As a kid, I never dreamed of becoming an HR professional or working in Recruiting Operations. My dreams were to become a garbage man - my dad always told me if that’s the case, then own the garbage company… Yet, here I am, 13 years into my career, and LOVE working in the HR function, building Recruiting Operations teams, and expanding my experience into other parts of HR to hopefully become a Chief People Officer one day.

The Next Chapters

My career in Recruiting Operations didn’t take the normal path of moving up the ranks from being a Recruiting Coordinator or coming over after years of being a recruiter. I think there is value in looking at candidates with atypical experiences that have highly transferable skills. 

The learnings I have in my career are this:

1. Several roles in your career will be through referrals or someone you know, so always network - and pay it forward to others in need!

2. Take assessments to understand your interests and motivators - use it as data when someone asks why you might be changing roles, functions, companies, or industries.

3. When you find someone you love working with, follow them if the opportunity arises - Collaborating with someone you work well with makes the hard days at work seem trivial because you are working with people you enjoy.

4. Hire someone with an atypical background - their diverse experience will bring positive value in ways you don’t even realize. 

5. Take time in-between jobs to rest and recharge - however that looks like for you. My time in Europe after leaving Allstate was amazing, and I learned so much about myself on that trip.

So now I’m open to work and looking for that next company who is looking for a leader who builds and makes processes/programs better, faster, and more efficient while also developing their team to achieve positive business results.

Disclaimer: The views expressed and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and they do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer, or company. Assumptions made in the analysis are not reflective of the position of any entity other than the author. Since we are critically-thinking human beings, these views are always subject to change, revision, and rethinking at any time. Please do not hold them in perpetuity.