Took me long enough…..

I’ve been recruiting since 2000.For a while now, I’ve wanted to start a blog, since I’m a frequent reader of other HR and Recruiting industry blogs. I have alot of opinions on things, and what better a forum. I’m looking forward to sharing and having some great discussions. Here’s a little about my background, and philosophy.

I actually came into the recruiting industry by accident. I had been working for the Commonwealth of Virginia doing PR and Volunteer Recruiting, when an opportunity to do full time “real” recruiting presented itself.  Naturally, being an extrovert, I jumped on the opportunity. It was an instant match.

I began working for a temp agency, (as you’ll see, I won’t be using any employer names here past, present or otherwise), and started out in recruiting for a myriad of positions, including Light Industrial, Administrative, Legal and Technical. It’s where I got my start, and I then moved on to a contingency staffing firm, focusing on technical placements. I think back now about the way we had to work to get done what we did. It was crazy. Some great people I worked with.

Job 2 was really where I cut my teeth. It’s where I learned how to really source. To go and find people, to target specific candidates and match them up with a client’s needs. It’s where I learned the art of the deal, and how to engage candidates as though you were their agent, and to be looking for their best interests as well. THIS is where it was at. Not just for the money, but for building a network and trusted adviser for ones career search…their livelihood. The money was good too, can’t lie there.

Job 3 led me to the corporate side, where I still am now, and have an appreciation for both sides of the fence. Being on the corporate side lends itself to being an internal consultant to your “clients” or co-workers. It has allowed me to pursue endeavors and harness skill sets that just aren’t always possible on the staffing side. There’s a little more process and structure, but its manageable.

I’ve been fortunate to have great mentors and some excellent co-workers and bosses. A lot of people who have looked out for me, and my career. For that I’m grateful. I believe in paying it forward, to borrow a phrase. That’s why I’m passionate about recruiting and networking going hand-in-hand. Being able to ingrain yourself in a community, and to assist and be assisted, is a valuable skill and a resourceful tool in recruiting.