Hiring top talent is essential for organizational success. Employees are the cornerstone of any company, especially in the manufacturing sector. The right hire doesn’t just fill a gap—they can transform workplace dynamics, boost morale, and drive meaningful change.
But would you believe that one extraordinary hire can elevate the vibe of your entire business?
Enter Jessica—our star contractor who eventually entered a permanent role due to her passion and dedication to her position and the people she works with.
OBSTACLE
Our client, a renowned aluminum forging company, needed a part-time HR assistant to help source production floor workers. There were quite a few challenges to overcome.
- For starters, it was a tall order to find an HR-savvy professional who was willing to work part-time.
- To add to the complexity, the environment they were going to oversee hiring for was a workplace that was often hot, loud, and dirty—not the easiest or most inviting factory floor.
- Complicating things further, they were looking for someone who could serve as a liaison between the production staff and the leadership team. Not everyone is equipped to mesh with both of those groups equally.
- But the challenges did not stop there. Our client was not sure they were going to need this role filled long term, so the job was temporary.
All these obstacles made the task of finding the right individual incredibly complex.
SOLUTION
At Hughes, we began where we always do—with a strategic consultation to ensure alignment between their ideal and our search parameters. We discussed the position with our client’s HR and leadership teams to ensure we understood the unique skills they needed, then we got to work.
By combining technology, interviews, and the strong gut feel of our experienced recruiters, we recruited, screened, and submitted qualified candidates who checked the boxes on skill and experience, but also appeared suited to the organization’s internal culture. We provided several qualified candidate profiles to enable quick and informed decision-making, but Jessica stood out from the get-go.
Jessica had come to us with a nagging feeling that there was more to life. She had a decent job at a company in a neighboring community of Rockford, IL, but unfortunately, the job and coworkers did not light her up. She was commuting an hour each way and missing out on her kids’ activities. Jessica is a people person and longed to find her “work family.”
“Over the years, I have come to trust Hughes immensely. They are my go-to. I know when I walk into the office that I am in good hands. I believe in the people I work with. They share my values, and i regularly see them doing good things in our local community.” – Jessica
When we presented this part-time HR opportunity with a key employer in our community, we could see a lightbulb go on. We knew she had the moxie and the savvy to fit in, to fill jobs, yet we recognized there was room for her to grow. We got feedback after the first interview that Jess and the hiring manager sat and talked for over an hour—they had clicked immediately!
Fast forward to the end of the search, it came as no surprise that Jessica was selected by our client. She embodied the right attitude, skills, and expertise for the role. Jessica was thrilled to hear the news—plus, the company’s headquarters was only six minutes away from her home! Win-win!
IMPACT
Jessica’s influence on the company has been integral to its success. When COVID-19 hit in 2020, Jessica led the charge in ensuring employee safety and boosting morale. Post-pandemic, Jessica continued to make a significant impact as the company’s sales grew.
“Jessica brought a positive energy and solution-focused mindset to HR. She modified candidate screening and hiring process to allow us to have quality hires. She also built trust with managers, balancing the company’s interests with the employees’ well-being.” – Kevin, Production Manager
While many businesses struggle with keeping their employees, our client was able to keep its best talent and even extend employee tenure—all thanks to Jessica’s steadfast leadership, dedication to the workforce, and commitment to employee well-being.
“Today, Jessica is a key member of the operations leadership team, responsible for all HR functions in the site. She embodies the team/servant leadership philosophy and continues to be highly respected within all areas of the organization.” – Marty, General Manager
OUTCOME
Recently, Jessica marked her fifth anniversary with the company. From a temp-to-hire HR assistant, she became a trusted HR leader, establishing herself as an invaluable part of the team because of her deep understanding of the people around her, her ability to harness their skills, and her expertise in selecting candidates who can thrive within the company.
“These days, I get called on by a lot of agencies, but Hughes is my top choice. I know what an impact they had on my life.” – Jessica
Beyond her capabilities and skill, it is widely reported that her positive attitude and “ray of sunshine” approach has cultivated a warm and inclusive culture for our client. That’s a special kind of magic, and we’re over the moon to have been even a small part of their success story.
And the ripples continue! Thanks to this connection, both our client and Jessica are working together to elevate the lives of the hundreds of community members who also find meaningful work there. And this, folks, is why we do what we do.
As a staffing agency, we are incredibly proud of Jessica’s achievements with our client and the role we played in connecting her with a company where she has truly thrived, making a lasting impact through her dedication, leadership, and people-first approach. Our key strategies in fulfilling our clients’ needs have been one of our foundations in building successful partnerships.
“Taking the time and putting in the effort to understand our needs has been paramount in our successful partnership, and in my opinion, is one of the biggest benefits I see in working with Hughes versus other staffing agencies.” – Marty, General Manager
Discover exceptional talent with Hughes Recruiting & Consulting.
Sourcing candidates is hard work, but true dedication lies with the employees themselves. We are simply bridges between employers and employees. One thing we are proud of is identifying the ideal candidate for the job.
What is your favorite part of the job?
“Aww… that’s easy. It’s the people. They bring me joy every day.” – Jessica
Just like Jessica, our dedication is to the people we place and the clients we serve. Yet our success story doesn’t end here. Reach out to us, and you could be the next company to experience the difference—after all, we have lots of “Jessicas.”
