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 Jeff Olson, Senior Recruiter in our Accounting & Finance Division, is celebrating 13 years with Morgan Hunter.
How did you start working at Morgan Hunter?
I had been in outside sales with another organization in Kansas City and was looking for a new opportunity when I saw that Morgan Hunter was hiring. I applied and met with Jerry, the president of the company, then met some of my future coworkers and they ended up offering me the job.
What has kept you around for 13 years?
The people I work with. We have the strongest core of people in the business. I also enjoy the staffing business in general — it’s such a unique industry.
The relationships with clients and candidates is also a big reason. It’s great to have a direct impact on the quality of people’s lives, not just from a job seeker’s perspective, but if you can fill a job for a client that makes their life easier, it’s very satisfying.
Favorite sports team?
Definitely KU basketball and football, pretty much anything KU-related. Also, the Chiefs and obviously the Royals.
Favorite TV show?
“Breaking Bad,” “Seinfeld,” “The Sopranos,” “Frontline”
Favorite book?
“The Catcher in the Rye”
Favorite food?
A quality filet with sides, paired with a good cabernet is my go to meal.
Favorite movie?
“The Big Lebowski,” “The Blues Brothers,” “Risky Business,” “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” “Animal House,” “Goodfellas,” “Pulp Fiction,” “No Country for Old Men”.
Best place to eat in Kansas City?
Plenty of good places. Q39, Joe’s, Capital Grille, Beer Kitchen, Grinders, to name a few.
Favorite thing to do outside of work?
Spend time with my wife and two sons, going on vacations. Typical things like going to the pool, hanging out with neighbors and their kids, trips to Table Rock Lake during the summer. We’re food people, so finding new and unique restaurants is also something we enjoy. I’m also a big music person and enjoy quality beers.
What’s something most people don’t know about you?
When I was in middle school, I spent two weeks working on my grandparents’ dairy farm in upstate New York driving tractors, driving manure spreaders, feeding cattle and working in a full-scale milking parlor with a couple thousand head of cattle. As a kid from the suburbs of Chicago, it was interesting to experience that.
Best advice for a job seeker?
Do your research on the company you’re interviewing with. Make sure you have good questions prepared to ask during the interview. Find things in common with those interviewing you. Show enthusiasm, know your strengths, your weaknesses, and your accomplishments. Tell them why you’re different and give them a reason to hire you. Tell them how you can make an impact. If you’re well prepared, you should be fine.
Best advice for an employer looking to hire?
Work with Morgan Hunter first and foremost! It’s a candidate-driven market right now, so employers should try to be flexible. Sometimes the person who looks best on paper isn’t the best person for the job. Finding someone who fits in with your company’s culture is extremely important. Someone may not check all the boxes you’re looking for, but if they‘re prepared for the interview, have most of the technical requirements, show enthusiasm and are a good culture fit, give them a chance to show you what they can do.