Getting to know Sheryl Dinger, Staffing Manager for The Lee Group in Newport News

Changing people’s lives is the goal, right? Sheryl Dinger gets to do that on a daily basis. As a Staffing Manager in The Lee Group’s Newport News office, Dinger works each day to help people find a job that matches their skills, experience and education.

She goes out of her way to get to know each and every candidate and makes sure that they are on the right path to success.

Want to know more about Sheryl and what led her to a career in helping people with their careers? We sat down with her to talk career advice, challenges, and how you can make a real impact.

What was your first job?

I worked at Farm Fresh in the floral department.

What is the best job advice you ever received?

It was more of what I observed from my Dad, and that is to work hard and do your best. Whatever you do, do it to the best of your ability.

What is the best job advice you ever gave?

You only get one chance to make a first impression. How you present yourself and being prepared are imperative.

What motivated you to go into the staffing field?

I started as a temp in 1997. The opportunity turned out to be a long temp assignment and I needed something that was going to allow for growth and I just didn’t see that there. So, I contacted my staffing manager who made me aware of an internal opening which I was interviewed and was hired for. And here I am now!

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

You have to set yourself apart from everyone else. The right opportunity is out there if you are diligent. You can’t sit around and wait for a company to call you. I’m used to a time where you “beat the pavement” so to speak. You put on an interview appropriate outfit, resume in hand, and would just knock on business doors. Although the process has changed a bit, the mentally is the same, you have to go after the opportunity that you want.

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

Unfortunately, some companies are slow to make hiring decisions and these delays frustrate qualified candidates. On the flip side, we at The Lee Group are solution providers! We just have to be creative in our processes and change one’s thought / belief from “talent scarcity” to “talent sufficiency.”

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?  

At the end of the day, it is about matching our contractor’s skill set with our client’s needs. When you have done this successfully, they are both pleased, and this is ultimate goal each and every time. You hear “thank you” as “you have now afforded me the ability to provide for my family,” which makes me feel good.

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

With technology consistently evolving, continued use of social recruitment as companies become more creative to attract candidates. With low unemployment, competition will likely be very competitive.

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

Besides juggling the schedule of four kids, I love working out.

What is one of your favorite quotes?

“Success isn’t just about what you accomplish in your life, it’s about what you inspire others to do.”