Mackenzie Baur

What do you do and why is it important?

I recruit for openings in several service lines: Neuro Rehabilitation, Center for Autism, Behavioral Health Services (BHS), Developmental and Community Services (DCS). It’s important because we are the start of making a difference in our clients’ lives.

How did you get into recruiting?

I went to college at Ferris State University, and changed my major multiple times. First I was in sonography but realized I was horrible at biology, so I switched to healthcare management and wasn’t crazy about that, either. I eventually landed on business, and my academic advisor suggested I also minor in human resources. After I graduated, my first job was with a company that sells cell phone parts where I dabbled in recruiting. That experience eventually led me to working at a full-time staffing firm, and I’ve been recruiting ever since.

Why should jobseekers consider working at Hope Network?

The healthcare industry is booming. Hope Network is great to work for since we help people, and it’s a rewarding organization to be involved with.

What’s your most memorable interview story?

Back at the staffing firm I used to work at, the person in charge of running background checks did it incorrectly for one candidate and missed that he was convicted of a violent crime and therefore wasn’t eligible for hire. I went through the whole interview with him, and he promised me he had no felonies on his record. Afterwards, the coworker in charge of background checks told me she ran it wrong and this guy DID have a record. I called him back, he didn’t get my message, and showed up to new hire orientation. I sat him down in an office and told him what we found. He admitted to it, threw a chair into the table, and stormed out. It scared me to death, and it was actually the first interview I conducted alone.

Recruiters each have their own recruiting “style.” What’s yours?

I try to be very personable. I like to get to know people on a personal level. I’ll talk about myself and try to get a conversation going as opposed to simply asking questions.

What makes for a strong resume?

My biggest pet peeve on resumes is paragraphs. If you have a paragraph about what you did at your job, there’s no way I’m reading it. Use bullet points instead.

If recruiting didn’t exist, what would you be doing?

Probably sales, but I’m not pushy so I might be awful at it. How about a stay at home mom? I have a one-year-old and I feel like I missed a lot in that first year. I’m pregnant now, and I would like to be there for more little things with my second baby.