Teryn Theisen is a legal recruiter for Adams & Martin Group in Orange County, California. She specializes in placing attorneys, paralegals and support staff in virtually all practice areas in Orange County and San Diego. Ms. Theisen's clients range from solo practitioners to global Am Law 100 firms and Fortune 500 companies. Prior to working at Adams & Martin Group, she served as a legal recruiter for a large national legal search firm for eight years.
Adams & Martin Group is the only staffing company to ever be ranked number one on the Inc. 500, which recognizes them as the fastest growing privately-held business in the nation. They have won numerous awards based on their alignment with the Malcolm Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence and were admired as "Best of Staffing" in their remarkable service to both candidates and clients. Adams & Martin is one of the country's largest privately-held staffing businesses with branches across the U.S.
I asked Ms. Theisen what is the most noteworthy placement she made? "I'd say it was when one of my colleagues was on vacation and I was covering for her. She was pending a potential placement between her client and candidate but when the offer was extended, everything started to fall apart. I worked extremely hard with both parties involved and I was able to turn it around and make a successful placement. Even though, I had never talked to either party up until that moment, I gained their trust and guided them through making smart hiring/career decisions. Six years later, that candidate is still with the firm."
What makes her stand out as a legal recruiter in her field? "My personality and market knowledge. I'd also like to think I'm fun to work with. I'm not a stuffy or pushy recruiter; I consider myself down to earth, uplifting and direct. I really care about my candidates and clients and I don't force anyone into a wrong placement. I want everyone to succeed."
When asked about her hobbies and special interests, Ms. Theisen replied, "I love to cook, go to the theater, DIY projects, and spend time with my family and friends."
What does it take to become a successful legal recruiter? She acknowledged:
"There are so many characteristics, qualities, and unique skill-sets you need to have in order to become a successful recruiter. To name a few, you should have strong communication, knowledgeable in the current market, strategic, motivated, confident, resilient, empathetic, and have patience. Those are just some key elements you need to have in order to become a successful recruiter."What motivated Ms. Theisen to work as a recruiter? She said:
"I fell into this industry. I didn't even know legal recruiters existed. My Aunt was a legal secretary and she referred me to the staffing agency where I started my career as a legal recruiter. I went to them to have them help me find a job in a corporation and they ended up hiring me to work for them directly as an entry level recruiter because they felt I had what it took to become a successful recruiter in the industry. I started off as a research assistant, and then six weeks later I was promoted to the Lead Temporary Account Manager/Recruiter for our Los Angeles division. I won Rookie of The Year my first year with the company and I won Top Temporary Account Manager the following year for having the highest billing for our contract placement company wide."What is her advice to new recruiters? "This job isn't for everyone. You'll either love it or hate it. Do your homework and never assume anything. This market is consistently changing and it is your job to stay on top of it."
What are Ms. Theisen's strengths and weaknesses as a recruiter? "Honestly, I'm a very direct person and you always know where you stand with me. I don't hide my feelings or 'sugar coat' anything. I consider that a strength and a weakness."
What is she known for professionally? Ms. Theisen asserted:
"I'm known for being well-networked, making great matches between my candidates and clients, and being enjoyable to work with. I'm super personable, energetic and straight forward. If I have disappointing feedback, I'm going to be honest and offer constructive criticism for them to take into consideration for the future. I've been told that people respect and appreciate that about me."What does Ms. Theisen look for to find the right fit? What makes a great candidate? She admitted, "I listen to my candidates and clients and I develop a true understanding of what they are looking for and what is most important to them. Then I play 'match-maker' and make the introductions if I believe it could be a good fit."
In regards to what makes a great candidate, she stated, "Personality, job stability, strong technical skills, education, reputable firms in work history and someone that you can 'manage' during the interviewing process. Your candidate has to respect and trust you."
Where does Ms. Theisen see the field in the next five years? "I believe it's going to be a candidate's market. Job opportunities are steadily increasing and the active job searchers are starting to decline. I also foresee more former practicing Attorneys entering into the legal recruiting field."
Does she learn something of value from all mistakes? "Of course. I learn from my daily mistakes. Even after doing this for almost nine years, I still make mistakes and learn from them. - That's how you grow personally and professionally."
What motivates Ms. Theisen? "My number one motivation in life is my family. Work wise; making successful placements and impacting people's lives in a positive way is one of the best feelings. It motivates me to keep doing it again and again…"
Where does she derive her confidence? "I honestly think I was just born with it. I believe having confidence can get you far in life and open a lot of doors of opportunity. If I didn't have confidence, I wouldn't be doing what I'm doing now. In this industry, people have to believe and trust in you; and having confidence is essential."
Non-Profit Organizations, Ms. Theisen's Mentors and Most Influential Person, and A Rewarding Position
Does Ms. Theisen work with any non-profit organizations? "Songs Against Slavery (SAS) is a non-profit to help survivors of human trafficking in America and help bring awareness against it. My sister in-law is one of the Co-founders"
Who inspires Ms. Theisen? "My kids and husband inspire me."
Does she find her work rewarding? Ms. Theisen stated:
"Yes. I like all of the phases in the cycle of a placement and I still find it very rewarding after all these years. At the end of the day, I like helping people and finding them a better career opportunity. The fact that I get paid to do it is an added bonus."Does Ms. Theisen like her occupation? "I call it a Love/Hate relationship because it's the life of the unexpected. It's a rollercoaster of highs and lows and no day is ever the same. I like that though. I like the rush I get from it all and I do enjoy what I do."
