Get to Know Germer!
Name: Catherine Stier
School: University of Delaware
Major: English
Minor: Journalism
- What is your title at Germer? I am the Director of Recruiting & Innovation at Germer International. I received this title because I always tend to take on the innovation projects around the office. I’ve led 2 complete website remodels, the relocation of the office, upgrading our ATS system, acquiring a new phone/texting system, and I’m constantly researching what others are doing to make sure we’re not missing out!
- When did you start at Germer/ how long have you been here? I started at GI in 2009, about 6 months after graduating with my BS degree, and I’ve been here ever since!
- What is one piece of advice you would give to someone job searching? Use your network & set yourself apart. John Germer tells me that he called me because my resume said that I went to South Africa for study abroad. We all have something that makes us unique, find a way to highlight it.
- What is your favorite part of life at Germer? Now that I’m a leader to two recruiters, I must say that watching them change lives is my favorite part. They work so hard to get to know clients and candidates and how to make a fit, and it doesn’t always work out. But when it does, it’s such an accomplishment, and they really do make such a difference by helping people who are unemployed or in a less-than-ideal situation. I feel really proud to work with them every day.
- What is your favorite part of working with candidates from start to offer? My favorite part is learning about someone who I might not otherwise have had the chance to get to know. Most people I work with are from a different part of the country or world, and in a different place professionally than I am. I have to drop all of my expectations for them and just learn about what’s important to them, what they bring to the table, and what they will need in a new job. Sometimes we’ll find connections in our lives like workouts, family, or dogs, and it’s fun to feel like now you’re just helping a friend move forward in their career.
- What is the most challenging part of this job and how do you overcome this challenge? The most challenging part of my job is gaining the trust of professionals who have had bad experiences with recruiters in the past and who think we’re the same.It’s always helpful when we’re recommended to companies or job seekers by people who know and trust us. Once we prove ourselves and show them that we don’t just want a resume, or a place to just send resumes, but we want to connect with them, their business and their pain points – we’ve been able to make really strong and long-term relationships.
- What is the most important lesson you have learned since working at Germer? The most important lesson I’ve learned is that “people don’t care how much you know, they want to know how much care.” I try to stay curious always and advocate for my client’s & candidate’s desires above my own.