MindSpring Employee Spotlight with Lauren Chodak
by MindSpring Partners on October 22, 2018 in MindSpring News
Tell us about what you do at MindSpring.
I am a Senior Associate. My primary focus is on recruiting within Financial Services with outreach to other industries as well.
What do you find most interesting about working with the MindSpring team?
It’s a great blend of professionals, who work hard to connect with their clients and candidates. Everyone at MindSpring tries to make the experience easy and enjoyable. Additionally, the team works well together and we have a lot of fun while doing it.
How does MindSpring support your career and personal goals?
After spending my entire career in HR, I decided to take a break to focus on family after my son was born. During 10 of my 15+ year career, I worked with Gavin Meacham (Managing Principal) directly as one of his clients. He was always my favorite agency to work with because he just made things easy for me as a corporate recruiter – no games. When he heard I was taking a pause in my career, he asked if I wanted to come to the other side and try agency recruiting, so I decide to give it a shot. I work part-time and am enjoying the work/life balance that I have that continues to allow me to work and yet spend quality time with my now two kids.
What’s the #1 quality you feel is important to achieving success in the staffing industry?
Adaptability! Everyone’s needs and wants are so different, you have to try and get a feel for what they want and where they’d like their career to go. There’s no use in trying to jam an opportunity down someone’s throat! It’s either a fit or it’s not. I think it’s important to recognize that, so that in the end it’s the best fit for the candidate and the client.
What is a unique trait or something that differentiates you from other recruiters out there?
I’ve seen both sides of the spectrum, being both a client and now an employee on the agency side.
What’s the biggest benefit to partnering with a staffing firm in a job search?
It takes the “work” out of looking for a job! When you work full time, as is the case with most people, it’s quite simply hard to look for a job while you have a job! We help to make matches, get the resumes right into the hands of the recruiters/hiring managers, and act as your partner throughout the whole process. We’ve been there, done that… and can give you guidance that you never thought you needed!
If you could give one piece of advice to a client / candidate (depending on if you are in recruiting or sales) what would it be?
Be honest and maintain open lines of communication. Beating around the bush and not giving straightforward details on what you are looking for always backfires.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Chicago?
Trying new restaurants. There’s no shortage of new places to eat, as well as good old standbys to revisit.
