I'm pretty much a tradesman, much like thousands of others out there.
I see so much discussion about getting the best, being the best, etc. What about that huge middle which is so poorly served by the status quo?
Change the system or change your approach is the proposition. Even an Average Joe (myself included) can figure a work around. I try to limit low-level recruiter discussions. Prefer upfront conversations with the hiring execs.
That doesn't help the huge middle who only seek work every few years. Nor does it help those employers who are just trying to find someone who's good at their job.
I'm trying to change (oh so slightly) the system. Plenty of employers and hiring managers read HN.
In the best of systems, there eventually has to be some trust between the principles. The current system begins by establishing _distrust_ from the outset.
I'd think there would be plenty of people who would be interested in doing something about that.
Or maybe everyone is happy with the status quo except me.
In the meantime, it's the little things that count and can eventually cause positive change. A couple quick examples come to mind:
1. Recruiting start-ups/show HN ideas: a few successful ones are adding efficiencies, which is indirectly great for people like you. Because the successful recruiter/hiring manager/etc. can devote that extra time to making their little changes towards improving the system. Still, it's not hitting the real pain point.
2. HN posters like you, who remind hiring professionals, that there's yet another frustrated customer - you sound like a reasonable, capable person that a recruiter would be fortunate to work with; this especially lights a fire under people's asses, so thank you!
My theory is that it'll require a serious effort by industry experts with zero expectation of financial return. It's going to have to be about the purpose, not the money, for the very (very) long-term. I shudder imagining the hardcore YC community response to this "non-profit"-esque prospect, but I don't know how else to solve it :-/
Right On... Every now and then, you hear of startups promising platforms that will be the Match DotCom for recruiting. I've yet to actually see one. The deciding human element in hiring is difficult at best.