After 33 years in recruiting, this discussion has led me to take a look at why I've done this all these years and still find it fascinating.  I've earned a good income but that isn't a long term reason.  I've been successful in finding candidates to meet the needs of specific jobs, but also not a long term reason.  I've been doing it so long and probably the only thing I know how to do?  Again, not the reason since I had a successful medical career before recruiting.  It all comes back to just one thing that has kept me motivated and happy ... helping other people achieve their goals in life.

I made a placement early on with a candidate that wanted a new direction in her career.  The new direction was 180 degrees opposite of what she'd been doing, but she wasn't happy in the old career and wanted something more fulfilling.  I found a position that matched her new goal but she didn't specifically meet the "job description" the company was looking for.  I worked with her resume and matched many of the things she did in a non-work category to the things the company wanted.  This opened the door for an interview and I coached her on what might be asked and how to answer in a way that would explain her situation better.  To make the story short and sweet, she blew away the hiring manager and an offer was made.  That candidate recently retired from that same company and has contacted me again to help her prepare for her retirement oriented career change.

This type of candidate interaction has happened frequently over the years and has provided me a career filled with a network of long term contacts, clients and friends.  Looking back, I wouldn't change a thing and it's a joy to know I can keep on doing this well into my retirement years.