10.18.2001
In the "smells a little fishy to me" category...
italics are my comments
From: Steve McGarrah [steve@boomortgage.com]
Sent: Thursday, October 18, 2001 11:42 AM
Subject: Re: Job 10007 on DICE
Dear Candidate,
First let me thank you for submitting your resume in response to the posted position of Senior Web Developer. I wish I could address this email personally to each and every person, but since so many well qualified candidates have applied it is not possible.
Secondly, this is a unique opportunity in an early stage startup company with less than 10 employee/owners. We expect this company to be generating well over 50M per year in annual revenues.
The purpose of this email is twofold:
a) to let you know we have received your resume, and
b) to provide additional information explaining the company needs and offer structure associated with this position.
INTRO:
Most of the core management team have successful track records and proven experience in business startups, M&A, restructures, finance, etc., and multiple profitable business already in place. nice grammar Personally, I gained over 20 years in hardware and software design gained what? and engineering prior to becoming a serial entrepreneur is that anything like serial killer?. Because this is a startup, and equity positions and/or revenue sharing models are part of the compensation structure being offered, certain criteria exist for us to have a mutually beneficial relationship.
Therefore, this opportunity will not be for everyone, and I do not want to waste anyone's time in this process. That is why you must reply to this email to be given further consideration in this process. Discussions over the phone are not being considered until the criteria under FOLLOWUP are met.
NEEDS:
Boo Mortgage great name, didn't boo.com already suffer in the dot bomb downturn? already has a few developers onboard, and we are in the process of developing detailed technical specifications and prototype software for our business. The management team understands we need to create a core team of top level professionals that will become the leading engineers as we achieve a national rollout, and grow our company. Hopefully you will help us.
The advertisement you responded to does not really do justice to all of our projected needs, because they actually range from CIO/CTO to Senior Systems Architect (Hardware and Software), Project Managers, Database Design/Implementation Engineers, etc. I say this because there are obviously a lot of aspects to building a complex large scale web site. I would not have known that.
STRUCTURE:
Because this offer entails potential for significant upside, we are seeking professionals that are willing to work on a deferred or minimum salary yep, here's the catch - you knew there'd be one for a 1-3 month trial period while we go through prototype development and initial rollout (already underway). Exact timeframe of deferred/minimum compensation, and amount of compensation, will be discussed on an individual basis. We seek individuals who are looking for long-term commitment and expect to be paid market rate after the initial trial period honey, I expect to be paid market rate from the beginning. how come your business plan did not budget for market rate compensation for staff? did you not just get done saying that you had done this before? apparently not!. Please reply to this email only if you are capable of working with, and interested in this structure. We will not contact you further without your reply.
FOLLOWUP:
If you wish to continue to explore this opportunity with us you will be required to sign a 2-year Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA) prior to receiving any details, but having done that, we will share with you our business model and financial projections. From there we can negotiate a position (technical and financial) should you continue to be interested.
REPLY:
If you are interested in further discussions then please reply to this email with "BOO MORTGAGE EQUITY POSITION" in the subject line. In the body of the message include your Name, Address, Telephone, FAX, and Email Address. now, why do they need your address? fax number? who does paper anymore?
Once again, thank you for your interest.
Steven M. McGarrah
Chief Executive Officer
Boo Mortgage I still think it's an asinine name; who'd take a mortgage company with a name like that seriously? Must be an Internet Thang.
THIS is the kind of sludge through which ol' Shocking must wade every day. You may show your appreciation by treating her to a pitcher full of margaritas next time you see her. Thank you.
What do I say if I don't want a prospective employer to contact my current employer?
Just say you would not like them to contact your current employer without your permission and not until an offer is extended. Whether you are in a good relationship or not with your current employer (and supervisor), it is very professional to state the request as mentioned above. In fact, even if you were in the greatest relationship with your current employer, it is not wise to allow any potential employer to contact them whenever they wish. You are a professional, and you need to protect your situation at all times.
Also, consider why they may be raising this issue. If they are questioning your capabilities, do you have any former supervisors, clients/customers or other professional relationships that you could consider offering as an interim reference? This issue comes up so often that the interviewer should not be surprised with your "wait...do not contact my employer yet" response, but should be impressed that you thought ahead and offered alternative professional references.
quoted from Matt and Nan DeLuca on net-temps.com.
This is good advice; the important thing is to always maintain CONTROL over the process from end to end. You know who your references are and what they are going to say to a particular company. You know that no one that you have not authorized in advance will talk about your work. There will be no "loose cannons" saying things that may not have the right spin or could possibly be construed the wrong way. The potential employer will not "accidentally" talk to someone at your current company that might not have known you were leaving and isn't OK with it. Control is key.
To Degree, or not to Degree?
HR typically looks for the check-off points in a resume or in an interview, seeking to exclude or include individuals in their review of the stated requirements. Line managers, however, typically look for potential and practical experience. You might try directing your resumes to these people. If you can pass the gatekeeper, you will have a better shot. The question you might ask is, "Why is a degree essential to the position?" and have strong responses to counter their stance.
This is from the net-temps.com site.
HR people always look for the check off points and for keyword matches. However, it's unlikely they understand what something means.
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