[sscalia]

HR departments are largely the problem.

Even if you have a savvy, dynamic, progressive team in a large company - looking for coding/sales/marketing savants - HR will typically not even pass candidates resumes if they don't have a BA/BS etc.

[itcmcgrath]

We're not a large company at only 1100 people, but our HR department is excellent. Not only do they help filter for us (I received about 100 applications for a Product Manager position recently), but they also allow us to see all the applications if I want to go spelunking and ignore the system designated ranking.

In short; not sure I agree with your generalized statement. I'm sure there are cases where it is true.

[sscalia]

"System designated ranking" - you lost me there bud.

I'm sure your HR department, and therefor - you - are ignoring some outstanding candidates.

It's cool though, we'll hire them.

[itcmcgrath]

I think you somehow missed the 'ignore' part.

[afterburner]

I'm always amazed how much HR filters before it even gets to the relevant manager who actually needs the hire (and knows what he/she needs from them).

[protomyth]

The worst HR filter I've ever head came from Microsoft somewhere between 1990-92. There recruiter informed a group of CompSci students gathered to hear about careers at Microsoft, that people graduating from our school were only allowed to apply for jobs in customer support. I think the professors were more ticked off than the students.

[afterburner]

wow...

[gte910h]

I'm always amazed by the firehose of COMPLETELY unqualified people who apply to everything. Filtering IS needed usually.

[sscalia]

I'm also reminded of a great FedEx or UPS ad - a new hire walks into a company, and an employee is showing them their shipping system.

New kid in suit: "No no no, you don't understand - I have an MBA"

Woman: "Oh? Oh. Then I'll have to SHOW you how it works."