I remember a time, right before the bubble burst, where jobs were posted with titles and descriptions that were not only confusing, but just downright moronic. If I had to guess, I would imagine that most geeks that read these job postings would never, ever, ever apply. I remember getting e-mails from recruiters for Java Engineering positions, where the key requirement was 6 years of J2EE experience. This is in 2000-2001, where Java was really just starting to pick up steam, and J2EE was in it’s infancy (relative to where it is now). I don’t know who is writing these job descriptions, but they need to pick up a copy of Technology for Dummies.

Oh, and another thing. Nobody, and I mean NOBODY should be using words like Guru, “Rock Star”, Wizard or Ninja in a job post title. I mean, What the Fuck? Ninja? Are you serious? At one time, my friends and I did refer to other standout engineers/developers as “Rock Stars”, but back then it was OK. The problem is that some Recruiter/PR types heard these informal titles and decided they would look great plastered all over e-mails, job boards and if you’re really lucky, regurgitated on your work or personal voice mail at all hours of the day and night.

Now, those who know me, know that I am not a huge fan of technical recruiters. I wouldn’t put them at the same level as credit collectors or used-car salesman, but I have had encounters with a few that are just as smarmy. I’m sure there are technical recruiters that “Keep it Real” and all, but for whatever reason, the one’s that cold-call me at work are either pushy, creepy or just plain rude. I have managed to avoid most of the uncomfortable conversations with recruiters by just not answering my work phone, but they are a determined group and will find some way, any way to get you on the horn. I have to wonder how many of these recruiters are just typing random 4-number extensions into the phone directories of Silicon Valley’s more desirable companies. Again, they aren’t car salesman, but they’re not performing a civil service either.