New Venture!!!! New Team!!!

It has been a while since I updated this blog but I wanted to announce to the world that I have joined Microsoft's Global Foundation Services team as a Prospecting Consultant. I am super excited to be joining this team!! My primary focus is finding top notch Software Development Engineers, SDE (in test) as well as Program Managers (technical and Prog mgr based).

If you have a background in ANY of the following, then please contact me!

C#
C++
peer-to-peer networking
caching
content delivery
globalization/localization

Have a great week!-Amanda

Do you have an elevator pitch?

In other words....in 15 seconds, could you tell a group of folks in an elevator what you do for a living and sell them on it?

If you have a hard time describing to folks what it is that you exactly do for a living that take a visit to 15SecondPitch

This cool site teaches you how to market yourself in just 15 seconds.

But...that's not all!

According to the 15SecondPitch website, this tool is designed to

• help you discover who you are and what you really want
• A way to focus your thinking on what is most important
• A great introduction and conversation starter
• A way to organize the thinking process for any new venture
• An effective multi-channel personal marketing tool to communicate consistently via email, on the telephone, in person, or on your business cards.

What 15SecondPitch is NOT:

• A scripted, cheesy, tone-deaf sales pitch
• A substitute for effective interpersonal interaction
• A grocery list of all the things you do or know
• A so-called elevator pitch for investors (although it makes a great introduction for one)

So visit this cool new site and let me know what you think! And don't forget to share with me what your 15 Second Pitch!

Have a great week!

Rackspace Technical Job Fair--Feb 13th, 2008

Mark your calendars and spread the word!! Rackspace is holding a Technical Job Fair at the Monarch Event Center this Wednesday, February 13th from 5:30-8pm.

Bring your best smile and an updated resume! Don't be shy....come on by!! Hope to see you there!

Rackspace Technical Job Fair
February 13th, from 5:30-8pm
Monarch Event Center
6406 North I-35 Ste. 3100, Austin Tx 78752


Rackspace is Hiring Fanatical:
Windows and Linux Systems Administrators
Java and Python Developers
Network Security Professionals
Windows Systems Engineers
MySQL DBAs
Ruby on Rails Developers
For more info, visit www.rackspacecareers.com

43things.com---you have to check it out!

I just stumbled upon this website called 43things. The purpose of this website is to write down your goals and get reminders sent to you daily, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, you get the idea. It also shows you how many other people logged into the system who share the same goals as you! There is a lot more that it offers....click here for more info!

I'm on Facebook......now what?

Listen up, folks!! There are millions of people that login to facebook.com on a daily basis. Well- in case you didn't know, recruiters and sourcers LOVE finding candidates on this site.I know that when I first joined facebook I didn't think it was that user friendly. Well, Jason Alba, of JibberJobber, has come to the rescue!! Jason's has written, "I'm on Facebook..now what?" and it is ready for you to purchase (ebook or paperback)! For more information on how to get the latest tips and tricks on facebook, you must click here!

Work/Life balance? Do you have it?

My husband is about to end his career in the oil business. Mostly because the industry he is in does not offer a very good work/life balance. With three kids, growing up before our very eyes, time is VALUABLE.

It made me think about how many folks out in the blogosphere who might have left his/her 12 hour work days that paid extremely well, but left you with little to no family time. When do you get to the point where enough is enough? How were you able to find that happy medium?

I am interested in hearing YOUR story!

New Year, New Name!

Many of you know the awesome company I work for as Rackspace Managed Hosting. Well, starting today we are now known as Rackspace. Short and sweet....love it!

Exciting News!!! I work for one of the best companies!

According to Fortune Magazine, Rackspace Managed Hosting has been ranked #32 out of the 100 best companies to work for in 2008!!

Want to see why? Click here!

Who do you know?

Have you ever heard the saying, "It's not what you know, it's who you know"? I do believe there is some truth to this statement. I am putting myself out on the line on this one but I have to ask....how many of you found a job through someone you know? I actually got my start in the recruiting/sourcing world because I knew someone. I really wanted to break into the recruiting/sourcing industry but had zero, zilch, nada experience. Nearly 3 years ago, one of my very good friends was in a position where she could hire a contract sourcer for a short term gig. One day, while we were chatting on the phone, she told me about how much trouble she was having finding a strong sourcer who was disciplined enough to work virtually. I knew that I could do the job (maybe I was a little over confident at the time) so I spoke up and told her I was interested. She, of course, was hesitant. First, what if I didn't go a good job? Our friendship would definitely be at stake if that was to happen. Was taking a chance on me worth it?

When I first stepped into the sourcing/recruiting world I struggled the first month or so. But I didn't want to let my friend down, I didn't want to let my family down, but most of all---I didn't want to let myself down. So, for the next few months I worked, studied and absorbed as much as I possibly could about this industry. And you know what??? I fell in love with it! I love the challenge that comes with sourcing for that perfect candidate. I love being able to network with other recruiting professionals and most of all, I love feeling that sense of accomplishment each and every day.

So now you know a little bit more about me and how I got my start into this awesome industry!

It's about darn time!!

Yes-it has been far too long since I updated this blog. Things at "The Rack" are going well and I am still lovin being a "Racker".



I can't believe 2008 is already here! I wanted to share with you all one of my New Year's resolutions for this year and years to come.....



I have learned through many of my linkedin connections that the title "recruiter" tends to have a negative connotation associated with it. I have heard through many folks that when they think of the word "recruiter" --lack of communication/follow-up comes to mind.



I have always tried to keep the communication window open at all times with my candidates but I have to admit--I have let a few slip through the cracks. One of my 2008 resolutions is to speak with each and every person that contacts me directly in regards to opportunities with Rackspace. I promise, to follow through and to ensure that whether you are a fit for Rackspace or not, that your experience interviewing with me will be a positive one. I am commited to this resolution and hope that others reading this will follow this resolution as well.



Here's to a Happy 2008! I look forward to the months to come!



-Amanda