Thread: Navy wife interested in all things IT

Hi there,

My name is Rachel Staggs and I am concentrated on Java/J2EE, Front-end Engineering, and Datastage. I am currently a recruiter, but I want to learn more about what it is I am recruiting.

I feel that all too many recruiters copy and paste e-mails. They perpetuate lies and false promises. I am choosing to be different. I want to build relationships with my candidates and have a stronger understanding of their career goals. And before you say I am in the wrong career-I have been quite successful with this approach. People respond to sincerity and active listening. If there are any experiences you can share with me-Java/J2EE tips, job search frustrations, or poor experiences with recruiters, I would really appreciate it.

Best Regards,
Rachel Staggs

Welcome. An interesting approach to recruiting. Are you concentrating on those subjects as a programmer yourself, or are you concentrating on them in a general sense because those are the skills you're trying to recruit? I've seen a lot of questions for career advice on these programming forums, but I've never seen one asking about a military career in IT.

Hi Greg,
I am interested in learning what it is I am recruiting (a more general understanding), but I don't want to limit myself. My husband is in the Navy and I have the opportunity to recruit remotely. I am interested in a potential career with the military when we are more rooted, but I am happy with my remote job for the time being. I recruit primarily for a Fortune 200 financial company that caters to military members and their families. I am concentrated on both IT and financial positions.

Being retired Navy myself, I applaud your focus, and I think the results of your efforts will serve your employer well.

I've known many who've had to change careers as they left the military and some chose IT, usually returning to school to get the required training. Those usually find placement through the school or recruiters at the school. In the handful of forums I frequent, I don't think I've heard but maybe one person asking for advice who was making the military-to-civilian transition. I can't say they don't come to these forums, but if they do, they don't identify themselves that way. But if they're here, clearly stating that that's the kind of experience you're looking for should get their attention.

Good luck. Your cause is a good one for all involved.