Getting to Know Wes Ashworth, Executive Search Consultant at The Lee Group

Wes Ashworth cares. And it shows.

For Wes, of The Lee Group Executive Search team, it’s not just about filling positions, it’s about caring that people find the RIGHT positions and companies find the RIGHT team members.

Fit is the name of the game, and it starts with getting to know people.

In that spirit, we sat down with Wes to help you get to know more about him. Read on for more.

What was your first job?

From an early age, I shoveled snow and raked leaves around my neighborhood. I have always had a strong work ethic and even as a teenager being a “freeloader” with my parents never set well with me. My first official job was at Chick-fil-A during high school. I was an honor student, played year-round sports and would drive straight from practice during the week to work my shift at Chick-fil-A. It was an amazing place to start my career and gave me a great foundation to succeed.

What is the best job advice you ever received?

“The world belongs to askers.” I could not tell you how many times I have received mentorship, training, advancement opportunity, new business, referrals… the list goes on and on…all because I asked. That advice to take active steps and ask instead of waiting around for good things to happen has shaped my career. 

What is the best job advice you ever gave?

Be authentic, be transparent, and you don’t have to pretend to be someone you’re not. I feel that people are so burned out and tired of gimmicks.

What motivated you to go into the staffing field?

It is a job that combines what I love doing with what I’m naturally good at. On top of that, The Lee Group’s culture and values are a perfect match for me. I get to connect and help people, solve complex puzzles, and I get out what I put in. I am supported, valued, and set up for success. I knew nothing about the staffing field until I was introduced to Eric and the rest is history. I found my dream job with a company I want to stay with forever. I found the perfect fit, which drives me to help companies and candidates find that as well.

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

The lack of communication. They apply and never hear anything, interview and never hear anything,

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

The candidate market is extremely tight and available talent is slim. The companies that are landing top talent are rethinking their interview process, recruitment strategy, on-boarding and training, compensation and benefits.

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?

There are many examples I can think of. Most recently, I recruited a candidate that was extremely limited and was in a job where he had to perform with both hands tied behind his back. Through our conversations, I got to know him, and I discovered that his ideal fit was a perfect match for the company I was recruiting for. Long story short, he and I talk often, and he has been wildly successful and has found his dream job. The company couldn’t be happier that they have an employee that not only is performing at the highest level but also fits their culture and values perfectly. It is unbelievable what can happen when the perfect match is made.

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

Unfortunately, the lack of focus on relationship. More and more people don’t want to engage in a conversation. Often times the job search process and the hiring process is treated like a mechanical transaction. The internet is great, and technology is great, but successful hiring can only happen consistently with personal interaction and connection.

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

I have a deep love for saltwater and sunshine, so I am at the beach with my family any chance that I get. If I’m not at the beach, I may be kayak fishing. During the winter months, I’m usually tinkering/fixing something in my garage or doing home projects biding my time until it’s warm again.  

What is one of your favorite quotes?

“Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” – George Addai