Having spent the past 28 years in the Technical Recruiting industry, I started my own business in 2006 with one purpose in mind: To be the best at matching exceptional IT talent with outstanding organizations. And to have fun doing it! I have achieved that goal and so much more thanks to my loyal network and the team I have assembled who live by my same philosophy. I encourage you to read their bios, too.
I DON’T DO INTERVIEWS
Yes, networking is the key, but my team and I go beyond the usual handshake and exchange of business cards to truly connect and build relationships with prospective employees and clients. As a Technical Recruiter, I meet a lot of people, but I prefer to think of our meetings as friendly two-way conversations, and most of them take place over casual cups of coffee or lunch. Such a personal, non-threatening setting helps my candidates feel at ease and allows me to truly get to know them on a professional as well as a personal level. I tell them they are interviewing me as much as I am interviewing them. It has to be a two-way fit, and most of the time, it is.
I BUILD IT BEFORE I NEED IT
Relationship-building doesn’t only happen during these meetings. I constantly build and “nudge” my network. I diligently seek out candidates before I need them. I make sure my employees (prospective and actual) as well as my clients know how important they are to me at all times. I respond to email and phone messages immediately. I do my best to answer all questions and resolve any issues quickly and efficiently. I follow through on all challenges. I stay in touch.
I’m a recruiter who doesn’t fall off the radar screen once I’ve placed a candidate or filled a position. I understand who provides my paycheck and whose recommendations enable me to have a wealth of clients and prospective candidates. It’s hard work but I get it done, and that’s where I’ve seen my competitors fall short.
GIVE SOMETHING BACK
We have a sign on the wall of our conference room that constantly reminds us to “Give Something Back.” The most satisfaction we get as a team is when we cook dinner together with clients several times a year at the Hershey Ronald McDonald House. We support local charities and school fundraising events. It is not possible to do enough to help those in need, and it’s our mission to give back a large portion of our success.
LET’S HAVE FUN
And above all, I’ve been told time and again I make the whole process fun! I laugh easily. I know how to put people at ease, to make them laugh, and to make them feel good about themselves. I like to believe I’m sincere and loyal, and I know what it takes to make job candidates, employees and clients understand that they are the most important part of my professional life. You are not just another resume to me. You are not just another potential paycheck. You are the reason for my success, and I promise I will do all I can to be the reason for yours.
And, in the spirit of fun, here are 10 things you may not know about me:
1. I played the piano (“Silent Night”) on TV when I was 5 years old.
2. I am an avid dollhouse and miniature collector. Seriously – it’s a problem.
3. I owned two children’s clothing stores for 10 years in Hershey and Harrisburg, PA.
4. I love to cook and went to a cooking school in Italy and the Cordon Bleu in Paris.
5. I once collected autographs and have treasured notes from visits with Liberace, Glen Campbell, Karen & Richard Carpenter, and Peggy Fleming, to name a few.
6. I’m an avid traveler and have been to over 45 countries and 48 states.
7. I have two grandsons whom I love more than anything in the entire world!
8. I started my business, SGC, in 2006 with no business plan, no budget, no strategy, and practically no money. Failure was not an option!
9. I was on a curling team. It was not an Olympic sport back then!
10. I lived with a Dutch family in Holland the summer after I graduated from high school.