Whole Lotta Rosetta Goin' On

In 1957 Jerry Lee Lewis recorded "A Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On". It was an upbeat, feel- good song that topped the charts at #3 on the US pop charts. The lyrics were contagious and has had dozens of other artists release the single since Jerry Lee released it back in 1957. Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Chubby Checker, The Georgia Satelites, Elton John, Conway Twitty are just a few of the artists that help re-kindle the fire.

Now, Jerry Lee knew he had something the minute he pounded the ivory keys, but I don't know if he would have ever imagined the success it has had. He did know it was special.

Enter Rosetta Stone in 2013. I feel compelled to tell my story of how I ened up being the Sales and Marketing recruiter of the Virginia based company. You see, it is relevant to a lot of the topics I have been discussing about the "Hidden" Job Market.

How did I find a job posted in Virginia and end up as their recruiter out of Austin, Texas? How did I know it was the right job for me?

I used my sourcing skills I learned as a recruiter to find the job. It wasn't hidden, it just took some looking. It was, indeed posted. It was indeed, in black and white and spelled out. It just wasn't posted for Austin.

LinkedIn used to have a function called "signal". It was just taken away a few weeks ago. I used to use it all the time to find out who had shared my blogs. Why not use it for seeing who shared job updates also? I did a search for "sales and marketing recruiter", "Austin, Texas". Low and behold an Austin HR representative had shared a status update saying "looking for a sales and marketing recruiter in Austin, San Franciso, Seattle or Virginia". The job was, however, only posted for Virginia.

I sent a LinkedIn invitation to Rene Holland, whom I had never met and said I would be very interested in the job. She looked at my profile, it matched the job description closely, so she connected. I had to make the next move though. I had to get her e-mail and then I sent her my résumé.

The next part was out of my hands. A couple of weeks later I got a call and an e-mail saying they would like to have a 30 minute discussion. Really and truly at this point they were looking for someone in the DC area. A week passed and I received a follow up call saying they would like to have further conversations. The next thing you knew I was On a plane to DC and about a month later I am now the Sales and Marketing Recruiter for Rosetta Stone.

Why Rosetta? I can make a difference. What they need is what I have to offer. I know they are on the brink of something great. AND.. They were willing to make a commitment to me and I felt wanted. In a world in recruiting where no one makes commitments other than contracts, this felt great.

Most likely, you know the name Rosetta Stone. it is a company that teaches languages. How important in today's society?! What is happening at Rosetta that is so special? I can't tell you everything, but I can guarantee you that there will be "A Whole Lotta Rosetta Goin' On". Jerry Lee knew it, and I do too. Hot!!

Don't get discouraged about a "hidden" job market. Put a little effort into it though! I am a very proud new employee!

Comment by Will Thomson on August 20, 2013 at 2:28pm: Thanks Malia! True story. :)

Comment by Ian Millar on August 21, 2013 at 8:18pm: I do miss Signal. Why did they take away Signal?? Sniff ;( How are we meant to use Linkedin for secret data mining now? The new search tool just doesn't work as well. Sigh.

Oh, and by the way, Congratulations. RS is a very respected name. Big coup on getting a VA job from Austin. You are totally right about that hidden job market.

Comment by Will Thomson on August 21, 2013 at 9:22pm: Thanks Ian! It is a great company. I really liked signal. I used it daily. Jobs ARE posted.

Comment by Suzanne Levison on August 22, 2013 at 12:20pm: Congratulations. You bring passion to your new employer. Everyone benefits

Comment by Derdiver on August 22, 2013 at 3:12pm: Got to hang with my friend Will T. last night in my neighborhood. I will say that if you ever wondered or questioned his sincerity, kindness, or warm hearted good nature don't. GREAT guy and I think will be a long time friend!!!

Comment by Amy Ala Miller on August 22, 2013 at 3:21pm: so happy for you Will and jealous that you two got to hang out! Why doesn't anyone come to Seattle! :)

Comment by Derdiver on August 22, 2013 at 3:28pm: hahahaha Amy I need to. Just a lot on the plate here and all! YOU should come here!! Bring the Family and all. Mike, Celinda, etc. would love to show you around!!

Comment by Kelly Blokdijk on August 22, 2013 at 6:22pm: Super excited for you, Will.

Why don't you all head over to OC too? We have great weather all year round, Disneyland, beaches, beverages, etc...

And, believe it or not, some of us are "real" people, not the fake/plastic real housewives types.

Comment by Will Thomson on August 22, 2013 at 11:56pm: @suzanne- Thank you!
@derek- man, it was great meeting you. Feeling is mutual. See you next time in DC. Damn potent Irish beers!!
@amy- I am dying to go to Seattle. Neve been. Pushing for Sourecon this year!
@kelly- OC sounds AWESOME. Love to go there.

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