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Why do folks continue to market technology job openings with the words "ninja" or "rockstar"?
I just got an email where the subject line was "Looking for UX Ninjas for Mobile...". In the body of the email, it actually stated "You love user experience (Ninja skill level)...". Really? When did "ninja" become a measurable level of acumen?
Why do people, especially recruiters, persist with these terms. The first one to use such a term is cool. (Or not, depending on your taste). Every application after that is just cliched and not useful.
If I use the "ninja" term in my current search for an amazing Interaction Designer will I strike gold?
Is it me? Am I alone?
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5 Answers
Because these types of marketing terms play into the enormous egos of those who basically just sit in a chair their whole life.
I could post pictures of what a rockstar really looks like and a ninja, well, I guess if I was able to show you a picture of a real ninja, he'd be a pretty crappy ninja, I mean, what ninja lets you take a picture of him? "I mean right?" I digress.
Take a look at this Rockstar-Ninja: http://www.theblackninja.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/rockstar_ninja3.png
So, obviously ninja Rockstar-ninjas do exists, and as long as they do, computer programmers will always flock to jobs where they will be assimilated with one.
I've had the same experience on several occasions, although not only with Ninja, but Rockstar, Superstar, Cookie Cutter, Guru, etc. I believe that these terms lighten up the mood for small businesses or startups. They allow you to feel more comfortable with what they are offering - and that's probably a small tight knit team environment full of guys who are really passionate about what they are spending time on.
These same guys are polar opposite the major corps' offering high-end senior level jobs; and they are trying to make you aware of that. If your that distraught over the terminology the job probably isn't for you; and that is most likely there goal. It weeds out who is interested and who isn't.
Garrett - Thanks for the response. I think you're mostly right,... minus the "distraught" part. I don't think it's an attempt to weed folks out. I doubt anyone says "I'm not a ninja! (aka bad-ass)" or "no way I would work for a place that marketed their job 'for ninjas only'".
I have no problem with the intent,... guess I'm just looking for some more creativity.
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Nice pic, Matt.
I wonder if it because that is what we wanted to be when we were kids.
Like it, Dave. Appealing to your inner child would be a great tactic, intentional or not, for a startup.
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