The job description has morphed a couple of times in the past year as we’ve reevaluated what we need. That combined with the number of vendors we were using likely led to some confusion.

I know you helped as much as you could by providing the information on the CFUG site and I’m sure that led to a couple of good people coming in for interviews. It’s unfortunate that we passed on some of them because we might have been looking for too much.

There are several things I’d like to comment on relating to this post. First, I’ve come across one specific position description a dozen or more times through various recruiters and job postings over the last year or more. The one I’m thinking of reads similar to the one above though with less tilt for a Flex/UI person and less years of experience required.

I also know at least two developers who have interviewed for positions at DaVita in the last 1.5 years. Before I go on, let me add a disclaimer that I have never interviewed at DaVita much less submitted my resume to DaVita. The immediate info below comes from experience and conversations with folks who have.

The folks I’ve talked to say DaVita is (or at least has been) looking for someone who doesn’t exist. Someone who’s a seriously seasoned (I like the sound of that) ColdFusion AND Flex developer. I know of a few people who might fit into this category, but not too many.

So Steve, it may just be that you guys were really strict on wanting the perfect developer right out of the gate versus somehow who (as you said above) can grow in the position. I think this is a good move for you guys. I’ve seen several situations where the “perfect developer” takes a high-end tech job only to get bored super fast. I’m not saying this could ever happen at DaVita (I have no idea actually) but I think it’s better overall to find someone who has most of the skills you want/need, the attitude you desire, the same core beliefs/goals of the company, and some room to grow and excel in the position. This sets you up for more long-term success.

Lastly, since I’m the manager of the Nashville CFUG I can comment on what Matt said about job postings on http://www.ncfug.com. Our group was approached several times to post jobs for DaVita. In at least one case the request came directly from DaVita and wanting to support the local CF scene we immediately put up the post.

After a few months on the site we took it down as this is our protocol for rotating jobs (unless we hear back from the company that the position is still open). In other cases we received requests to put up job postings that looked almost identical to the original DaVita post. These requests came from recruiters. If the recruiter/staffing firm was known to the group we posted the job. In a few rare cases we had no previous relationship with the company and opted to not to post.

I do remember checking the CFUG site and even contacting the CFUG manager, but there was very limited job posting there (maybe none at the time).

Anyway, I have since relocated to North Carolina. And as Bob said, because your blog is another way of getting the word out there, you should put a list requirements or a link because you never know who may see this and may know somebody or whatever.