about us:
linda tuerk, jim thomas, and john barry
We are hands-on recruiters enjoying repeat business based on ethical practices. We are not a large agency, and have made the decision to keep our business personal and hands-on. We believe that retained search services should be offered at contingency rates with small deposits We are a provider of quality search services backed by impressive statistics:
- Survived 1985, 1991, 2001-2004, 2008
- No sourcing from Dice, Monster, HotJobs, etc.
- Recruiting the old-fashioned way — with people!
- No legal trouble, ever
- High rate of repeat business
- Still using our real names
The most important thing to know about us is that we subscribe to a specific code of ethics developed over time, in reaction to the sleazy reputation of the industry. We want everyone to be more careful an have fewer nightmares to report. We want every recruiter to shoot higher, even if we compete with them (we believe that all of us benefit when everyone behaves professionally).
We believe that Ethical Headhunters and Real Recruiters
- take time to know the people and companies they work with;
- mediate the decision making process - they don't produce it;
- don't make promises they can't keep;
- monitor integrity levels and investigate inconsistencies;
- do not pretend to know things they do not know;
- will call off a deal at the 11th hour if it is not of benefit to everyone involved;
- have clients and candidates that work with them again and again;
- facilitate a "no-surprises-later" environment...they carefully ferret out potential problems, and bring them forward for discussion in a professional manner;
- are happy to provide references;
- use their real names, with everyone, all the time.
Other ways we are different:
- We Don't Work the Boards. We don't have the time, and that's not what our clients want us to do. We are busy staying in touch with (and getting referrals from) the over 3000 Valley folks we have become friendly with. Besides there are thousands of "kitchen recruiters" working the boards (by the way, we don't think a board referral should run higher than 5%).
- It has always been our contention that a fee should not get in the way of doing what is right, especially when it is right in front of you.
- We Don't Send Resumes! We will also not be asking for your resume here.
- We Don't Hide From Human Resources Management and Staff (more on how we are different).
History
History of the SiliconValleySearch.com Partnership Linda Tuerk and Jim Thomas met as rookies at Management Recruiters in 1984. They were independent recruiters who share similar business philosophies, and they enjoyed working together on several projects a year. Both Jim and Linda realize in hindsight that they were extremely lucky to be put on the "EDP" and Telecom desks 24+ years ago, and very grateful to have survived the 2001-2003 "depression" in those areas. Jim and Linda began joint marketing in 1992, and formally joined as website partners in 1996.
Linda met John Barry via clients, after hearing of his high integrity level in the contract services world (harder than ever to find!). Since working with John on several projects, it became clear to Linda that John lives up to his excellent reputation. So we were glad to have him join our hub at SiliconValleySearch.com in 1998.
Since 1997, the purpose of this website has been to encourage the reference checking of headhunters (you'll spend four hours checking dishwashers ), promote ethical search and hiring practices, and (to be honest) reduce our coaching time on the phone. We have never had any spyware, advertising, obnoxious pop-ups, cookies, or spam campaigns. We have always considered this a "good karma" site, with a pretty decent comedy page.
Contact Linda for the correct and appropriate referral. (contactus)
Please Note:
- We can rarely help candidates with less than two years experience.
- We cannot help with major career changes, or candidates who are unable to provide references, verify salary, degrees, etc.
- We cannot help with relocation to California.
- We cannot help with H-1 Visa processing or any other immigration issues.
In 1999, SiliconValleySearch.com was well positioned to be a high-quality referral source for a growing number of industries in several geographical markets. All of our affiliates subscribed to a code of ethics, had been in their business an average of 10+ years, and used their real names all of the time. At one point we had nearly 20 associates for referrals. In 2001-2003, over 90% of High-Tech recruiters went out of business, and we continue to rebuild our network for referrals. For criteria on the headhunters we want to speak with please see our note to headhunters.
Backgrounds
John Barry, Software Images
John Barry started programming in Silicon Valley while still in high school at Saratoga. He earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at UC Berkeley in 1978. As a founder, and later President, of Computerac, John managed the resources of this stable time share computer service from 1980-1988. Branching out on his own as Software Images, John delivered the high level of service expected, demonstrated by remarkable repeat business.
His specialties as a programmer, software engineer, architect, and project manager include Java J2EE (Struts, JSP, HTML, Spring, Hibernate, XML, JDBC, JMX, JAAS, Weblogic, Tomcat, Websphere), Java desktop Swing applications, EDI (X12, EDIFACT), Oracle, SqlServer, and MySql. His application experience crosses manufacturing, finance, distribution, returns, medical, and mobile domains.
Since 1996, John has acted as a broker for contract programmers, and has enjoyed the same high rate of repeat business in this recruiting and placement practice. One reason for John's success is that John personally guarantees his consultants work (he is hands on enough to do that very well) and the team provides a valuable resource as a think-tank should a contractor get stuck on the job.
John also provides technical interviewing/screening services as well as general payroll (W-2) services that include Blue Cross heath Insurance. John has never missed a payroll. You can contact John directly via e-mail: john@software-images.com.
Jim Thomas, Thomas & Associates
An independent consultant since 1988, Jim has specialized in Communications/Electronics since 1984. His clients range from Microwave and RF component manufacturers to communications service providers to satellite manufacturers. He has active networks available to him in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Sales & Marketing, and General Management. He resides in the Los Angeles area. He works with clients in SiliconValley and throughout California, and occasionally in the Northwest and Arizona.
As of 2007, Jim is semi-retired, but does take on special assignments.
A native of Buffalo, New York, Jim spent four years in the U.S. Air Force before earning his BA from Cal State, Northridge. Jim spent ten years as a social worker, and five years as an entrepreneur before joining Management Recruiters in 1984. After four years as a resident specialist in High Tech, Jim became an independent consultant.
Like Linda, Jim enjoys a hands-on approach to the search business. As a result, he travels to Silicon Valley frequently to meet candidates and visit clients. He is personally gratified to be instrumental in building departments and divisions. He enjoys a high rate of return in repeat business with existing clients. Jim's references attest to his effectiveness and high regard regard for ethics, and he will be happy to forward a customized list of references upon request.
Linda Tuerk, Silicon Valley Search
Linda is an independent recruiter and search consultant specializing in the Information Systems and Technology field. Her area of concentration originated in the ASK, Hewlett Packard, and DEC/VAX manufacturing environments which gave her broad experience working with mid-sized high-tech companies requiring global business applications and infrastructure.
She routinely recruits in the areas of Business Intelligence and Reporting, Executive Dashboard development, ERP Applications (Oracle, SAP, PeopleSoft), Internet/Intranet & Mobile Applications, CRM, Data Warehousing, and Global Infrastructure. She can also be effective in the areas of Finance (Director and CFO levels only), Manufacturing, and General Management in the High Technology arena. She is the creator and developer of SiliconValleySearch.com.
Born and raised in Southern California, Linda received her B.A. from Connecticut College and spent two years with Merrill Lynch before joining Management Recruiters in the summer of 1984. She was designated the Account Executive of the Year for the Pacific Region, CompuSearch Division in 1987 and achieved Certified Senior Account Manager status before leaving to start her own practice. Independent since 1989, it is her goal to meet every person she works with, and Linda spends much of her time "on the road" in the San Francisco Bay Area visiting clients and conducting candidate profile interviews in person. Linda is particularly interested in working with "sane" companies that enjoy reasonable growth and maintain a stable executive team (less than 30% turnover average). She is happy to discuss discounts in return for retainers/deposits. (Why should sharing risk cost more!?!)
Statistics:
- Due to a resume policy that has served to clarify any confusion surrounding the issue of unsolicited resumes, Linda has never been involved in any serious fee dispute;
- Over 75% of first interviews arranged by Linda proceed to the second round, and over 40% of those result in a hire.
- More than 93% of offers tendered through Linda have been accepted. 100% of her placements have stuck since 1989.
Linda volunteered twenty hours per month with the Glide Job Skills Program in the Tenderloin district of San Francisco 1995–2002, and taught similar classes at San Jose's InnVision for the first half of 2004, before the faith-based program, San Jose First, was cut. The majority of her male students were coming out of San Quentin and Elmwood on drug related charges, and the women were frequently coming from prison as well. This experience, working at the other end of the employment spectrum, has given her broad insights into interview coaching techniques, hireability, job retention, and overcoming past histories. Linda's specialty is helping candidates find the most attractive way to tell the truth, but to always tell the truth.
As of 2009, Linda is officially offering job search advice on a sliding scale to job seekers (jobseeker.html). She also devotes significant time coaching the unemployed in Silicon Valley, and making pro bono referrals when needed.
When working with SiliconValleySearch.com, initial contacts go through Linda in the form of brief e-mails. All inquiries are scanned by human eyes and referred quickly to the proper partner or alliance as soon a possible.
Our Philosophy, or How We are Different
- We Don't Work the Boards. We don't have the time, and that's not what our clients want us to do. We are busy staying in touch with (and getting referrals from) the over 3000 Valley folks we have become friendly with. Besides there are thousands of "kitchen recruiters" working the boards (by the way, we don't think a board referral should command any fee higher than 5%).
- "Scanned By Human Eyes, Humanized!" We ask for a simple e-mail explaining your requirements and interests; your request will not enter a database; a live human being will read and respond to your inquiry with the appropriate referral in a timely manner.
- We have a vested interest in treating you well; our business is only as good as our reputation, and we have each been at this nearly 25 years. We are not aggressive arm-twisters, and we will not waste your time (or our clients') with awkward interviews for which you aren't qualified, and most importantly, your resume will not be mailed en masse. We are experienced at handling sensitive situations discreetly. Linda has not had a "fall-off" since 1989; Jim hasn't since 1993. We provide, as you may have noticed, a lot of free advice about how to conduct a job search without a recruiter. If you need additional help, we provide it at a discounted rate on a sliding scale. Please see more about our new services page. Regardless of your business relationship with us, if we know there is a perfect spot for you, but they aren't paying our fee, we will make the introduction anyway. It has always been our contention that a fee should not get in the way of doing what is right, especially when it is right in front of you.
- "Fewer Clients. Less money" is our motto rather than "Show me the money!" We have consciously chosen to focus on quality rather than quantity. If we cannot help you, we are happy to make referrals to other firms we have heard good things about.
- It has always been our contention that a fee should not get in the way of doing what is right, especially when it is right in front of you. We have always done a lot of pro bono work for all salary ranges.
- We Don't Send Resumes! Because the #1 complaint about headhunters is that all they do is forward resumes. Many candidates have had their anonymity blown in the process. Since we receive referrals to candidates that will not otherwise work with recruiters, we have developed a process that has proven to be a reasonable compromise for all involved. Before referral for an introductory meeting, we have met the individual in person, we have a credible reference, and we have spent time on the phone determining style, character, and strengths. Once the hiring exec has pencilled in a 30 minute meeting, the complete and unedited resume will be forwarded, and that meeting can be cancelled if the resume is not acceptable (occurs less than 5% of the tiime.)
- We Set Introductory Meetings BEFORE Scheduling Multiple Interviews, saving four hours of personal and corporate time in the initial process! We have all had this happen to us: looks good on paper, sounds good on the phone, but when you meet the candidate, you know in 5 minutes you will not hire him or her. If the candidate doesn't hit it off with the hiring executive, we believe the time investment should be no more than 30 minutes. Both candidates and hiring execs have told us how much they like this process. All candidates within 50 miles are screened in person by Linda or John.
- We Will Not Be Asking for Your Resume or Posting Jobs Here. We are not in the yellow pages either! We are hands-on recruiters enjoying repeat business based on ethical practices. We are not a large agency, and have made the decision to keep our business personal and hands-on.
To Human Resources
We Don't Hide From Human Resources Management and Staff: We know that your biggest complaint is the sneaking around. We don't play those games; not one of us has ever had a fee dispute, nor have we ever been to court over a misunderstanding. We are careful recruiters, and our placements stick remarkably well. We are not interested in competing against you, but would love to work with you. ...Candidates Can Trust Us!
The Retainer vs Contingency Myth We are neither "boiler-room" operation nor "employment agency." We don't send a bunch of resumes your way hoping one will stick. It is our intent to provide retained search service on a contingency basis, and contract services that enhance our reputation. We think you'll find our level of service a refreshing change. We have references that go back more than 20 years in Silicon Valley, and the vast majority of our business is repeat and referral business. We don't believe in sending candidates we know little about to companies we know nothing about.
To Other Recruiters
We Want Other Recruiters To Borrow From Us! We believe that if the reputation of recruiters, from temp agencies to retained firms, was improved, life would be easier for all of us. So go ahead and use some of our stuff if it suits you. If you print it out for your clients/candidates though, please make sure SiliconValleySearch.com is recognized as the source. Remember it is copyrighted. If you like our style, have a similar style, and at least a one-year history of quality search experience, we would like to know about you. We are especially interested in knowing specialists in any High Tech Employment Service, especially in Software Engineering, Sales and Marketing, Contract Programming, Hardware Engineering, MarkComm, Technical Writing, and Executive Search. We want to be able to make more referrals to our clients and candidates for searches we can't take on due to volume. We also want to make sure the referrals are top quality. We are not talking about conventional splits here. Just referrals with reciprocal gratuities of 1-10%. We don't add people to our network indiscriminately. We are more interested in quality work than in high production. If you have a good reputation and enjoy long term relationships with your clients and candidates, we want to talk with you.