  We place an emphasis on an internal candidate’s potential ability to assimilate into our culture and acclaimed work ethic.  Externally, our focus must stay consistent with our tangible measurements to identify an ideal candidate for our clients’ specific needs.

Can you provide some best practices in working with recruiting and staffing firms?

Let’s say I interview for an opportunity that I learn about through your firm and don’t get selected. Can – and should – I stay in touch with you?

Consultants who are submitted or interview through us absolutely can and should stay in touch with us, and we’ll do the same. We know that we won’t hit 100% of our interviews and that great consultants are sometimes not selected.  We make a point to communicate to our potential consultants why they weren’t selected for a job. Our relationship model allows us to thoroughly understand those that we work with, and as a result we will submit to as many opportunities as they’re comfortable with and qualified for.  A transactional model lends itself to a “one and done” type of approach and that is the exact opposite of our business model at Signature. 

As far as best practices go, I always recommend consultants select a few reputable staffing firms to work closely with.  Be clear with the firm on your communication expectations and stick with the ones that are diligent with their follow up.  It is a surprising how many firms don’t call to tell candidates they have not been selected or even periodically check in to keep the loop closed.  Choose a firm that values relationships—with relationships comes respect and consideration.

Do you have any “never do” tips for individuals for working with recruiters?

We work with consultants that align to our own true values and beliefs. The values of honesty, respect, ‘friends first” and integrity are crucial for mutually beneficial relationships—and we preach this both internally and externally. 

Any bad assumption that you see job seekers make in applying for jobs at Signature Consultants?

Don’t assume that we are just a fun organization to work for. If you want to be a member of our team, you have to be ready and willing to work for the greater good.

If you are looking for a job, I encourage you to apply for a career here at Signature. Signature is an unbelievable place to work for, and we take care of our internal employees and ensure they’re thoroughly happy and enjoy being a part of a prosperous company.  With our culture comes our work ethic and dedication to being successful.

Are there any questions that I haven’t asked that I should be asking? What’s the question, and what’s your answer?

Where can I find out about jobs at Signature or opportunities with your clients?

Give us a call; you can find a listing of our offices and phone numbers here. As a firm, we have a commitment to understanding the needs of our clients — and of our potential employees. Building the relationship allows us to get beyond ‘buzzwords’ and to achieve a real understanding of your needs and how we may be able to work together. When I meet you live, I’ll figure out that question you should be asking, and I’ll let you know!

If you’re interested in one of our IT consulting positions, you’ll also find information on how to submit your resume here.

Use it now—actionable—advice for job seekers

Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work. – Aristotle, (384 BC to 322 BC)