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Today we are talking with Katy Byrtus about her role as a Recruiter/Account Manager.
In case you ever wondered if you can build genuine connections via LinkedIn - the answer is yes! Katy and I have a mutual friend and connected via LinkedIn. Over the past few months, we have shared information and have even planned a lunch meeting so we can meet in person!
I get a lot of questions from clients about the differences between a recruiter and a career coach. There are a lot of similarities, but also some key differences! Both recruiters and career coaches go through similar experiences in supporting candidates looking for jobs, but our execution of results looks very different.
Recruiters are focused on matching the perfect candidate to the ideal job description. They are often focused on "action" and getting both the business client and the candidate results as quickly as possible.
As a career coach, I am focused only on the candidate. My job is to provide you with tools, support, and education for the job search and beyond. My job is to help you explore career options, create self-development plans, and build confidence as you continue in your career journey.
So should you work with a career coach or a recruiter?
You can work with both or either one!
If you are a job seeker who knows exactly what you are looking for in the next step, a recruiter is a great person to connect with. They can quickly tell you if they have any roles available in the sector you are interested in pursuing. And they have the connections to get you results quickly when opportunities are present.
If you aren't sure what you want to do next, a career coach might be the best person to connect with. Once you have established a clear vision, we can easily get you connected with a recruiter.
Not job seeking?
Talk with a career coach! We help with creating self-development plans, team management, salary negotiations, and more!
I am so excited to share all about Katy today so you can hear the inside scoop on all things recruiting!
Now let's learn more about Katy...
Name: Katy Byrtus
Current Position:
Recruiter/Account Manager
Time in Current Position: I just started with this company, but I have been recruiting and staffing for 4 years.
Where Can You Connect with Katy?
Connect on LinkedIn or via email!
Email: katy@mathys-potestio.com
What does a day in the life of a Recruiter/Account Manager look like?
I do many different tasks each day and have a lot of flexibility. I manage my own schedule and activities. Some of these tasks include:
Meetings - on the phone, through Zoom, and in person. I'm so glad IRL meet-ups are coming back!
Talking to both my candidates for positions and the clients that are looking to hire.
Researching companies, jobs, and the employment market.
Making content for LinkedIn and TikTok.
Currently, I am recruiting for roles in Graphic Design, Social Media, Copywriting, Content Creation, Marketing (All Aspects of the Field), Project and Program Managers, Creative and Art Directors, Events, and Product Design.
What roles did you have prior to your current role?
Before working in corporate, I worked in non-profits as a case manager and a program manager. Prior to that, I worked in both customer service and the service industry.
How did your experience in previous roles help you succeed in your current position?
Recruiting is a very relationship-driven industry, so working with people is key. Coming from social work has really helped me in this industry. In social work, you support people through the hard times in their lives. This experience has given me a lot of compassion and strong listening skills.
Is there an area of expertise needed to succeed in your current role?
Understanding how organizations and teams function gives you a huge leg up in this field. I supported Talent Management and Talent Development teams in a previous role while the organization was going through a business reorganization. This experience gave me an understanding of how global organizations are structured. The leaders I supported were building out the structure to make this change possible. I was able to see firsthand how and why large businesses are structured the way they are.
How do you think your job will change in the next 5 years?
It’s hard to say with the market being so volatile, but I hope we will continue to be seen as talent consultants and experts in hiring. I think we have a lot of work to do on the Equity and Inclusion front so I am excited to see the evolution and application of inclusive hiring practices.
How many hours do you work in a typical week?
I try really hard to keep my work week around 40 hours. Some weeks I go over and others I am just under. As a recruiter, you will also want to attend networking and industry events. These events help you keep a pulse on the market, keep you engaged in your community, and help you better serve your clients. These events are often after typical work hours so that is something to keep in mind.
What parts of your job do you find most rewarding?
Placing people in their dream jobs. It's a great feeling!
Which seasons of the year are the toughest in your job?
Right now. The holiday season is the time of the year when hiring slows wayyyy down and job searching for candidates picks up. A lot of my time this time of year is spent supporting candidates in a tough spot.
Do you work more independently or as part of a team?
I think recruiting (in the staffing world) tends to be an independent role, but it doesn’t have to be. At my current company, we are super collaborative in the way we share candidate information and support each other's recruitment efforts.
What skills make you successful in your career field?
People skills and customer service are key to this field. You are constantly connecting with people and troubleshooting solutions for both candidates and organizations. There is also a need to develop a personal brand, have an understanding of marketing, and have the desire to succeed at sales. It's also really important to be organized! There are a lot of moving parts in this career field and the more organized you are the more successful you will be at your job.
Are there any professional journals/organizations/etc. that someone interested in this field should be aware of?
SourceCon - A conference and blog for sourcing professionals and recruiters focused on sharing the latest education related to sourcing candidates for roles.
Oregon Recruiters Network - The professional development network for recruiting and HR professionals in Oregon.
PHRMA - PHRMA advances the HR profession and individual growth by providing networking and development opportunities to HR practitioners, business professionals, students, and volunteers in the greater Portland metropolitan area.
How did you find this career field?
In social work, I ran an employment program for people living with HIV. For almost 4 years, I managed job clubs, hosted resume and cover letter workshops, helped with career exploration, etc. When I was burnt out on social work, I kept coming back to these roles. I loved these tasks and saw recruiting as a way to continue helping people in this space.
Where do you see yourself professionally in 5 to 10 years?
I’d love to still be recruiting or supporting other recruiters, perhaps doing some consulting or career coaching as well!
Want to learn more about Katy??
Feel free to connect with her on LinkedIn. There is a direct link at the top of the blog!
If you would like to be featured on the Talent Spotlight Series, please contact me here!
I would love to share your career journey!
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