Recruitment experiences at Rakettitiede – 2/3: Deliberation and the deciding factor
We asked our latest resources to tell us how they discovered Rakettitiede, what the recruitment process felt like and how they’ve found life onboard the Rocket so far. These thoughts are published in three parts, and here’s blog post number two.
In the previous part of this series of blog posts, our most recent recruits shared their first impressions of Rakettitiede. The recruits’ first meetings with Rakettitiede introduced them to the company’s straightforward work culture, competent colleagues and better than average pay. Next, we’ll hear some more about whether these first impressions changed in the course of the recruitment process and what ultimately sealed the decision to sign the employment contract.
What made you become interested in Rakettitiede?
Okay, let’s be honest: money counts. But it’s not enough to seal the deal. The new rocket scientists told us that the size of the salary mattered but that interesting projects were another reason to get excited about the Rocket: at Rakettitiede, projects are up for grabs to those who are most drawn to them and no one is forced to take on projects they don’t want to do. The opportunities for self-development and the variety of a career in consulting also influenced the decision of the many recruits. In addition, the knowledge and skills of the experienced crew were considered beneficial for personal development.
Being a workplace for adults also received a few mentions. There may be no bouncy castles or table hockey tournaments but at least you get to laugh all the way to the bank and enjoy some adult company (apologies for sounding a bit like a personal ad). Honesty and the company’s no BS attitude were also appreciated.
“Numero uno: the salary. The industry standard is something completely different. However, another thing that has proved even more important than the pay is the diversity of work and the development of one’s skills. Even with 20 years of experience, there is still a lot to learn all the time. As a consultant you get an opportunity to be part of something that the steady grind of staying at one workplace isn’t able to offer. The third reason for switching over to Rakettitiede was the frustration I was experiencing with regard to my work and work atmosphere at the time.” Tuomas, resource #34
“The meetings I had before I was hired convinced me that my future colleagues were experts in their field and that the tasks were challenging enough to keep things interesting.” Hannu, resource #38
“I had previously thought about becoming an entrepreneur or a freelance consultant at some point. [- -] The option offered by Rakettitiede, combining an ‘adult’ work environment, fair pay and freedom to make your own choices, began to feel like the step I should take next in my career as a consultant.” Joona, resource #36
“What made Rakettitiede interesting was that I didn’t have to find a new place to work if and when I wanted to take on new challenges. The compensation for the work also seemed really good.” Mikko, resource #30
“I think the deciding factor was my insatiable desire to build rocket engines. No, on second though... It was probably the fact that everyone at Rakettitiede has a sense of humour, even though we’re serious about our super exciting work. The salary isn’t bad either. A particularly nice addition is that you get to have a say on the assignments you like to be involved with.” Joni, resource #40
“There are two points that impressed me. Normally as a candidate you talk to product manager, team lead, and this is it. In my case I met most of the future colleagues which is great. The second point was amazing: I realized that people are so relaxed, they are having so much fun while doing things they are doing. Immediately I decided to join then.” Alexei, resource #32
“People. All of them give me the vibe of being chill but extremely professional. I like that. Besides, the salary is very high.” Bao, resource #37
“As someone already mentioned, the Rocket’s ‘no bullshit’ attitude felt particularly attractive. And the compensation model, of course. I got the feeling that, if you work for the Rocket, you’re going to be working alongside some pretty hardcore professionals.” Resource #33
What sealed your decision to board the rocket?
A couple of developers said they had had some doubts about becoming consultants while they were considering joining Rakettitiede. In our previous post, resource #34 said he was nervous about entering “the precarious and unpredictable realm of consulting after spending time in the numbingly safe corporate world” (lucky for us, one of his future colleagues assured him that there would be plenty of interesting assignments for him to do). A rocket scientist knows how to write code and communicate, so the art of knowing how to sell oneself was given a lot of thought as well.
“Salary model of Rakettitiede is different from other consultancy companies. Which means that the risk is higher and of course, reward is higher also. You have to have good technical skills and know how to sell yourself. Sales team do their best to get you an interview, but to get it, it’s really up to you. At that time, joining Rakettitiede was a big move for me to get out of my comfort zone. I wouldn’t consider those facts as blocker but rather something to think before joining the team.” Bao, resource #37
The final decision to sign the employment contract was influenced by many factors: the applicant’s personal situation, the benefits offered by Rocket as well as the possibility of becoming a partner and being able to influence the business. Of course, finding a suitable project is always a prerequisite for signing, too – a fact mentioned by many.
“The combination of freedom and responsibility seemed good. I was a little tired of the traditional way of thinking: as if my only job was to charge as much as possible. If the client is satisfied, I’m fine with working shorter hours and earning less. If new things had to be learned outside (normal) working hours, it would take up too much time from the rest of my life. I was used to working at the clients’ premises, so the idea of having various forms of entertainment at the office didn’t really even cross my mind. The opportunity to invest in the company and being able to influence the business was also an important reason for joining Rakettitiede.” Joona, resource #36
“Let’s be honest. It was the mon... I mean, the people. Let’s say money and people. On second though, let’s go with money, the people and the fancy logo. All the rocket scientists I met during the recruitment process seemed really laid back and fun. With all these amazing people (and money) around, what could go wrong? You can’t help but like working here.” Joni, resource #40
In the final part of the Recruitment Experiences series, we’ll let you know what the work looks like onboard the Rocket and what the work has been like compared to the recruits’ previous experiences.
Interested in becoming a rocket scientist? We’re looking for more embedded, mobile and full stack developers to board our rocket ship – read more and apply!
Read the rest of the series:
Part 1: 1/3 – The first bite