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Q&A: Finding an IT job with a specialized recruiter
Have you ever been proactively approached by an IT recruiter? Or are you considering working with a recruiter to find a new IT job?
Our IT recruitment team has compiled frequently asked questions to help you better understand their role and the support they offer in finding an IT job in Quebec.
How can a specialized IT recruiter help me in my job search?
We provide support to job seekers, even if their profile does not match a position we are currently looking to fill. We can serve as a resource to help you find the balance between your expertise and market competitiveness by:
- helping you become aware of your strengths,
- improving your CV,
- giving you an overview of the IT job market in relation to your profile, including a salary range,
- offering interview coaching,
- etc.
When I contact people, even if the person doesn’t want to change jobs, I still encourage them to talk with me about their background, their job, their aspirations, etc. Often, we lack perspective on our own reality. After just a few minutes, I’m able to use my recruitment expertise to benefit the person, so they can take advantage of it sooner or later in their career.
If we then work together to find you a job, we will handle the entire hiring process, supporting you at every step:
- presenting your application to the employer,
- providing feedback after the interview,
- negotiations,
- etc.
Do I have to pay for the services of a specialized IT recruiter?
No, there is no cost for candidates. All fees are paid by the companies that trust ITI for their recruitment needs.
We truly work in the best interests of the candidates, even though our services are paid for by employers. We want each person to feel comfortable and fulfilled in the position they hold. When that’s the case, everyone wins.
Can I apply for a position even if I don’t meet all the required?
Yes and no. It depends on the missing requirement, of course, but also on the type of employer who is hiring.
- For public sector call for tenders, the criteria are often very specific, with evaluation grids that will eliminate a candidate if they do not meet the requirements. In this case, applying without the right skills is a waste of time.
- For the private sector, if a candidate is highly motivated for the position, performs well in the interview, and demonstrates strong soft skills, it may be worth trying. The required qualification or certification can sometimes be obtained after starting the job.
If someone wants to apply without having the required qualifications, I make sure that they still have an overall profile that could be appealing to the employer. I work to present them to the employer and try to get them an interview, beyond just the résumé. Above all, I am always transparent with my candidates about their chances of obtaining a position or not.
As we serve as an intermediary between the employee and the employer, salary can be discussed quite openly: the candidate’s expectations, the realities of the market in relation to their role or profile, and so on. This is one of the advantages of working with a specialized IT recruiter: we can give you a clear and honest picture of your salary expectations.
I have a senior profile. Can ITI help me find a job that matches my skill level?
Yes. We have several senior employees who appreciate the flexibility of working on an outsourced basis—whether for temporary or part-time roles, in a phased retirement or semi-retirement mode. Whether you are junior or senior, we always start by considering what you are looking for and your skill level in order to offer you assignments that will suit you.
I am a newcomer, and I am in the process of getting my credentials recognized. Can I work with an IT recruiter to find my first job in Canada?
Absolutely! In our experience, it is perhaps in this context that the guidance of a specialized IT recruiter is most beneficial.
People from immigrant backgrounds often lack information about the IT job market in Quebec and perspective regarding their own value. An IT recruiter can provide valuable assistance at every stage, from writing the résumé to preparing for the job interview.
For example, many people tend not to mention experience gained in their country of origin, thinking it is not recognized in Quebec. Even if technical or technological skills are not directly transferable, we believe that professional background is still relevant to employers and should be included on the résumé.
Each year, ITI helps many people secure their first job in Canada. What matters most is that the person holds one of the following statuses:
- Open work permit,
- Permanent residency,
- Canadian citizenship.
I myself come from an immigrant background, and I worked in IT before becoming a specialized recruiter. I understand the reality on the ground, but also how people might feel when searching for a job in a new country. It’s a motivating aspect of our profession; we help people gain confidence in themselves and in their strengths, and to find their place in the job market.
I have a gap in my work history. Should I mention it in my resume?
Ideally, yes, it is better to indicate the reason for your absence from the job market in your resume:
- career break for a project or travel,
- career change,
- studies,
- parental leave,
- or any other reason.
Otherwise, employers may jump to the conclusion that you were unable to find a job, which could harm your application.
Do you offer any IT jobs that are remote?
It all depends on the employers and their needs, but yes, we often have positions that are exclusively remote. If this is an essential criterion for you, our specialized IT recruiters can offer you only assignments that are to be done remotely.
Will my résumé be shared with an employer without my consent?
Never. Even if you agree to be contacted for a future IT job opportunity, we will never share your profile with an employer without first obtaining your consent.
