Getting to Know Nicole Padgett, Staffing Manager at The Lee Group’s Chesapeake, Virginia Office

Be the change you want to see in the world. If you ask Nicole Padgett, Staffing Manager serving in The Lee Group’s Chesapeake, Virginia branch, she will tell you this mission guides her.

It guides her in helping companies find strong candidates to become employees. It guides her in helping finding the right placement for the right people in careers where they can advance. And it guides her in all she does each day.

We wanted to know more about Nicole, how she developed her professional philosophy and what she’s reading, so we sat down with her for a little Q&A. Here’s what she had to say.

What was your first job?

At the local movie theater in my small hometown. I was 16-years old-and so shy and this brought me out of my shell! This is when I learned how much I love interacting with people.

What is the best job advice you ever received?

Let go of what you cannot control.

What is the best job advice you ever gave?

Do not settle. If you do not genuinely enjoy your job, you will not do well because you’re not giving it your all.

What motivated you to go into the staffing field?

I applied for many administrative positions and was lucky enough to get a call back from Sarah Fulton at The Lee Group’s Chesapeake branch. I truly LOVED working the front desk at our branch, and quickly became intrigued by the work being done by the staff (work I knew absolutely nothing about)! They were helping people just like me! Realizing I was a part of that process made me want to learn more and more. I was beyond excited to move into a staffing role.

What are the biggest challenges out there for people searching for jobs today?

Just finding the perfect fit. There are many factors to consider. Pay. Commute. Shift availability. Job duties. It can be difficult to find exactly what suits you.

What are the biggest challenges out there for companies looking to hire great team members today?

A lot of great employees already have great jobs.

Can you recall a time where you saw the real impact a job, or having the right person working for a company, made in someone’s life?

Several people come to mind! The people who feel like that they’ve hit a wall and here we are opening a door. They’re the reason we do what we do.

What trends do you see in today’s job search and hiring world?

Many people are so desperate to find a job, they apply to every job posting. Too many people say they want “anything.” Unfortunately, everyone cannot do everything and it’s important to remember that when applying for jobs.

When you aren’t helping companies find qualified people or helping people find good jobs, what do you do for fun?

I enjoy spending time with my husband and boys, and visiting our relatives back in our hometown when time allows. We’re also blessed to be a part of a great circle of friends that always guarantee fun and laughs when our schedules line up!

What is one of your favorite quotes?

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

What book are you reading now?

Cookbooks! I read cookbooks. I love to cook and my husband loves to eat!