Welcome back to #WeAreGreenKey, where we shine a spotlight on our powerhouse recruiting team.
With over three years of dedicated service at Green Key, Erika Cavallo, Senior Recruiter on our Healthcare team has established herself as a cornerstone in healthcare recruiting. Known for her passion for helping others and her ability to foster strong relationships, she has made a significant impact on both her colleagues and the healthcare professionals she works with. Her expertise and commitment continue to drive the growth and excellence of Green Key’s healthcare division.
Can you share a bit about your career journey and what led you to become a healthcare recruiter?
After graduating from college, I wasn’t entirely sure about my career path. I initially thought I would pursue marketing, but soon realized I had a passion for talking to people. My confidence on the phone and ability to engage in conversations, regardless of how they were going, steered me towards recruiting. I started working at another firm, focusing exclusively on recruiting doctors and anesthesiologists. However, I found this somewhat limiting in terms of the recruiting atmosphere. Then, someone from Green Key reached out to me with an opportunity that seemed too good to pass up. Since joining the healthcare team at Green Key, I can honestly say it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
What do you find most rewarding about your job?
Working in the healthcare sector is incredibly rewarding because how I think of it is putting the patients first by staffing employees who care for them, whether in shelters or urgent care. It’s fulfilling to place people in environments where they can succeed and grow their careers. I’ve had the opportunity to see medical assistants become RNs, and watch their careers progress. I’m passionate about helping others, and building relationships with candidates is also rewarding. I talk to them daily, offering support and guidance. I really enjoy meeting people from all walks of life and building those connections.
How do you continue to grow and develop your skills?
As a recruiter, personal growth is key, and I believe in lifelong learning. There’s always something new to learn and build on. My growth at Green Key has been greatly influenced by my supportive superiors, who are always willing to help me learn and grow. Constructive criticism has also played a vital role in my development. Embracing feedback without taking it personally helps ensure success for both myself and my team.
The supportive and friendly environment at Green Key, created by my coworkers, has been instrumental in my growth within the company.
What strategies do you use to ensure a positive candidate experience?
My goal when talking to candidates is to stay professional and set clear expectations from the start. I’m always upfront and honest, avoiding false hope. This honesty helps me build strong, long-term relationships and get referrals. I encourage candidates to be open with me, even if they don’t like an interview. Also, handling tough situations professionally is key. Sometimes things need to be escalated, but I try to calm candidates down if they’re having a bad day. If they need to vent, I listen and provide support, ensuring they feel heard and understood.
How do you see the field of healthcare recruitment evolving in the next few years?
Healthcare recruiting is growing and expanding into various avenues beyond hospitals. We’re staffing places like hotels in New York City for immigrants and exploring more travel assignments rather than just local contracts. There’s immense opportunity for growth, and I believe the sky’s the limit. There are so many different positions to staff, and I hope we’ll be staffing facilities all over the country in the future.
What sets your team apart from other healthcare recruiting teams?
For me, this is a two-part answer. What sets our team apart is that we’re not just coworkers; we rely on each other as resources and support. In other companies, especially larger staffing firms with high turnover, there’s often a hierarchy that makes it hard to approach someone with a director title. What makes us different is that I can call anyone on my team, even senior leaders, without hesitation. At Green Key, especially on the healthcare team, we lean on each other as resources and aren’t afraid to ask questions or seek guidance. This creates a motivated team where everyone wants to do well, ensuring the success of our team, our division, and the entire company.
