Interview with Jerry Van Horn

jvh@vermilliongroup.com

Give us a little insight about your career history?

I started with Vermillion Group in 2004. Prior to that, I spent 30 years as an outplacement consultant serving organizations such as Hewlett Packard, Maytag, Texas Instruments, Motorola and Monsanto. I also served in corporate HR roles with AFLAC and Parker Pen.

What made you decide to become a recruiter?

I have a passion for helping people identify their worth and potential in the workplace. When offered an opportunity to join Vermillion Group, I saw it as a logical culmination of my cumulative career experience in talent management.

What are some attributes that set you apart from other recruiters?

I'm willing to invest the time needed to really get to know my clients and candidates, and to serve them as a career consultant over the long haul, not simply looking for the quick placement. I focus on building the kind of relationships that ensure successful outcomes.

What do you enjoy most about being a recruiter?

Being a cheerleader for my candidates, sharing my knowledge of not only career transition strategies but also my market, and bolstering their confidence that together we'll find the next perfect opportunity. Being flexible to adjust to the vagaries of each client's unique needs and internal processes. Being the expert "tour guide" to bring the right talent to the right client at the right time.

With the recruiting industry being as competitive and difficult as it is, what aspects of the business gives you the most satisfaction and keeps you showing up every day?

Knowing that I'm making a positive difference in people's lives. It doesn't get any better than that.

Tell us about your desk specialty.

Nationwide: I recruit orthopedic surgeons and internal medicine physicians for hospitals and private practices.

What would be the best piece of advice you could offer a client?

Recognize the value I can bring to your staffing strategies. Instead of dismissing me as "just another vendor," welcome me as an external SME partner.

What would be the best piece of advice you could offer a candidate?

Persevere, keep the dream alive. As Bloody Mary sang in "South Pacific", "If you don't have a dream, how you gonna have a dream come true?" The right position is out there waiting for you, even though it may take a while for us to find it.

What do you pride yourself on, job related?

Those occasions when I introduce exceptional talent to clients purely on speculation, and the clients create new positions for the candidates.

Personal Insights on Jerry Van Horn

Education

BA in English, Masters in Journalism and IR

I enjoy spending my free time…

Enjoying photography, reading, recreational writing, and golf when I can find the time!

One interesting fact about me is…

At age 55, I became a volunteer firefighter in my suburban town outside Des Moines. Attained multiple fire service certifications. I'd always wanted to do that, and I seized the opportunity when it came around.

Outside of work, I am most passionate about…

my faith and my family. Both are very important to me.

If I wasn’t a recruiter, I would be…? (and why)

A newspaper reporter or radio news anchor. I did both for a few years after college, and always thought it would be fun to do either again someday.

My personal mantra / motto is…

Ask, listen and hear in order to determine each other's wants, needs and possibilities.