Just over a year ago, I took the leap and left traditional employment to start my own talent recruiting business by connecting with Goodwin Recruiting. As an experienced hiring manager, I wasn’t a stranger to human resources or the recruiting world, but starting a recruitment company from home was a whole new career path and ballgame.  

The interview process with Goodwin Recruiting was extensive and thorough. In fact, the interviews were so candid and open that at times I felt they were designed to talk me out of joining the team! It was an interesting exercise in discovery, for them and for me. Between my experience as a hiring manager and what was shared with me during the interview process, I thought for sure I knew what I was getting myself into. However, I was not prepared to be so surprised, so often, as I began my own talent recruiting business.  

Looking back on the past year, here are some of my biggest surprises as a recruiting partner with Goodwin Recruiting.   

1. The focus on core values and integrity

Many years ago, I worked in a commission-driven environment. It was cut-throat at best. People would do anything they could to twist the boundaries to increase their commission. Joining Goodwin Recruiting, I knew this role was also based on commission and with my previous experience, I honestly expected it to be much the same. I was prepared to jump in the tank with a bunch of sharks. What I found, however, was quite the opposite. I have watched colleagues make decisions that weren’t in their own best interest, simply because it was the right thing to do. I haven’t yet encountered a recruiting partner here who tries to win by taking advantage of someone else. It doesn’t mesh at all with my last experience in a commission-based role. The colleagues I work with every day at Goodwin Recruiting do what is right, because it is right.    

2. The truly extensive support system

In most of my past positions, there was a similar pattern: Once someone completed training, it was time to go figure it out. The pace of business meant I had to learn quickly. So, when I finished my two-week training with Goodwin, on the precipice of starting my own talent recruiting business, I anticipated the same birth by fire. What I didn’t expect was the opportunity to have multiple weekly calls to talk through challenges with colleagues and mentors – an ongoing system of support, encouragement, and recruiting tools and resources. I didn’t expect to get answers within minutes in challenging situations, and certainly didn’t expect VPs to hop on a call with me within minutes when I hit a snag and needed their support. 

3. The emotional roller coaster

One of the first people I met was a fantastic job candidate named Joe. He had remarkable experience, great tenure, and a genuine and caring demeanor. I was so impressed with him that I quickly became invested in his journey. I was sure that our clients would be fighting for him. Yet, rejection after rejection followed. Many candidates have the opposite experience. I just didn’t realize how emotionally connected I would become to my candidates’ job searches. From the high of calling a recently engaged candidate who moved across the country without a job for love to offer her a position – to the low of letting a candidate know they didn’t get selected, despite several job interviews and high hopes – I didn’t know how much of an emotional roller coaster it would be to walk along this journey with them. But it sure feels right and good to care and remain an advocate no matter the outcome. Relationships are everything in this business. 

4. The true sense of control over daily life

It took me a while to get used to the idea that I don’t have to ‘request’ time off anymore. I simply block my calendar and live my life. Don’t get me wrong, recruiters must put in the work to see the return. However, I no longer need to miss my kids’ school events. I’m home every morning when they wake up and home each night for bedtime. Coming from restaurant operations where time off had to be requested a month in advance, the freedom to run a recruiting business that works for my life has been a game changer. I can take the morning off and put in time after the kids go to bed. I can take vacations without worrying about who else is taking off at the same time. I can put in extra hours when I want more income and take some R&R when I’ve hit my targets. I was told by peers about this aspect of the business, but it didn’t feel real until I had the opportunity to experience it.  

5. The many elements in play

When I interviewed with Goodwin Recruiting, everyone was up front about the challenges. I thought, “It can’t really be that hard!” But I was wrong. Every day, there are so many elements at play. Job candidates can accept (or reject) an offer. Clients can hire (or not hire) my candidates. Candidates can shine (or struggle) during job interviews with hiring managers. The economic winds start changing and influence the hiring market. The list goes on. Building a successful talent recruiting business is far more challenging than I expected – but the rewards are far greater. 

Will you choose talent acquisition as your career path?  

Starting a recruiting business is tough. No doubt about it. However, starting a recruiting business with Goodwin Recruiting by my side was the best choice I could have made.  

If you’re thinking about betting on yourself and beginning a new talent recruiting business, I’d love to share more ins, outs, career tips, and recruiting career advice with you. Feel free to reach out to me today!