Alex Charles had bit of a non-traditional background for a typical recruiter. He went to college at NYU for Literature, briefly working as a translator/interpreter after college. Realizing this wasn't the right role for him, he decided to get his teaching certifications before moving back home where he worked as an academic tutor teaching Math, English and Science. Alex said, " I even went into business myself as a tutor briefly. That didn’t go anywhere at all."
That's when Alex decided to go into sales. His first sales job was a consultant at the Producers Guild, then brokering list sales. After 2 years at that company, he was ready for a long-term position. He applied to CyberCoders and the rest has been history.
Earlier this week, we had the opportunity to learn more about him and hear his advice for anyone looking to join CyberCoders.
1. What is your favorite part about being a recruiter?
My favorite part about being a recruiter is having an impact. My work is primarily in the biotech field. That’s gratifying to me, since I’ll never be a doctor/scientist. I am too grossed out by dead animals/human byproducts. I have even passed out at the sight of my own blood before. Working as a recruiter primarily in the biotech space helps me feel like I’m contributing to the future of humanity. Even if I’m not the subject matter expert doing the experiments, I’m still involved in bridging the talent gap and making sure the right people are there.
2. Tell us about an exciting job match you made recently.
I was searching for a QA manager for a while – had some leads. Then after a few weeks of searching, a candidate reached out, saying he was ready to make a move. He had all of the relevant experience from competitors doing the work the client needed. His reasons for leaving checked out. He was also very kind and easy to work with to boot. The candidate met my client on a Friday and offered to have his next interview on a Saturday he loved them so much. I had to hustle a little behind the scenes to get everything straightened away, but he signed the offer letter on a Sunday. The two parties were so strongly attracted to each other the relationship felt magnetic. I was so happy to connect people who wanted to work together to that degree.
3. How has CyberCoders supported your success?
I have essentially every single person who works here to thank for my success. From the start, training prepares us even if we don’t have any prior recruiting experience. They also continue to provide support—I’ve met with training several times to revise my desk over the past couple of months. My team is a bastion of support, from Howard Braithwaite who saw something in me that few other people have and Noelle Neufeld who always has good insight into the biotech field. She’s not reticent to share it either. I’ve really appreciated that. Ever since Day 1, other recruiters, on and off my team, have called me directly to explain some of the finer points of recruiting. I’ve never felt more supported at work in my life.
From there, the people who work in product - KC, Jesse, Matt and others- have created a powerful recruiting software “Cyrus.” I’m able to outperform our competitors because of their work. The Office Admin Staff – Marissa Gonzalez and co – help me understand the internal processes I need to follow to make my desk function. They go above and beyond to make sure I’m taken care of. We have a sales coach, i.e. Director of Sales enablement Chris De Cecco, who ensures that our mindset is conducive to having a good personal and professional life. Even our President Shane has reached out with advice and congratulations, in addition to fostering a culture of individualism and self-expression.
4. What personal and professional goals has CyberCoders helped you achieve?
I’m still relatively new to CyberCoders. I hope in the future I can write more in this box. CyberCoders has given me a job that I really like. Every day I am surprised to find a new way about how good things are here. The people, the work, the internal product – you know it’s good when you start, but you don’t know just how good it’s going to be. I find more and more every day that makes me think I wouldn’t trade this job for any other.
5. What advice would you give to someone interested in joining your team?
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