It’s hard to find good help…

• Posted: May 7, 2007
• |
• Author: Chris Murphy
• |
• Filed under: Uncategorized
• |
• Tags: No tags set for this entry.

Finding good designers and developers is quite the task - especially if you're living in ottawa. Okay, so perhaps I should clarify that - "If you live in Ottawa, are an experienced designer or web developer, chances are you're already employed, or just plain-jane don't exist". How about that?

I’ve been at my new agency - McMillan - for a little over a month now, and as of yesterday we celebrated our 11th anniversary. In that time, I’ve looked at about a dozen portfolios (worth looking at) and talked to web developer after web developer (who actually know what they’re talking about), and yet I have nothing to show for it save frustration. I’m about ready to start taking out ads on various portals looking for overseas or out-of-town talent to fill some new positions that are opening here at McMillan.

I hesitate to say that there is a dought in regards to talented designers and competent developers — actually, I don’t hesitate to say that. Ottawa is in serious need of talent. The schools here have churned out some really talented designers; however the smart ones fly the coup, the rest stick around long enough to ge the cushy government job and, well the cruft - they just plain suck. Mean? Yes, maybe a little. Maybe a lot. I think that’s just my frustration talking.

Case and point — I had a quick (and I do mean quick) chat with a prospective developer whose focus was on standards-compliant development. Wow, finally someone who knew something about something. Turns out this indivudual (you know who you are), prefers to puruse sites and take the CSS, altering the files and claiming them to be developed from the ground up. And they’ve been doing this for the last couple of years. Uh… right.

In any case, I’m posting about this primarily because I would like your help. If you know anyone who is looking for a job and meets the following criteria, please forward on this post or email me your information/portfolio/resume. I would love to hear from you - someone (competent preferably).

Intermediate Web Developer:
At least 2 years industry experience, developing standards-compliant sites/portals;
Strong CSS/XHMLT/JavaScript knowledge;
Understands how to develop for a LAMP server-setup;

Intermediate Web Designer:
At least 2 years industry/studio experience, designing standards-compliant sites/portals;
Understanding of CSS/XHTML/JavaScript/ActionScript helpful, but not essential;
Experience with animating and creating interactive experiences in Flash;

I would love to consider students; I’ve seen some amazing portfolios in the past, and despite the majority who lack the aformentioned credentials, I’m always willing to work with someone who has the talent and self-motivation to learn much of that on the job.

• (6) Comments
• Permalink
• RSS 2.0
• 
•