THE RECRUITER RAP
by Barb Bruno, CPC, CTS

Barb Bruno’s Story…..”CAN YOU TYPE”

Taken from the book… 
“SEIZING YOUR SUCCESS”
From the Best-Selling Wake Up..Live the Life You Love Series
Created by Steven E. and Lee Beard

Thirty years ago, I was the mother of a toddler named Nancy, expecting my second child, in the process of a divorce and working as a secretary earning less than $8,000 annually.  This was not the life I had envisioned for myself.  I wanted to be the woman behind the successful husband, the stay-at-home mom who took care of her children, donated her time to charity and made a difference in the lives of others.

That dream evaporated as reality hit.  My new life included tremendous debt from the divorce, two daughters to support by myself and an income level that had to be dramatically increased immediately.  The answer seemed obvious:  I would obtain a sales position where income is based on performance.  I sold real estate part-time and knew I could sell.

The sales positions advertised in the Classified Ads wanted extensive sales experience, so I decided to utilize an employment agency.  I had heard they have “secret jobs”  Enthusiastic about my decision, I decided to register with all eleven agencies in my town.  I would fill out their paperwork, interview with various recruiters and then I would be asked The Question:  “CAN YOU TYPE?”  The answer was, “Yes, I type over 100 words per minute, but I’m here to apply for a sales position.”

The only thing anyone heard was that I could type over 100 words per minute.  I was instantly perceived as a secretary and was told repeatedly, “You are NOT a salesperson.”

As I drove home in tears from my last interview, I realized I was not qualified to obtain a sales position.  On to Plan B – I decided to work two jobs.  As I lay in bed crying that evening, I felt the life of my second daughter in my body.  I was consumed with sadness knowing I would never see my children grow up because I would be forced to work two jobs just to make ends meet.  This was not the life I wanted for them or myself, and I prayer for guidance.

By the next morning, I ahd realized there had to be many other women in my situation; women who were being judged solely on their typing skills rather than on their other talents.  I decided to open an employment firm that truly listened to what was important to the individuals being interviewed. I was the first woman to receive an unsecured business loan from a major bank.

I opened my office when Jodi (my youngest) was only three weeks old.  I called the firm, “Sunshine Employment” because I wanted to bring brightness and hope into the lives of the individuals I represented.

Very early in my life I learned that I had no control over what happens to me, but have 100 percent control over how I choose to react.  That was extremely empowering!  In my heart, I knew I could sell, and I decided to listen to what was in my heart and not what others were telling me.  I developed extreme focus and a passion for my profession, which helped me overcome obstacles and learn from my mistakes.  Whenever I was overwhelmed, I just walked into my daughters’ rooms, tucked them in bed and realized I could do anything.  My personal motto became
“Watch Me.”

I joined NAPS, the national association that represented my profession, to gain the knowledge I so desperately needed.  I remember attending the first conference “no frills” which meant no food or social events – just the sessions.  I also stayed at a cheaper hotel down the street to save money.

When, years later, I was elected as the Chairman of the Board of my National Association, I focused on education and certification to provide training tools to benefit other owners and recruiters.

In the last 30 years, my company has placed over 12,500 individuals in direct, temporary and contract positions.  My training company distributes training materials to my profession worldwide, and I speak at conferences throughout the United States, Canada and S. Africa providing sales training and keynote addresses.

That life that I had envisioned for myself has come true.  I was able to take care of my children, to donate my time and money to charity, and my profession allows me to make a difference in the lives of the people I represent on a daily basis.  Eventually, I married my soul mate, Tony, and we now enjoy life with our five children and ten grandchildren.

For the record, I still type over 100 WPM, but is doesn’t define who I am!