In this month’s insightful episode of the Recruiting Connections podcast , our host Chris Murdock spoke with Silicon Valley veteran and advisor Javed Maqsood as they unpacked the nuances of the hiring process.
Javed Maqsood, with his extensive experience in the tech industry, brought forward the perspective of what companies look for when hiring. He emphasized the importance of potential in candidates and the ability to grow into a role rather than expecting perfection upfront. His insights are particularly valuable in today's fast-paced tech landscape, where adaptability and continuous learning are key.
The conversation between these two experts sheds light on various aspects of the hiring process, such as the importance of company culture, employer branding , and the evolving needs of developers and customers. They highlighted that empathy is a crucial attribute in software development and that companies lacking it often struggle to succeed.
The Importance of Connections and Trust in Recruitment
In the recruitment process , connections and trust play a crucial role. Javed Maqsood, a seasoned professional with 25 years of experience in various tech companies, emphasizes this aspect of recruitment. He has worked diligently to establish both professional and personal connections throughout his career, understanding that these relationships often serve as the foundation for successful recruitment strategies.
Chris Murdock describes Javed as "one of the best hiring managers he has ever worked with." This is a testament to Javed's approach to recruitment, which focuses on fostering relationships and instilling a sense of trust and accountability.
Value is another key element in Javed’s recruitment philosophy. This refers to the mutual benefits that arise from a successful placement. For candidates, this may mean finding a role that aligns with their career goals and provides opportunities for growth. For companies, it means securing talent that can contribute to their success and enhance their organizational culture .
Networking, according to Javed, is an essential tool in recruitment. It allows recruiters to tap into a wider pool of talent and facilitates connections with potential candidates. Through networking, recruiters can also gain insights into industry trends, salary expectations, and the skills in demand, helping them make informed decisions and provide valuable advice to both candidates and companies.
Ever wondered what goes into making a great hire? The latest episode Recruiting Connections featuring expert Javed Maqsood and host Chris Murdock answers just that. Don't miss out on their invaluable insights into company culture, employer branding, and more: 👉Click to TweetThe Ideal Candidate Profile
The process of identifying the ideal candidate profile and narrowing down the hiring funnel can be a challenging task for any organization. Javed Maqsood provides invaluable insights into this subject, drawing upon his extensive experience in tech recruitment.
One of the key points Javed makes is the importance of recognizing that capability can be developed over time. He advises hiring managers not to fall into the trap of seeking the “perfect” candidate right from the start. Instead, he recommends looking for individuals who have the potential to grow into the role.
Javed also places a strong emphasis on technical skills and the ability to integrate with the customer ecosystem. He suggests that these are vital attributes that CEOs should consider when hiring. Technical skills are important, but so is the ability to relate to and understand our customers.
Moreover, Javed encourages CEOs to think about the long-term contributions a candidate can make to the organization. He suggests that the ideal candidate is someone who could potentially replace the CEO in the future. When hiring, think about how this individual can contribute to the organization's goals, he advises. Consider whether they could even step into your shoes one day. The principle is to hire candidates who may not be the perfect fit, covering 100% of the role’s requirements initially, but who have the potential to grow into it.
The Role of Company Culture and Employer Branding
Company culture and employer branding play a pivotal role in the success of any organization. Company culture can be understood as the shared values, behaviors, and beliefs that form the environment in which employees work. It's the DNA of the company, shaping how employees interact with each other and their customers. A strong company culture boosts employee engagement, productivity, and loyalty, making it an essential part of attracting and retaining top talent .
Employer branding, on the other hand, is how a company markets itself to potential candidates. It's about showcasing what makes the organization unique and why it's a great place to work. This includes the company's mission, values, benefits, and workplace environment. A strong employer brand attracts high-quality candidates, reduces hiring costs, and improves retention rates.
Javed also discusses the importance of aligning the company culture with the needs of the customers and the developers. As these needs evolve, so should the company culture. In this context, he highlights the value of empathy in software development. Empathy enables developers to understand and address user needs effectively, resulting in products that truly resonate with users. Companies lacking empathy often struggle to create products that meet customer expectations, leading to lower success rates.
Put simply: companies need to continuously invest in nurturing a strong company culture and employer brand that aligns with their vision and the evolving needs of their customers and employees.
Don't miss out on this insightful episode with Javed Maqsood, where he shares his seasoned perspective on recruitment, company culture, and employer branding. Tune in, absorb some wisdom, and let's grow together. Check out the full episode here.
