Michael Bettick

Randstad Professionals

One of the many bright spots of being in the staffing business is that when the job is done successfully, all sides win.

The business gets to recruit a high-demand, highly skilled employee; the employee gets a change or advancement in career; and the recruiter benefits from bringing the two parties together, said Michael Bettick, senior vice president of Randstad in Baltimore.

“That’s very satisfying,” Bettick said. “Having that dynamic to be involved in win-win situations.”

It also provides some perspective on the state of the economy, particularly when it comes to in-demand industries such as accounting and finance, technology, human resources, sales and marketing, he said.

Randstand had a record year in 2015 in recruiting, Bettick said, and 2016 has shown no signs of slowing that momentum.

The firm also plans to launch a legal recruiting vertical this year with a focus on in-demand paraprofessionals as well as general corporate counsel, he said.

Bettick began his career as an accountant with Black and Decker. After more than a decade in the profession, including a stint at another small manufacturer. Then one day he was chatting with a headhunter and discussing how he’d been considering a career change, Bettick said. The recruiter asked if he shouldn’t try recruiting fellow accountants himself. He wound up giving it a try and hasn’t turned back since.

And when it comes to the principal qualities most employers are seeking, he’s learned they basically break down into three qualities: technical background and knowledge, industry experience and compensation.

“You need those to get in the door,” he said. “Then it comes down to chemistry and soft skills between the client and the candidate. We shoot to give employers those three things, then they make the decisions.”