Recruiters 31

I got a call this week from a recruiter—not a South Asian, for a wonder—wanting to know if I’d be interested in an “opportunity” with the megalithic telecommunications manufacturing company where I’ve done contract work before. The position is, of course, contract. This company’s business model revolves around keeping costs down in lieu of building innovative products.

Well, whatever. Here’s what I find interesting about this “opportunity”: they are demanding massive amounts of deep-tech experience. And they want to pay absolute crap for it. It seems this department has a very meager budget.

Here are some salient points in the job description:

“In addition to the core Web Services product management role, you will play a key role in evangelizing our Web Services offers to key partners across the Web (developers, Web sites, social media). You should be passionate and articulate in front of current and potential partners through a multitude of communication channels.

“We look to you to bring an excellent product management track record and deep technical expertise in Web Services from a major Web technology organization.

“Requirements

“- Bachelor's degree in a technical field, Master’s degree preferred

“- 10+ years of product management or related experience in a major Web technology organization

“- Hands-on software development background

“- Exceptional written and verbal communications skills

“- Prior experience with developer platforms

“- Ability to build sample applications and proof of concept prototypes

“- Proven leadership and management abilities

“- Entrepreneurial attitude

“- Willingness to work cross-functionally, collaboratively and cross-culturally; a true team player”

Moreover:

“This is a highly visible role with broad cross-organizational responsibilities in our company's Services. It has immense growth potential and is a strategic part of the community product management organization.”

The “growth potential” of course is all on the side of [Cheap-ass Corporation], and the strategy revolves entirely around getting senior-level experience for junior-grade pay. Not only is this work not deemed important enough to be done by a FTE, they're basically, expecting to get the organ grinder for the monkey’s wages.

As the recruiter admitted, “[Cheap-ass Corporation] usually pays below market rates, and this unit pays below even [Cheap-ass Corporation] rates.”

Then she added, “But they’re a really, really good group to work with.”

Oh. Well, then—that makes all the difference in the world, doesn’t it? Just tell my landlord or healthcare providers that I’m being paid pretty much nothing for my senior-level expertise, along with no benefits, so they won’t mind if I skip a month or two’s rent or hand over a big happy smile in lieu of a co-pay?