November 6, 2023
•
5
min read
In today's interview, we delve into the world hiring with Rafał Rozpondek, VP of Engineering and an expert in data processing at Datumo. As a prominent Big Data company, Datumo aims to provide tailored solutions and support to clients while fostering a vibrant working environment. Rafał sheds light on the recruitment program, shares insights for potential candidates, and highlights the unique culture that sets Datumo apart from other companies. Join us as we explore the possibilities at Datumo.
Asia: Hi Rafał, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.
Rafał: It's my pleasure, Asia. I'm happy to be here.
A: Since Datumo is constantly recruiting, I thought we could talk about the hiring process and offer some insights for people who might want to apply.
R: Sounds like a plan! I'm ready when you are.
A: To start, can you tell us something about yourself and your daily role at Datumo?
R: Certainly. I'm Rafał Rozpondek, I work on data processing, and I also specialize in designing data platforms. At Datumo, I put together and manage engineering teams, and I also set up programs to help our engineers develop their skills.
A: Could you tell us a bit about Datumo?
R: Datumo is primarily a team of exceptional individuals who are experts in designing Big Data and Cloud platforms. We thoroughly believe in the power of data, which is why we are dedicated to creating custom Big Data platforms that meet our clients' specific needs. We offer comprehensive support to entire teams and provide expert assistance in data migration to the cloud, business process automation, Big Data architecture design, and the creation and production of machine learning models. We understand that data is about people and for people, and our goal is to help individuals understand the value and potential of Big Data.
We also offer training services in various Big Data technologies such as Scala, Apache Spark, Apache Kafka, Apache Airflow, and more. Our training programs promote best practices and generate interest in using new technologies in business to overcome challenges effectively.
Process and recruitment selection
A: What does the recruitment process look like at Datumo?
R: Our program really stands out from the crowd. We believe in the model that organizations develop objectives, and the recruitment strategy follows it. For entry-level positions, there will be a task to evaluate practical knowledge. However, if you have professional experience, you can bypass this step. After identifying candidates for specialist recruitment we will have a personality interview to learn more about you, your hobbies, motivations, and communication skills. The next step is the technical interview, where our experts will evaluate your tech-savviness and problem-solving skills. If you are successful throughout the process, we will make you an offer without delay. Overall, the process should not take more than two weeks, depending on both parties' availability. Our workforce recruitment program focuses on attracting and retaining top talent through innovative strategies and technologies.
Recruitment: an introduction
A: So what can a new employee expect in their first days at Datumo?
R: Once you accept our offer, we begin a thorough on-boarding process, starting with the pre-onboarding phase. Our Operations Department takes care of all the necessary formalities before you start working with us. A week before your start date, you'll receive all the access you need and our excellent handbook to help you get to know our company even before you even start. On your first day at Datumo, you'll start your on-boarding and meet the Operations Department and then someone to show you the ropes. Our experienced technical leaders have developed a well-structured process that includes regular mentorship meetings to provide proper training and preparation for your work. We use the same technologies in our projects that you'll be working on, so you can expect exciting tasks during your first few days, such as training repositories prepared by our team and code review sessions to help you improve and refresh your skills.
R: At Datumo, we value exceptional people and we really want to create a positive and engaging atmosphere. Our motto is that who we work with is just as important as what we do. It's our strategy. That's why, during our process, we assess both technical and soft skills. We believe that communication, teamwork, motivation, and a positive attitude are just as important as technical skills when choosing the right candidate.
At Datumo, we foster a startup culture that is free of hierarchical barriers. We prioritize mutual trust and give our team a lot of independence. And that's why we're staying ahead of the latest trends.
If you're seeking a workplace with friendly and like-minded colleagues, we encourage you to apply to Datumo.
Multi-tier recruitment model
A: What sets us apart from the competition in the recruitment model?
R: What sets us apart is our commitment to providing transparent feedback to every candidate throughout the process, regardless of success. We go beyond a simple thank you message as we strive to give guidance on areas for improvement and offer suggestions for future attempts. Our recruiters have received grateful replies from candidates for this detailed feedback, and some have even returned for another try after some time. Our feedback provides actionable insights for candidates and is highly valued by them. Also that's my tip to improve recruitment. Provide a feedback to every candidate, no matter what!
Workforce Recruitment Program
A: What kind of candidates is Datumo currently seeking?
R: Well... Recruitment campaign entails the active pursuit, discovery, and selection of candidates to fill a particular role or job. About potential job candidates - At Datumo, we seek friendly and motivated individuals who share our values. We uphold values of growth, responsibility, respect, transparency, and passion. We appreciate long-term collaboration, and as a rapidly growing company, we focus on individuals with a desire to develop. The key is to establish clearly defined standards and expectations for the ideal job candidate. We believe everyone can unleash their potential with the right motivation and tools - whether you’re seeking a job for right now or just a career change We are currently looking for Data Engineers with at least three years of experience in the Big Data stack (with knowledge of Apache Spark and Cloud), English proficiency at the B2 level, and communicative proficiency in Polish. We are also seeking experienced individuals interested in a Team Leader role. We welcome those starting their IT career with less programming experience. Implementing a multi-tier model has significantly improved our talent acquisition strategy, resulting in a more diverse and qualified candidate pool. Apply now through our website career section to embark on a journey of growth and innovation with us. You can also find us at industry job portals or attending job fairs, especially at universities which is another method of recruiting external candidates. We don't use recruitment firms.
A: Internal or external hiring: which approach does Datumo prioritize when filling key positions?
R: It's a comparison of different types of job recruitment and also a multi-tier recruitment model. In many cases, organizations aim to strike a balance between internal hiring and external recruitment, leveraging the strengths of both approaches. Internal recruitment can foster loyalty and motivation among existing employees, while external recruitment often brings in fresh perspectives and diverse skill sets. The specific choice depends on the unique needs of the role, the organization's growth strategy, and the availability of qualified candidates both internally and externally. It's essential to evaluate each situation individually to determine the most suitable approach for a given position. I believe that recruiting external candidates is necessary to infuse new skills and perspectives into the organization, fostering innovation and growth.
A: If you could give one piece of advice regarding development and career growth to newcomers in the IT field, what would it be?
R: My recommendation to anyone starting in IT would be to never stop learning. Wherever you are in your career journey. While learning technology can be challenging and time-consuming, it's essential to persevere and stay up-to-date in order to achieve your goals and gain real-world experience. At Datumo, we've had candidates in the past who didn't have enough knowledge and, unfortunately, didn't move past the initial stages of the process. However, some of these individuals reapplied after a few months with greater knowledge and successfully completed our specialist recruitment. Therefore, investing time in learning and having that never-give-up attitude is highly appreciated by Datumo. Clearly defining success for the role is crucial in setting realistic expectations and evaluating performance. I wish all beginners in the IT field the best of luck and encourage them to keep pushing forward. But remember! Your future starts here. Apply today and unlock new possibilities for your career!
A: Rafał, thank you so much for your time, and we hope for continued success in discovering new talented candidates.
R: I appreciate your time as well. If any readers are interested in showcasing their skills, we look forward to checking out their CVs.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Don't miss this opportunity and let's shape the future together!
