Today we’d like to introduce you to Ericka Criner.
Hi Ericka, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My recruiting journey started at Oklahoma State University, where I was in Orange Pride, which was an organization that helped with hosting responsibilities during the football season. After graduating during the 2008 recession, I worked various jobs until I landed my first recruiting job in 2010 and have been in recruiting/talent acquisition since. In 2018, while on maternity leave with my youngest – I started Pathfinder Talent. This is a recruiting firm focused on helping small to mid-size organizations identify top talent for their open positions. Some of my clients were relocating their new hires to the Dallas Fort Worth area frequently, so I seen an opportunity which is how I got into real estate. My goal is to help my clients and candidates seamlessly transition into new opportunities.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all. When I first started, I was a mom of a newborn and a 9-year-old and shortly after, I went back to work from maternity leave so I was managing a household, a full-time job, and a growing business. Fast forward to March 2020, the pandemic hits – all my clients stop hiring! So, it’s been far from smooth – but what do you do – keep pressing forward.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Pathfinder Talent?
Pathfinder Talent LLC, a small minority woman-owned business, was started by Principal Recruiters with a combined background of 22 years. Experience across multiple industries from small to Fortune 500 organizations has allowed Pathfinder Talent to accommodate diverse employment needs. Pathfinder Talent has successfully serviced varied industries such as healthcare, sales and technology, pharmaceuticals, food manufacturing, oil and gas, and executive recruitment.
We are different because we cater to our client’s needs – small or large. In addition to being able to identify talent quickly, I am a realtor. So I’m not only helping candidates relocate for new opportunities but helping them transition to new cities with their families. We care about the whole individual, not just finding them a position.
Pathfinder offers direct placement services for any organization. We also consult with organizations to help them find opportunities to approve their overall recruitment processes.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I would say hard work, determination, and faith. Hard work because starting out, I literally worked around the clock. And sometimes still do unless I am spending time with my kids, working out, or sleep. Determination – As a recruiter, you are dealing with humans. Humans can be unpredictable at times and things may not go as well in an interview or they may turn out to be someone different than you expected.
Faith – Every day I have faith, it will work! I put my trust in God and let go.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@pathfinder-talent.com
- Website: www.pathfinder-talent.com
