Candidate experience is crucial in the recruitment process as it greatly influences an organization’s ability to attract and retain top talent. A positive candidate experience enhances a company’s reputation, encourages word-of-mouth recommendations, and ensures a larger talent pool for future hiring needs.
At Global M, when we provide recruitment services we pay the most attention to providing the best candidate experience. We interviewed Collins Too, a software engineer at KetchUp who went through the interview process with us, to explain how we work and collaborate with our candidates.
1. Hello Collins! First, please tell us a little about yourself and your career background.
Hello! It’s great to share a bit about my career background. I am an accomplished software engineer with a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and a track record of 5 years in web development. My core strengths lie in JavaScript and TypeScript, and I have honed my skills working with popular frameworks like Vue.js, React, and Ruby on Rails. My experience has equipped me with the knowledge and expertise to tackle a wide range of web development projects effectively.
2. What was your initial contact with Global M? Did you apply for the position or did Global M reach out to you directly?
My initial contact with Global M happened when Nick, the Founder, reached out to me personally through LinkedIn about an exciting opportunity within the organization. Following that initial contact, I proceeded through the interview process and was fortunate enough to be offered a position with the company.
3. Can you share your initial impressions of our recruitment process? What stood out to you about our approach?
My initial impressions of your recruitment process were notably positive. What stood out to me the most was how closely the process aligned with assessing candidates’ skills and their ability to solve real-world problems. This approach felt highly relevant and tailored to the needs of the company, making the evaluation process not only effective but also reflective of the actual responsibilities that the role entailed. It demonstrated a commitment to hiring individuals who could directly contribute to the organization’s success.
4. Did you find the interview preparation and coaching we provided valuable? If so, could you share specific examples of how it benefited you?
Absolutely, the interview preparation and coaching were highly valuable. They provided me with a clear understanding of the company’s expectations, culture, and the qualities they were seeking. This helped me confidently tailor my responses during the interview to match their requirements. Additionally, the coaching addressed all my questions, ensuring I was well-prepared for the interview.
5. Can you describe your overall satisfaction with the candidate experience we provided, from the initial contact to your successful placement?
I was very satisfied with the entire candidate experience, from the first contact to my successful placement. I found it valuable that the interviews gave me a clear sense of the job’s real-life responsibilities. It was a smooth and informative process from start to finish.
We also had a chance to ask Collins to share his opinion on tech talent in African countries, future tech trends and his future career plans.
6. How did you get into software development, and how did you get to the level you are today?
My journey into software development began during my third year of university when I discovered the creative potential of software. It all started with me tinkering with HTML and CSS. As I delved deeper into this world, I actively engaged with the tech community, attending events like Google Developer Groups.
In 2018, I crossed paths with Andela, which marked a significant turning point in my career. I joined Andela as a junior software developer after successfully completing their intensive boot camp, a milestone achieved through merit. Since then, I’ve honed my skills in various tools and technologies, including Vue.js, JavaScript/TypeScript, React, and Ruby on Rails, focusing on both frontend and backend development. In my view, being a successful developer is about problem-solving, and programming languages and tools are the means to that end.
7. What are your thoughts on the benefits for Africans to work with European or US companies?
It’s the talent. Africans are talented and we have the zeal to deliver on our work because we take it with the seriousness it deserves. Working with European or US companies is awesome, you get exposed to different company cultures, and work standards(up to par with the latest technology standards) which definitely stands out for me and talented individuals from the CEO, and CTO to your manager.
8. What is the quality of African technology talent in your opinion?
The benefits of Africans working with European or US companies are significant. African professionals bring talent and a strong work ethic to the table. They take their work seriously and are dedicated to delivering quality results. Collaborating with European or US companies offers exposure to diverse corporate cultures and high work standards that align with the latest technology trends. This enriching experience can foster professional growth and personal development.
9. What trends do you see in software development in the coming years?
In the future, software development will be strongly influenced by AI and machine learning. AI will act as a helpful assistant for developers, making learning and coding more efficient. It’s like having a smart sidekick that can understand code and help in problem-solving.
The software will become increasingly user-friendly, making it easy to use on various devices and platforms. This focus on accessibility means that more people, regardless of their abilities or the devices they use, will be able to enjoy and utilize the software.
Rapid technological advancements are on the horizon, allowing developers to turn their creative ideas into reality more quickly and effectively. With new tools and technologies emerging, the possibilities for innovation in software development are vast. These trends, along with an emphasis on security, privacy, open-source collaboration, and knowledge sharing, make for an exciting and dynamic future in software development.
10. Are you still working with KetchUp? What projects are you working on? What are your plans for the future?
Yes, I’m still with KetchUp. I began my journey with the company as a front-end developer and have since evolved into a full-stack developer. Over the years, we’ve made substantial enhancements to our platform, and we’re excited about the progress we’ve achieved. Looking ahead, our plan is to continue building and advancing our platform to meet evolving needs and expectations.
