MindSpring Employee Spotlight with Austin Reed
by MindSpring Partners on November 15, 2021 in MindSpring News
Tell us about what you do at MindSpring.
I started as a Partnership Development Associate helping to find new business for MindSpring, and I transitioned into the Recruiter role shortly after. Most of my day-to-day is working with clients and candidates to assess their respective needs and match them with the best talent or opportunity available.
What do you find most interesting about working with the MindSpring team?
Everyone on the MindSpring team comes from such different backgrounds, but all still make great staffing professionals. We’ve got a wide array of different expertise on our team!
How does MindSpring support your career and personal goals?
MindSpring has allowed me to focus on my full-desk practice, giving me autonomy to work with both the client and candidate side of certain openings.
What’s the #1 quality you feel is important to achieving success in the staffing industry?
Tenacity! In the world of job hunting and matchmaking, sometimes things feel like they’re going to work out but they don’t. You’ve got to deal with the adversity and keep moving.
What is a unique trait or something that differentiates you from other recruiters out there?
I like to keep things human and mix in some non-business conversation. Things like food, travel, art, and TV are common topics that can make a discussion more multi-dimensional.
What’s the biggest benefit to partnering with a staffing firm in a job search?
Fun answer: You get another person to celebrate with when you finally get your dream job or hire that perfect employee!
Professional answer: You get a liaison to help bridge the gap between client and candidate, which allows each side more insight into the others’ thoughts, questions, and motivations.
If you could give one piece of advice to a client/candidate, what would it be?
To a candidate, I would advise setting goals for yourself. Create tangible metrics like applications per week, deadlines for resume updates, etc., so that you keep things in motion.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Chicago?
Sporting events and enjoying the summers. The city offers so much that is often taken for granted. I like trying new restaurants! My new favorite is Gaijin in Chicago’s West Loop. Their savory cabbage pancakes are so unique and delicious.
Do you have a unique skill?
I’m nearly invincible in Mario Kart.
What else do you want to share about yourself?
I like reading, writing, painting, cooking vegan eats, and hanging out with my cat, Mittens!
(Austin also just ran his first half marathon in October. Congrats, Austin!)
