Chelsea Joki

What do you do and why is it important?

I do all of the recruiting for our Center for Autism (CFA) facilities. The CFA is growing and has a new location opening soon, so it’s important that we find people who are excited about the field and passionate about helping our learners.

How did you get into recruiting?

I studied Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications at Ferris State University. My first job out of college was a Talent Acquisition Specialist, and I later moved into marketing. I missed talking to people who are passionate about their jobs, so when this position opened up I applied.

Considering your experience in Marketing and Recruiting, how are the two similar?

It’s easy to think the two aren’t related, but I’m basically selling Hope Network and our jobs. Recruiting is a lot of selling.

If you had to sell Hope Network in one sentence, how would do it?

We’re advocates of people overcoming barriers, and we want to help everyone we can, so if you’re passionate about helping then this is the place for you.

You had the misfortune of starting your current position in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. How was that?

Luckily, I’ve joined a very welcoming team, so it’s been great in that regard. But it’s also not-so-great because I want to meet everyone in person and can’t necessarily do that.

What’s your most memorable interview story?

I interviewed someone who was afraid to take the bus to work because of “killer clowns.” It was around the time when all those news articles were reporting sightings of clowns in public. She didn’t do a no-call-no-show, so we appreciated that, but we had to tell her she was safe.

Anyone can describe a GOOD resume, describe a BAD one.

No contact information, spelling errors, and I’ve seen some that don’t even list prior work experience. You definitely need to include that.

What’s the most underrated step of interview prep?

Company research. It’s always good to have an understanding of what the organization does. It helps you stand out.