IT Managers offer insight, too.

Compiled from interviews with two managers:

Dale Hagemeyer and Brian Hollowell

   Questions for Dale Hagemeyer: Has the pool of available consultants grown?

   "I believe that the pool has increased in recent years as unemployment has stabilized, job transience has increased, and two income families have continued to be more prevalent. I also believe that telecommuting and the popularity of outsourcing as a business practice have had an impact.

  Telecommuting is clearly the right thing to do for environmental, traffic congestion and diversity reasons. I was quite pleased when implementing a help desk solution that I could use stay-at-home moms or physically challenged people to provide additional coverage."

   Question: Is there a difference working with a staffing company that specializes in IT vs. a general staffing company with IT as a service line?

   "If you had one of the old Mazdas with the rotary engine would you take it to a mechanic or to someone who specializes in rotary engines? I think full service IT is where it is at because of the depth and breadth to which you can mutually leverage a relationship."

   Question: How would you compare using the job boards vs. a staffing company?

   "I've never used a job board. This requires advance planning. I've usually been in 'get somebody yesterday' mode and only a staffing company can turn it around that quickly with minimal angst poring over an avalanche of resumes."

  Questions for Brian Hollowell: Are IT professionals you interview keeping up with technology?

   "I don't see many people improving on their own. It seems they look to the company to provide specific training for them."

  Question: Is there a difference working with a staffing company that specializes in IT vs. a general staffing company?

   "There is absolutely a difference. I haven't found any high level expertise in general employment firms. Usually I find interns and people wanting to get into the industry."

   Question: If a staffing company offers free skills updating and other training, is that a selling point for you?

   "Yes, anytime a company is willing to invest time and money into its employees. It shows me that they are progressive and dedicated to giving their employees the skills they will need to succeed in today's market."

   Question: If you were to counsel an IT professional today about the future and how they should direct their career to be in high demand, what would you say?

   "Good technical people are hard to find. If you want to get ahead, learn UNIX, JAVA, something that sets you apart from the crowd. These two areas seem to be deficient in the market today. If you're good, companies will be beating down your door."

   Question: For a lighter side, describe some of your worst and best experiences working with either (or both) consultants and IT staffing companies.

   "Worst: I had another staffing company send me a candidate that the recruiter personally vouched for. The candidate brought in some proprietary documentation from a company that I formally worked with (Strike one). Then he claimed credit for creating the documentation (Strike two). The recruiter should have known that I was formally employed with this company and should have known that I would check up on the candidate (Strike three). I never used this firm again.

Best: When Vectris was still in its early stages, I was looking for a Senior UNIX Administrator. An IT staffing company I trust sent a candidate over for me to consider. He was young and had been looking to change careers. This candidate was by far the best and is a credit to my team. I ended up hiring my entire IT staff through them."

   Question: What must IT staffing companies do to make sure relationships with clients are secure in the future?

   "I believe communications is the key. If the client knows you're working hard to help him build his business and that the staffing firm has his best interest in mind, I believe there will be a long-term future. If the client believes you're just throwing candidates at them, in the hopes that one will stick, then I believe the staffing firm is headed for a big disappointment."

   Question: Has the pool of available consultants grown?

   "The pool seems to be growing, but it is harder to find specialized people. This makes the process take longer and sometimes you have to move quickly when you find the right person, or run the risk of loosing them to another company."

   Question: Brian, your final thoughts?

   "I believe that an honest, ethical company that works hard for a client will earn respect. If that staffing firm also offers training and the commitment to help keep its people current on the changing technologies, then I believe that they will succeed."

Manager Bios:

Brian Hollowell is Acting Director of Information Technology at Vectris Telecom. Brian has over seven years experience in computer and network technology management, design, assembly, testing, troubleshooting, procurement, and repair.

Dale Hagemeyer has 15 years experience working primarily for major manufacturers of consumer goods: General Foods, Quaker Oats, and Sunbeam, where he currently holds an IT management position.