At Morgan Hunter, we’re lucky to have so many tenured recruiters. As our employees celebrate their Morgan Hunter anniversaries, we thought you’d like to get to know them a little better! Today Stephanie Smithmier, Manager of our Administrative Division, is celebrating 11 years with Morgan Hunter.
When did you start working at Morgan Hunter?
July 2005
What do you enjoy most about working at Morgan Hunter?
First and foremost, I love the people that I work with! Secondly, the work is extremely rewarding. I love helping companies find the best talent on the market, and it’s very gratifying to help someone find the next step in their career. It’s great to feel as though you’re helping people in the Kansas City community.
Favorite memory from your time at MH?
About 10 years ago, I had a candidate who was really down on her luck. She was having a hard time finding a job on her own, so she came to us for help. I was able to set up some interviews for her and she eventually landed a job with one of my clients. When I called to offer her the position, she broke down in tears — that’s how much this job meant to her. It was very gratifying to help someone who needed it so much. I will always remember her.
Favorite KC restaurant?
It’s hard to pick a favorite restaurant, but a few I recently tried and really enjoyed were Char Bar and Q39. I love BBQ! But Jack Stack is still my favorite.
Favorite movie/book?
“Stand by Me”
Favorite TV show?
“The Walking Dead”
Favorite food?
Sausage Biscuits and Gravy
Favorite thing to do outside of work?
Go to concerts. My favorite venues in town are Crossroads KC and the Midland.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
Argentina or Ireland
Best advice to give a candidate?
Think of the interview process like the dating process. When you’re going to an interview, make sure you have excellent questions. You’re interviewing them just as much as they’re interviewing you, because, if the company isn’t a right fit for you, then you’re not going to be there long term. Don’t be afraid to walk away from an opportunity if it’s not the right fit. Also, always write thank you notes. If it’s a fast moving process, email them. But if you think you have time, write a handwritten thank you note.
What is something most people don’t know about you?
I was born and raised on a farm in Meadville, Missouri. It’s a small town of 400 people — my graduating class was only 35 people! I was definitely a child of the farm. I had to work on the farm until I was 16 and could get a job off the farm. So from age 12 to 16, I was driving tractors, helping my dad in the hay field and with the crops. I was in 4H and FFA, and I showed all kinds of livestock, like hogs and cattle. I even did BB and pellet gun competitions at the fair! I’m definitely a farm kid at heart.
What would you consider your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievements are my kids. We have two young boys, and a girl due any day now! My family has definitely been my greatest achievement so far.