I got a LinkedIn invite by a headhunter who I would refuse to do business with simply because of poor communication and research skills. Here is the invitation (mostly) in verbatim:
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Hi Mark,

Saw your profile online and wanted to contact you. Bob,

How are you sir? Had to connect with you. My name is O.K. [REPLACED FULL NAME WITH INITIALS], a senior IT recruiter with [COMPANY NAME OMITTED], Canada’s oldest and most successful IT consulting firm.

I know you are a Flex Developer at Parlay which is why I am contacting you. How would you consider a fabulous new opportunity as a Flex Developer with a stellar firm in Mississauga, doing just that.

I have an opportunity for you right now that meets your core competency schedule. I hope that first you will accept my invite so 2) we can discuss it as per your discretion and interest level.

Looking forward to hearing from you

O.K. [REPLACED FULL NAME WITH INITIALS]
IT recruiter
[COMPANY NAME OMITTED]
///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
I hope this is not a form letter because if it is, this person lacks the professionalism to prevent mass mistakes. Do you see Bob at the end of line 2? Who is Bob???

What then really got me boiled over was that it mentioned “I know you are a Flex Developer at Parlay”. Dude, you knew how to contact me through my LinkedIn profile but did not have the nerve to read my work experience properly. Currently, I do not work work at Parlay and when I did work at Parlay, I was doing Flash Development. Clearly a sign of poor research skills. They are not one in the same. It just might be the case that this person is probably getting the wrong candidates for the job as all they care about is filling the position. This person claims to be a Senior IT recruiter however this bodes poorly on the company as a whole. I suspect dealing with junior recruiters might fare worse.

For Part 1, have a gander at this:
http://knowledge.lapasa.net/2007/05/18/there-are-good-headhunters-and-then-there-are-these/

Company: Pier Interactive
Job Title: Flex Developer
Description: PIER is seeking an experienced Flex developer to join its ranks. We are looking for someone with a passion for Rich Internet Application development and a willingness to work in a highly specialized team of designers, developers, and managers to build cutting edge applications for PIER’s clients. We are looking for full time onsite staff in our Boston office.

Strong candidates would meet the following requirements:

- At least 5 years of studio/corporate experience
- Experience with ActionScript 2 and/or 3 and strong OO skills
- Experience with Flex 2 framework
- Strong background in component development in Flash/Flex
- Strong background in application development in Flash/Flex
- Experience with Java, ColdFusion and Oracle Database are pluses

Responsibilities include the following:

- Develop dynamic data-driven interactive applications
- Work closely in an integrated team of Project Managers, Designers, Interface/CSS Developers, and client staff
- Manage multiple projects with multiple deadlines efficiently and effectively
- Communicate within a team to ensure projects hit budget and time deadlines
- Further PIER’s process and product lines
- Push the envelope on projects in need of cutting edge technologies
- Help PIER continue to forge into the forefront of Flash, Flex and AIR application development

Applying

To apply, email a cover letter and resume to: careers at pierinc.com.

STC StraightThrough Inc. is seeking 2 experienced (2-3 yrs) Flex developers located in the GTA. .NET, database, Web Service & API usage considered additional assets.

Email or Fax cover letter and resume to:
Hiring Coordinator,STC StraightThrough Inc.
Fax: (416) 932-4710,
Email: careers [at] straightthrough.com (pdf or text format only).

Only those individuals being considered will be contacted.

Position Summary
Flash Developers will be responsible for integrating unique solutions within our Flash Gaming Suites. Parlay’s games use Flash front-ends to talk with Java servlet back-ends, this position will increase the size of our Flash development team. The position strongly emphasizes ActionScript programming, from core libraries to interface development. The position will be part of a team of 2-5 flash developers and 2-3 graphic designers of varying experience.

Key Responsibilities
- Assist in the creation and maintenance of Parlay’s suite of Flash games
- Integrate solutions within Parlay’s Gaming Suites
- Flash skill requirement is largely ActionScript and interfacing with Java and Web components

Required Skills and Competencies
- Competency in the use of all Flash IDE’s from Flash MX 2004 onward
- Extensive Flash ActionScript experience with AS1 and AS2 with a workable understanding of AS3.
- Familiarity with OO concepts, design patterns and is comfortable with implementing them for Flash applications
- Familiarity with HTML
- Must be flexible and able to work with AS1, AS2, and AS3 scripts
- Formal training in programming is a requirement
- 2-3 years related experience
- Strong written and oral communication skills

Definite Assets
- Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, Sound and Video Editing Software
- Understanding of Java, XML, HTML, and other web technologies
- Gaming experience
- A College Diploma or University Degree in a technology field

At Parlay Entertainment, we’re putting a new spin on Internet gaming. Based in Oakville, Ontario, we pride ourselves in our casual yet professional work environment, where both clients and employees are highly valued and treated with respect.

Parlay is always searching for bright minds with big talent. Think you’ve got what it takes to get in the game? If you’d like to join a team that mixes business with pleasure every day, e-mail your resume with cover letter to: careers [at] parlaygroup [dot] com.

Please visit our website at http://www.parlaygroup.com/

Have you ever received an email about a great job oppurtunity? I got this email this morning:

Hi Mark,

I work for an IT recruitment and consulting firm located in Toronto. We’re currently looking for someone to fill the above role with a terrific company in the Oakville area. I just came across your resume and believe you might make a good fit. Please peruse the attached job description, see if it looks like something you might be interested in and get back to me with the latest copy of your resume. Should you be currently engaged, please feel free to forward this to anyone you know who would be willing and able to perform the role.

Regards,

{headhunter’s name ommited}
Staffing Consultant
{company omitted}

My first reaction after reading the job description is “f-ing idiots!!!”. You guys are recruiting ME to work for the company that I already work for! Being the big joke this was, I contemplated should I respond and say I was interested and here’s my resume minus my current employment listing. Then I’d get an interview with H.R. and if I got an offer then I would have to quit my current job to accept the new one in the same company, same department. So yeah, it would be a waste of time on all involved parties.

My second reaction is like how did this happen in the first place? Oh, poor guy, I havn’t updated my resume since I started working here.

Anyways, are you interested in ActionScripting in product development environment? Learn about the role here.

If you’re an MXNA blogger in the G.T.A., I would be greatful if you shared this information on your blog. Thanks!

Position Summary
The Flash Developer will be responsible for integrating unique solutions within our Flash Gaming Suites. The position strongly emphasizes ActionScript programming, from core libraries to interface development. The position will be part of a team of 2-5 flash developers and 2-3 graphic designers of varying experience.

Key Responsibilities
- Assist in the creation and maintenance of Parlay’s suite of Flash games
- Integrate solutions within Parlay’s Gaming Suites
- Flash skill requirement is largely ActionScript and interfacing with Java and Web components

Required Skills and Competencies
- Competency in the use of all Flash IDE’s from Flash MX 2004 onward
- Extensive Flash ActionScript experience with AS1 and AS2 with a workable understanding of AS3.
- Familiarity with OO concepts, design patterns and is comfortable with implementing them for Flash applications
- Familiarity with HTML
- Must be flexible and able to work with AS1, AS2, and AS3 scripts
- Formal training in programming is a requirement
- 2-3 years related experience
- Strong written and oral communication skills

Definite Assets
- Proficiency in Photoshop, Illustrator, Sound and Video Editing Software
- Understanding of Java, XML, HTML, and other web technologies
- Gaming experience
- A College Diploma or University Degree in a technology field

So if you are interested or you know someone who might be, please send me your resume/CSV at mlapasa at parlaygroup dot com. The role is focused on client-side application development and not website design. For more information about the company, please visit http://www.parlaygroup.com.

Mark Lapasa
Flash Developer
Parlay Entertainment
Where the World Plays Bingo.
mlapasa at parlaygroup dot com
www.parlaygroup.com
2305 Wyecroft Road, Second Floor,
Oakville, ON, Canada L6L 6R2