Comment by Valentino Martinez on March 16, 2011 at 1:45am

I was and am proud to be honored in 2006 with the HR VISION AWARD - BUSINESS FOCUS for Recruitment and University Relations work I did for Nestle Purina and Nestle USA.  A highlight for me in that year was getting the unique assignment of sole dedicated recruiter for the ramp-up of the Nestle Retail Operations Center (Newly named the Nestle Retail Operating Company (NROC). 

I literally worked day and night with a dedicated team, of hiring managers from throughout the country, who insisted on quality and got that, inclusive of diversity.  We brought in 300+ Field Sales Reps, Business Analysts, Account Executives and members of management into territories across the country in a five month period.  And for those who know about the complexity of what goes into getting 300+ people in and on-board in a short period of time - KUDOS to the administrative staff at Nestle Purina and NROC for making it happen.

Comment by Valentino Martinez on March 18, 2011 at 1:37pm

...for the artistically inclined--notice the double exposure of moi in the background.  It took three takes to get that effect.

Comment by C. B. Stalling!! on March 18, 2011 at 2:09pm

What have you done lately, All I see is stuff that took place years ago. Are you teaching others to be recruters now?

Comment by Valentino Martinez on March 19, 2011 at 1:07am

C. B.,

Yes, besides fulfilling my search assignments of: screening, attracting, and recommending candidates for employment consideration--I am always doing pro bono mentoring of others recruiters; career coaching job applicants—lately, many professionals between jobs; coaching student organizational leaders; giving careers presentations to student classes, student and professional organizations.  I also consult with clients in developing and maintaining recruitment pipelines for better diversity outcomes.

As a professional photographer (a sidebar), I shoot special events for corporate customers, e.g., awards presentations, visiting VIPs, and sales & board meeting group pictures.  Attending those events allow me access to leaders, awardees and high potential future leaders.  I have also integrated photography into my recruitment efforts by capturing and critiquing corporate entities and their competition. I call these, Recruitment Visual Impact Photos of employers—specifically their recruitment teams and recruitment booths in action at career fairs.  I’ve either sold or donated event photos to employers and professional organizations I’ve worked with over the years—and continue to work with.  I recently donated over 1200 historical photos, taken over the years to date (because I still do it), to a national minority student organization representing over 45 universities capturing individuals and groups in training, job fairs, and award banquet activities, etc.--taken on over 20+ campuses.

Lately I’ve been making more presentations on campuses.  Last week I gave a motivational “Careers” presentation to students on the campus of the University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign.  Next week I'm off to the University of Minnesota giving a lecture to an employee organization on recruitment matters.   I gave a “Recruitment Challenges” presentation to the dedicated team of military recruiters of the New Mexico National Guard in the thick of intense recruitment goals years ago which may be revived for broader future applications.

Off of the business track I train and compete in Masters and Senior Olympic Track & Field competitions where I go for the gold medal (and usually win), and in doing so qualify for All America status by exceeding the distance standard established for my age group…I’ve done this every year for the past 21 years.  I mention my athletic involvements because it also defines me…as a competitor and a high achiever even into an older age.  So I share this information to remind potential clients that I haven’t dried up yet.  In fact, as recent as last year and will again in May of this year exceeded the All American standard for performance in my event—the discus throw.  Am I bragging again?  Yes—but you asked about what have I’ve been doing lately.

In the past I had the advantage of being part of a military and corporate structure where awards are bestowed on high performing members of those entities.  Now, as independent recruiter and consultant this rarely happens.  Independent recruiters and consultants don’t typically get the formal recognition for their good works as in-house employees do—we just get paid.  So some of the accolades have ceased but the work goes on.

Finally, while the mantra, of "What have you done lately?...is important, I have an equally high regard of what has been accomplished in the past--as it relates to me; and as it relates to others, especially candidates I assess for job placement recommendations.  I embrace the concept of what's past is prologue to the future.  In my view, accomplishments matter, regardless of how many years ago they occurred.  If I see “H.S. Student Body President” even on a seasoned applicant’s resume—I’m impressed.  It tells me, here’s a high achiever at an early age, and I look for indications that they continued along the track of being a high achiever in whatever vocation they pursued.  As a recruiter, I look at the

Comment by Valentino Martinez on March 19, 2011 at 1:18am

C.B,

(cont'd)...from original post (it was cut off in mid-sentence)

As a recruiter, I look at the whole body of education, work experience, and ACCOMPLISHMENTS.  From that I can see depth and breadth, or lack thereof.  Recent experience is important, but a record of accomplishments that have “standout quality” is worth knowing and respecting. They suggest the strong potential of a person who values and pursues results.

So, besides tending to personal and extended family matters…these are some of the things I’ve been doing lately.

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