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Nicole, Senior Recruiter at Career Group Companies: Advize Career Interview

A career journey beginning with a journalism degree and diverse internships evolved into a senior recruiter role at Career Group Companies.

The path leveraged transferable skills in account management, interviewing, and client relations, highlighting the value of strong communication and a growth mindset.

A day in the life is dynamic, encompassing business development, candidate sourcing, and client management, with the most rewarding aspect being successful job placements.

Competitive challenges exist, demanding a "hustle mindset," but the networking opportunities and impact on individuals' lives are highly fulfilling.

Aspiring recruiters should possess strong communication and sales skills, a "no task is too small" attitude, and the ability to read people effectively.

Entry-level positions such as recruiting coordinator, scheduler, and sourcer are available, underscoring the importance of over-communication throughout a career.

A journalism background coupled with relevant internships are highlighted as beneficial preparation for this field.

Advizer Information

Name

Job Title

Company

Undergrad

Grad Programs

Majors

Industries

Job Functions

Traits

Nicole Bouchard

Senior Recruiter

Career Group Companies

University of Colorado, Boulder

N/A

Creative Writing, Journalism

Recruitment

Sales and Client Management

Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Greek Life Member

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Career Path of a Senior Recruiter at Career Group Companies

Nicole's career journey, beginning with a journalism degree and internships in community relations and sports public relations, transitioned through junior account executive roles in Denver and LA advertising agencies, where "the main aspects of the job were account management," ultimately leading to a senior recruiter position at Career Group Companies, leveraging transferable skills from previous roles. The transition into recruiting was a natural progression, built on experience in interviewing, client management, and project coordination.

Main Responsibilities of a Senior Recruiter at Career Group Companies

As a full-desk senior recruiter, Nicole oversees business development, acting as "an extension to their recruiting team" for clients, screening and interviewing candidates, and negotiating salaries and budgets. The collaborative nature of the company allows Nicole to leverage "any open position" across various industries while prioritizing candidate job placement and ongoing support, including resume review and post-placement check-ins.

A Day In The Life Of A Senior Recruiter At Career Group Companies

A senior account executive's day varies, from "extremely busy" to more administrative tasks, but always involves prioritizing client needs and sourcing talent. This includes using LinkedIn and a CRM to "matchmake" candidates to roles, conducting interviews, facilitating client interviews, and preparing for the next day's tasks.

Most Important Skills For A Senior Recruiter At Career Group Companies

Nicole, a Senior Recruiter, emphasizes that strong communication—including "strong writing skills and speaking skills"—and negotiation skills are crucial. The role's sales aspect necessitates a "growth mindset" and refined interviewing skills, highlighting the multifaceted nature of recruitment.

Favorite Parts of Being a Senior Recruiter at Career Group Companies

Nicole, a Senior Recruiter, finds the most rewarding aspect of her role "placing people in new jobs and changing their lives," a testament to her passion for networking and connecting individuals with their "dream jobs."

Biggest Challenges Faced By A Senior Recruiter At Career Group Companies

Nicole's biggest challenge as a Senior Recruiter is the competitive landscape, where Career Group Companies must "make sure we're getting all of the questions answered" and consistently deliver "top talent" to clients without the security of a retainer. This necessitates a "hustle mindset" and the ability to quickly identify and present suitable candidates to remain competitive.

Favorite Parts of Working in the Recruiting Industry as a Senior Recruiter

Nicole, a Senior Recruiter, enjoys "talking to people about their jobs" and the networking aspect of the role. The opportunity to help companies "grow their teams and change their businesses" is also a significant source of satisfaction in Nicole's career.

What Type Of Person Thrives In The Recruitment Industry According To A Senior Recruiter At Career Group Companies

Nicole, a Senior Recruiter at Career Group Companies, identifies a "no task is too small" mindset, coupled with strong networking, interviewing, and communication skills as key traits for success. The ideal candidate is also "very sales minded," passionate, and growth-oriented.

What a Senior Recruiter at Career Group Companies Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Recruitment Industry

Nicole, a Senior Recruiter, reveals a crucial lesson learned: the ability to "read people outside of communication" is paramount, exceeding the perceived ease of matchmaking. This skill, Nicole suggests, is akin to possessing a psychology degree, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and accepting uncontrollable outcomes in a recruiter's career.

Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Recruiters

Nicole, a Senior Recruiter at Career Group Companies, highlighted entry-level roles such as "recruiting coordinator," "recruiting scheduler," and "sourcer," describing the latter as someone who "jump[s] on LinkedIn and…pull[s] talent." Career Group Companies currently has openings in all these areas, even noting that some receptionist roles have transitioned into recruiting positions.

Significant Career Lesson From A Senior Recruiter At Career Group Companies

Nicole, a Senior Recruiter at Career Group Companies, emphasizes the importance of over-communication throughout her career, stating, "always be an over-communicator," to avoid potential issues stemming from missed details or assumptions; this approach proved invaluable across various roles, from internships to account executive positions.

College Experiences That Helped A Senior Recruiter At Career Group Companies Succeed

Nicole's journalism degree proved invaluable, providing skills in "networking, writing, and telling stories"—essential for building relationships with candidates and clients in their recruiting career. Three diverse internships, coupled with psychology and business coursework, further honed their understanding of people and business acumen, ultimately leading to a successful career path.

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