#goalsConfidential: Karie Harris, Kforce, Orlando

 
Karie Harris is someone you need to know.

She is the Market Manager and Talent Director at Kforce, an award-winning professional staffing firm focusing in Technology. I met her several years ago when I lived in Tampa and she got me working right away.

As a consultant, she specializes in resume writing and brand building. Her ultimate passion is helping people find and land their dream career.
 

What keeps you enthusiastic about what you do?

I LOVE what I do! I’m not selling a false dream just to benefit a bottom line goal and I’m not performing a role without purpose. I am bridging the gap between goal-oriented individuals who are passionate about their careers and connecting them to some of the largest leaders in the industry which they may have never had a shot at because they did not know where to start or have the right connection.

When I call the people I work with and say, “You got the offer!” there is such a rewarding feeling especially when they respond, “Thank you for changing my/my family’s life.” or tell me “You are the best recruiter I have ever worked with.” To know I can make such an impact leaves me no other choice but to be enthusiastic about what I do.
 

What is it about Orlando/Tampa that most people don’t know about when it comes to career advancement?

Orlando and Tampa are growing, especially in IT. More and more companies are investing in both of the cities and creating more job opportunities. While most people know Orlando for tourism, in 2017 Orlando was ranked #6 out of 20 in fastest-growing tech markets according to Time magazine and it has not slowed down in 2018. Forbes published an article in January this year naming Orlando the STEM growth leader by 8% which is three times the national average.

Top tech jobs in both Orlando and Tampa include Project Managers, Network Engineers, and Developers.
 

What do you look most for in a candidate, alongside hardwork and consistency?

Passion. I look for passion because the majority of the clients I have are passionate about what they do and take pride in their work. When I find an individual who is passionate about what they do, their level of enthusiasm and work ethic tends to be greater than someone who is just doing a “job” for a paycheck. This leads me into culture. I’m finding that more companies are hiring to help build and keep a successful culture which leads to happier employees, a more positive work environment, and less turnover.

And I cannot forget to mention creativity, thinking outside of the box, and knowing how to be assertive while still winning over your audience.
 

Can you tell me more about what motivated you to start consulting?  What’s your vision for it?

Consulting actually found me many years ago. As the years went by, my passion grew for the business and I realized I found my purpose. My current vision is to help more people achieve their career goals which is why I launched www.karieharris.com . Through my years in this industry I realized the importance of having a clear resume that shows who you are and creating an individual brand that employers can look at and say, “I want that person on my team!”. Because my daily role insists of sifting through thousands of resumes, hundreds of job postings and multiple Fortune 500 company interactions, I have a knowledge base of the technology industry that can help individuals position themselves to be placed on new projects and in thriving careers, not just a job.
 

Women #over35 sometimes have to answer to someone a lot younger than they are.  That can be awkward. What advice do you have?

 
My answer to these women is simple, if you don’t like it, do something about it! If you feel your current organization is not offering you maximum growth potential or you are not willing to answer to someone younger than you, move on. There is a reason that younger person got that job over you. Instead of fighting it, learn about that person. What qualities did they offer that made them get selected over you? What can you do to emphasize your strengths?

Also, never be afraid to look into contracting. There are a lot of great long-term contracts available that come with benefits which can allow you to explore what’s available without a permanent commitment.
 

What’s the most challenging part of dealing with so many people on any given day? How do you take care of yourself?

Many things play a factor in me taking care of myself. Making better choices in my eating habits has helped my mental and physical. I also joined a softball team which has helped release tension and allow me to have fun outside of work.

On a daily basis, I try to make sure the kids are in bed by 8 so I can have time to decompress before I lay down at night, undisturbed. I started this routine with them at an early age because I know how important quiet time is for my mental (notice how many times I’ve mentioned my mental state – this is extremely important for me).

Every year I also plan at least 3 types of a trips – a family trip, a trip with my spouse, and a trip just for me. It doesn’t have to be fancy, I just must go somewhere away from home where I can completely disconnect. I put these trips on a calendar so I know I have something to look forward to in the midst of a busy day to day. And any time I have a little extra, I make sure I spoil myself.

Whether it’s a new fragrance, dress, or anything else that makes me feel special I get it because I deserve it.
 

Originally posted 2018-04-09 06:00:38.