What motivates you?
My motivation and personal mission is providing an enjoyable work day for as many people as I can. We all have to work, almost all day, almost all our lives. Let’s make the workplace one where we can all conquer challenge, have fun, grow, create win/win’s, and improve the lives of those we encounter. When that is accomplished, we “want” and “get” to work, rather than “have” to work.
When did you start selling and/or recruiting?
I shifted from software to recruiting in 2002, what a change, from dealing with machines to dealing with people, both are equally finicky! Jokes aside, watching people’s lives change through their landing a new job is one of the most rewarding aspects of working in the “people business”. Ironically, as the company grew, I shifted back to a mostly hands on tech role. The blend of tech and people is really enjoyable. Tech has so much power, but without the people it’s worthless, and of course, these days, vice versa!
What is the biggest mistake job seekers make?
Forgetting thank you notes. It’s so easy, and these days more than ever, a simple way to stand heads and shoulders above the crowd. Every interview, every one you speak to, send them a thank you note. No exceptions, ever.
What’s the biggest compliment a client or candidate ever paid you?
“It’s nice to work with a recruiter who seems to care more about my career than they do their commission.” If you don’t genuinely care about PEOPLE you won’t last long in recruiting.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to be a police officer, the first half of my college career was in the criminal justice/law enforcement program. My love of technology and business finally took over, although during my first accounting (booooring) class I was definitely questioning that change of plans!
Where did you go to school, college, major?
Towson University, Bachelor’s in Management/Economics
What do you do for fun/spend your free time?
Spending time with my wife and children, outside preferably. When I can’t be outside with the family, I’m usually under my headphones, trying to keep up with the ever changing world of technology.
What do you typically eat for breakfast?
I drink a green concoction that my wife promises is healthy for me. Getting old is awesome.
Publications
These Days, Everyone is a Coder…How Can you Stand Out from the Crowd?
Interview Tips – How to Act Like a Human in an Interview
8 Seconds?! That’s all my Resume Gets?! How to Make each Second Count
