What is your role at LJTP (describe in more detail than just the title)?
I’m a Talent Acquisition Consultant. That can mean anything from day-to-day recruiting for a client to helping them build their overall recruiting strategy. I’ve worked both as a supplement to my client’s recruiting team and as a solo practitioner, doing all the recruiting myself. I’m also an unofficial member of the Lucas James training department, teaching classes on how to market job ads most effectively.
What did you do prior to joining LJTP?
I’ve been in recruiting for more than 20 years. I started as a recruiter for a staffing firm, then transitioned into consulting. I spent 10 years with Monster.com, traveling around the country and advising clients on their overall recruiting strategy as well as training their Talent Acquisition teams. I’ve also been a Director of TA and owned my own consultancy.
What drew you to LJTP originally? And how has LJTP changed since?
As soon as I understood the business model, I was beyond excited. The interview process confirmed that I was joining a group of professionals and my time in the company has only made me happier about my decision. Since joining, I’ve been impressed by the openness, the transparency, and the genuine kindness that I’ve experienced from everyone I’ve met.
What is your favorite part about working at LJTP?
The clients are great. Engaged, easy to work with, and fun to recruit for. I’ve had two clients, both in fields that I’ve never hired for. Learning about their business and making those hires brings me great professional satisfaction.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
If you’re in recruiting, the answer is usually “the people”. However, it’s also the answer to “what do you love the MOST about your job?”
Exploring someone’s motivations, and being able to align what they want and what they need with what your client is offering can be challenging, but it’s also incredibly rewarding when it goes right. Those are the times when I’m truly glad I chose recruiting for a career.
How has LJTP helped you grow personally and professionally?
Working with smart people makes you smarter. I’ve seen so many examples of people coming up with unique solutions to problems that I’m not sure would have ever occurred to me. The spirit of egoless cooperation is infectious – everyone collaborates with each other to reach the best response to a situation, not just the easiest one.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Back when I was a traveling consultant with an expense account, I got very good at finding restaurants in new cities. Not ones that everyone just considered “the best”, but the offbeat, interesting spots that were famous for maybe one dish, or one cocktail. My wife and I love finding new places and new experiences in Atlanta, but now I get to keep going to them over and over again.