Austin Lara

 Austin Lara works for a full-service staffing firm. He is a Senior Executive Recruiter specializing in accounting and finance placement. His job is to hunt and look for the best fit potential employees for his clients. He primarily focuses on direct hire placement; however, he will service his client’s needs that work best for them, which can also include interim solutions. His company’s focus is on Accounting, Finance, Financial Services, IT, HR and Administrative skillsets. Austin’s focus is at senior level and above, handling anything from Manager titles to CFOs for numerous Publicly traded companies, Fortune 500, Public Accounting firms, and Private corporations in various industries. Austin will bring in top talent to his clients matching their specific needs.

Austin went to the University of Iowa and majored in Entrepreneurship with a minor in Economics. He is both analytical and outgoing and believed these are strong traits to have when running your own business. To this day he applies those talents to his position so he can find his clients the correct fit for their team. While he was in college Austin volunteered at a shelter house as well as worked in hospitality at the top hotels in Iowa City. He often mentioned his passion for helping others and servicing good customer service which is what made him enjoy recruiting. So far in his career Austin has learned the most and grown the most with his current position. Even though he learns something new each day.

With his current position it gives him an edge in different areas such as working different types of personalities, success, lifestyles, and industries. He can learn by asking questions to get a better feel for what his clients are looking for. He can also learn more about a person and what they truly want with their next career opportunity. Austin mentors’ people every day within his current position. He constantly is giving advice to his clients and providing tips for interviewers. He is often also consulting in candidates and clients on the current state of the market pertaining to talent, wages, and hiring processes.

He mentioned that the recruiting industry isn’t for everyone. The role is very entrepreneurial and causes you to think on the balls of your feet within a fast pace environment. The job market is 24/7 and most recruiters do not understand this before joining at times. Austin isn’t afraid to work out of “normal” working hours. Which has helped him be successful in his position. Knowing when to turn on and off the switch for work and personal life is a must. Along with being consistent, and carrying himself with confidence, which is much needed. He knows what he brings to the table and the service that he will provide every client.

Advice Austin gave for individuals in the job market was to really research the company you are interviewing, ask questions, and envision yourself working together. Utilize 1^st round interviews to get a better understanding of the company, the role you are interviewing for, and the people you will be working with. It's often about culture and how well you connect with the hiring manager. The real question is can you both work together and get along. Remember to present yourself with your value, how you analyze and assess situations. And always, keep in the back of your mind, you are interviewing them as much as they are interviewing you. It is not a one-way street; it is a mutual agreement.