I can only speak to #1, but dang, it's so true. I don't know what the F some companies are doing, requiring C++, Java, JavaScript and 6 other technologies (and mentioning eg ClearCase by name, WTF!). Is it that HR is deluged with irrelevant resumes, and they think that by tightening the requirements they'll get fewer? Or is it that, getting to 'wish into the void', they get a boost in vicarious self-esteem by asking for their idea of 'only the best'? (I think I've seen this once, is why this possibility occurred to me). But yeah, being conscientious I don't submit myself when I see something /required/ that I don't have. Then some recruiter will come along and say "Well, they're not so serious about that". I agree that the HR layer doesn't suit IT.
One other peeve, companies that talk like they're so special: "You'll love us, we're not like the rest, everyone sits on big red chairs here!". I don't know why that bugs me, but I'd say save it for the interview / tour. At least restrain it a bit in the job ad.
One other peeve, companies that talk like they're so special: "You'll love us, we're not like the rest, everyone sits on big red chairs here!". I don't know why that bugs me, but I'd say save it for the interview / tour. At least restrain it a bit in the job ad.