At Orion Group's Life Sciences office in Chicago, we take pride in our specialized approach to recruitment. Today, we’re thrilled to share insights from Matthew, our Recruitment Manager, who brings a wealth of experience and perspective to the table. From managing factory-floor recruitment to navigating the challenges of a pandemic, Matthew’s journey is one of adaptability, resilience, and dedication to helping others find their path.
Finding My Way in Recruitment
Matthew’s start in the recruitment world was unexpected. "Truthfully, I was painting houses at the time," he says, recalling his high school years. A former friend introduced him to Spherion, a staffing agency, and that was it—he discovered a passion for helping people find jobs. Since then, he’s never looked back. For Matthew, recruitment wasn't just a job; it became a niche where he could genuinely contribute to the betterment of others’ lives.
From the Factory Floor to the Office: Staying Personable
Before joining Orion, Matthew’s career took him out of the office and onto the factory floor, and that experience significantly shaped his approach to recruitment. "I feel a lot more personable with candidates," he explains. Unlike traditional office recruitment, being on-site allowed him to interact with contractors daily, getting to know them beyond their resumes. This deeper connection gave Matthew a sense of fulfilment—he was not just filling positions, but actively improving people’s lives.
Leading Large-Scale Recruitment Projects
Volume recruitment is not for the faint-hearted, and Matthew is no stranger to the challenges of large-scale hiring. One of his proudest accomplishments was leading a project to hire 1,200 HR representatives for a three-month contract to handle benefits enrolment for a major U.S. company. "We filled them all within 90 days," he shares. The key to success? Building a team with a singular focus and determination. For Matthew, picking the right team is half the battle won.
Starting Anew Amid a Global Pandemic
Joining Orion Group in March 2020 was a challenging time, right in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. With only four days of in-person interaction with his director before the move to a fully remote setup, Matthew had to adapt quickly. The toughest part was preparing for potential redundancies while unable to hire anyone that year. Instead, Matthew focused on building a solid foundation—a client database in preparation for when the opportunities would return. "We spent the first year making as many calls as possible to build relationships and prepare for future requisitions," he reflects.
Maintaining Communication Across Teams
Effective recruitment, especially in high-volume scenarios, requires seamless communication across all teams involved. Matthew ensures efficiency by maintaining daily contact with his team and clients, even if it’s just a brief check-in. Monthly calls with the Operations Team also play a key role in keeping everyone aligned. It’s about staying proactive, transparent, and consistent, which helps build trust and reduces the potential for miscommunication.
What Sets Our Recruitment Process Apart?
For Matthew, what differentiates his recruitment process is persistence and accountability. "Follow the money. Persistence in a polite manner can only net a positive outcome." He emphasizes that even if there’s no response from clients or candidates, keeping a record of communications demonstrates accountability. It's about staying organized, showing dedication, and always striving for the best outcomes for both candidates and clients.
Managing Onsite Teams and Fostering Engagement
Having managed onsite teams in the past, Matthew approaches team dynamics with a clear focus on support and accountability. "Always have a smile on your face but don’t be afraid to hold your workers—and yourself—accountable," he advises. He believes in not just identifying problems but coming up with solutions and isn’t afraid to stand up for his team if they’re being overlooked or disrespected. His hands-on experience in different environments has instilled a strong sense of responsibility to be both a leader and an advocate.
The Evolution of Recruitment: Trends and Insights
Over the years, Matthew has observed a shift toward automation roles and an increased recognition of the value of experience over degrees. “Managers are hopefully realizing that a degree doesn’t mean more than experience,” he notes. Looking ahead, Matthew sees technology playing an even more prominent role in recruitment. “All roles going forward will need some sort of technological skillset,” whether it’s standard warehouse operations requiring MS Office knowledge or more advanced software competencies.
Advice for New Recruiters
For those entering the recruitment industry, particularly in high-volume environments, Matthew’s advice is simple yet powerful: “Don’t be afraid of the phone. LID (Labor, Industrial, and Distribution) is the best thing to start recruiting on. If you can handle LID, everything else will seem like a walk in the park.” In other words, getting comfortable with high-volume hiring environments and direct communication is key to building a solid foundation in recruitment.
The Future of Recruitment: Staying Adaptable
Matthew’s journey through various roles—from agency recruitment to corporate, onsite, remote, and project management—shows that adaptability is crucial in this industry. “Any recruiter worth their salt can work any role in any environment,” he asserts. As technology and automation continue to shape the landscape, Matthew believes that those who remain adaptable, open to learning, and willing to engage directly with both candidates and clients will thrive.
A People-Centric Approach in Life Sciences Recruitment
At our Chicago office, Matthew and the team continue to specialize in connecting talent with opportunities in the Life Sciences sector. His approach, grounded in genuine connection, accountability, and adaptability, ensures that we don’t just fill roles—we help shape careers and build relationships that last. Whether you’re an aspiring recruiter or a candidate looking for your next role, Matthew’s journey reminds us that recruitment is, at its heart, about people—finding the right fit, offering support, and making a positive impact.
For Clients: Looking for top talent to drive your business forward? Partner with the Orion Life Sciences team to find the skilled professionals you need. Contact us today to discuss your hiring needs and how we can support your next big project!
For Candidates: Ready to take the next step in your Life Sciences career? Connect with us and explore exciting opportunities across the industry. Apply now and start your journey toward success with Orion Life Sciences!
