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 Carol Schmidt, Director of our Human Resources and Administrative Divisions, is celebrating 20 years with Morgan Hunter.
How did you start working at Morgan Hunter?
After I got married, my husband and I moved to the Kansas City area. I was looking for a job in HR and saw an ad in the Kansas City Star for a career fair at Morgan Hunter, so I went. After presenting a few different jobs, the recruiter that interviewed me asked if I’d be interested in working at Morgan Hunter. After learning more about the company and a having a few interviews, I accepted a position at Morgan Hunter and I’m still here 20 years later!
What has kept you at Morgan Hunter for so long?
First and foremost, I really like what I do. I like finding a good match for both the candidate and client. And my team is wonderful! Julie Davis and I have job-shared for several years and have worked together for a long time. Working with Julie and the rest of our team makes me look forward to coming to work.
Favorite sports team?
Pittsburg Steelers. Growing up, I was a Cowboys fan because my brothers were. Then I met my husband and he was a Steelers fan, so I converted! But I also root for the Chiefs, KU basketball, and the Royals.
Favorite TV show?
I’m a big fan of Chip and Joanna Gaines from “Fixer Upper.” I watch lots of sports too.
Favorite book?
I have a lot of favorite books, so it’s hard to pick one. But I typically like to read human interest stories or mysteries.
Favorite food?
If I have to eat healthy, I’d say salmon. For an indulgence, it would be chocolate chip cookies.
If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
Anywhere there’s a beach! I love to go to the Caribbean. I would also love to go to Italy someday.
Favorite movie?
Legends of the Fall
Favorite thing to do outside of work?
I have two kids, a 16-year-old and a 12-year-old, who are involved in a lot of activities. I love supporting them in everything they do, whether it’s basketball, cross country, track or music. I also like going on vacation to anywhere tropical.
Best advice for a candidate?
If you have a really great interview and feel the job is a good match for you, don’t be afraid to let them know that you want the job. Make sure the person you’re interviewing with knows you’re interested in the job so that, when you leave, there’s no question about your interest in the position.
Best candidate success story?
I recently had a candidate who wanted to find a job with better growth opportunities. She wanted to progress in her career but hadn’t found the right fit yet. Then, I found a job that I knew she would be perfect for. It had everything she was looking for — it was close to home, had tremendous growth opportunities, and the organization seemed like a good culture fit.
The client was very skeptical at first. He couldn’t believe that I hadn’t placed her yet, almost as if she was too good to be true. I assured him that the candidate was everything she seemed, and they ended up hiring her. It has turned out to be a fantastic fit for everyone. The client tells me that he’s been impressed more and more every day with her. Given the fact that I was able to get the candidate the position she wanted, and to find the employer their ideal candidate, plus to get that feedback, basically exceeding both parties’ expectations, was great.