Do you remember the words to that Katy Perry song? It goes: “I kissed a girl, and I liked it.” Well, I was recruited, and I think I liked it!
This story has been sitting on the shelf for a long time. Each day it was there; I kept telling myself I needed to get it out. I am finally ready to share with the world. So here it is, the answer to that burning question about what led me to change jobs unexpectedly.
Being recruited is not anything new to me, actually, almost all of my jobs are a result of being referred to or recruited. The story about this one is special though.
In this highly competitive world of talent acquisition, we all get calls and emails about potential job opportunities. Most are either ignored or passed along. In my case, I often decline while offering to help the person who contacted me by introducing them to someone in my network who may be seeking a new career move.
I remember being contacted about a Talent Acquisition Manager position and in typical fashion asked for a few more specifics so that I could happily share among my network. However, this time was different. When I told the recruiter that I wanted more info so I could share it with others, the person said: “Let me be frank. I’d like to invite YOU to meet the team.” I was shocked! I wasn’t expecting that at all.
At the time, I had been doing well and envisioned myself staying with my employer for many years to come. So when it was evident that this person was attempting to recruit me, I was caught off guard. It made me curious enough to schedule a call to learn more about the opportunity.
As I listened, I was still trying to think of someone in my network to share this awesome opportunity with. The was a challenge though, what was being described seemed to be perfect for me. I still didn’t want to admit that this could be the next best move for my career. I even referred two colleagues within my network. As a result, both were interviewed for different territories. Guess I was thinking that this would somehow relieve me from feeling obligated to explore the role any further.
After subsequent conversations, it became more evident that the job was a great opportunity. Out of loyalty to my current company, I suppressed my feelings and decided to end the conversations. I thanked each person I had talked to at the time, by this point it had been two people.
Fast forward a few months and conversations started again. I explained what my prior hesitations were and why I had previously stopped the conversations. To my surprise, they shared with me how an offer had been extended to someone and that it was not the right time for that person. They also informed me that there was always a comparison of me to the others and each time I came out on top. Since they were transparent with me, I went on to share how the opportunities for career growth were undeniably appealing to me, and I could no longer suppress wanting to take on a new challenge. I wanted to do something greater. There! I finally admitted it.
It was like we never missed a beat. Everything moved quickly from that point and on, then wham! I was presented the job offer. What a wonderful feeling to be recruited because of my great work in the industry. I was so appreciative for the opportunity to comfortably have preliminary discussions over a span of a few months. It’s as if it were meant to be.
As the one-year anniversary is approaching with my new job, the feeling of excitement is still there every day when I start work. I’ve had the opportunity to build some great friendships and work with an amazing field leadership and operations team. The practice owners that I support are some of the best dentists and mentors any clinician could ask for. To top it off, we have the best VP of Talent Acquisition in the industry! None of this would have been possible had I not taken a chance on something new when I was approached at the most unexpected time.
To anyone on the fence about taking a leap of faith to explore new opportunities: don’t be afraid. Embrace the moment, and be proud that your successes are publicly recognized by others.
In talent acquisition, we can often take the back seat. However, I want you to know that it’s YOUR career. Own it, and find the path on this journey that makes YOU happy. I sure did and haven’t looked back once.
So, before I leave you all, for now, let’s switch up those words from “I was recruited, and I think I liked it” to “I was recruited, and I KNOW I liked it!”