Who is McCall Johnson?
Hey there! My name is McCall, and I'm an Account Manager here at Integrated Talent Strategies. I've been with the company for a little over two and a half years after transitioning from medical sales and quickly realized it was different from any job I've ever had. It's extremely rewarding to help people reach career goals, gain significant raises, and improve their lives and their family's lives.
Key Qualities in Candidates
Being that I primarily focus on engineering-type roles, experience and education are some of the most important qualities I look for when sourcing the right type of candidates for my clients. Sometimes, there may be a bit of a learning curve, but I always try my best to find candidates who are going to be able to jump right into the position and hit the ground running from day one. When you post a job on LinkedIn or Indeed, you are posting and praying that you stumble across a good candidate. However, a majority of the best candidates out there are already employed and not desperate, so it's up to us to spark an interest and influence them to engage in new opportunities.
Communication with Clients
As for clients, effective communication is key. I appreciate that my clients provide me with constructive feedback and are able to tell me where a candidate missed the mark or why they believe the candidate isn't qualified because it only makes my job easier and ultimately helps save time on the search. When clients know exactly what they are looking for, we are able to hone in on the necessary skillsets and target the right individuals for the job. I also appreciate clients who are open to hearing feedback on our end as well. After all, we are working together on a common goal of finding them the best fit for the position and are ultimately looking out for our client's best interest.
Staying Current with Industry Trends
In order to understand the wants and needs of my clients and candidates, staying knowledgeable about your specialization is crucial. I had no experience or background in engineering prior to working at ITS. In all honesty, when I first started, I was a little intimidated when it came to learning all the ins and outs of engineering. After having conversations with candidates, listening to podcasts, reading articles, and doing a lot of work, I was quickly able to pick up on the information I needed to know in order to have meaningful conversations with candidates and figure out what it is they are looking for in a next career opportunity.
Ensuring Cultural Fit
But knowledge and experience is not everything. At ITS, we understand that ensuring a good cultural fit can be the difference for a successful placement. I always start by asking my clients what their values are and what it is they are looking for in a candidate. Do they value people who are able to work independently? Do they put a larger emphasis on teamwork? These types of questions are incredibly important in determining the right fit for the client's company culture. You don't want to place someone in a teamwork type of environment if they prefer to work independently. Skillset/background is only a piece of the puzzle.
What Sets ITS Apart
ITS is a smaller organization than some of our large competitors. We use this to our advantage since we can cater to a client's specific needs, creating a very exclusive experience. With us, there is no "red tape." ITS delivers where national firms fail. We also utilize all avenues when finding qualified candidates, including LinkedIn, Indeed, Monster, Career Builder, Zoom Info, etc., and we are always finding new ways to get in front of quality candidates. The more tools used, the higher the odds are of finding our clients the best candidates for the job.
Why I Love Working at ITS
ITS has been a great company to work for. I previously came from corporate America, and working for a smaller, privately owned company has been such a blessing. I feel like my voice is heard, and management is always open to listening to our ideas and thoughts on how we can improve candidate and client experiences. The team-oriented environment makes ITS a fantastic place to work.
Partner with ITS for Success
Thank you for taking the time to read this article. If you've made it this far, you already know that finding great (emphasis on 'great') employees in today's day and age is unfortunately becoming more and more difficult by the day. That's why investing in high-quality candidates is key for any organization looking to increase productivity and flourish to its full potential. It's in a company's best interest not to avoid cutting corners when trying to find the right people. Whatever work you put into finding them more than pays for itself. If you're looking for a partner to help fill critical roles for your company, feel free to give us a call!
Stay tuned for more engaging profiles and insights in our ongoing spotlight series. Whether you are a job seeker looking to navigate this complex job market or an employer seeking top talent, this series aims to provide valuable information and highlight the experts who can help you achieve your goals.
Don't miss out on future editions! Follow us on social media to stay informed and gain valuable insights into the dynamic world of recruitment. Together, we can shape the future of careers and empower professionals to thrive.
Contact us today, and we'll help you achieve the success you deserve!