[HAWAII AT WORK]

FL MORRIS / FMORRIS@STARBULLETIN.COM Marie Kumab, Recruiter.

Recruiter champions
work of others

Marie Kumabe says the best
job is helping people find theirs

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Star-Bulletin Staff

My partner, Kristi Inkinen, and I opened a staffing agency last November. With two children to raise and a good job at the University of Hawaii's School of Travel Industry Management, I had to ask myself the same question facing all fledgling small-business owners: Do I want to accept the challenge, stress, risk, and uncertainty?

Eight months later, I'm glad I took the leap. I have the best job in the world: I get to help people find the right jobs for themselves.

When I was head of human resources for American Hawaii Cruises some time ago, I thought I had the best job because I could help people-even if only within the confines of that company. Now, as a partner in Remedy Intelligent Staffing, I have access to positions at all types of companies and can offer them to those who've come to me for assistance.

If job seekers know exactly where they want to work, I can help them get a foot in the door at that firm. If they're interested in a particular industry or field, I can be their champion and use my contacts to promote their backgrounds and credentials to decision-makers. If they simply want advice, I can counsel and guide them on the most appropriate career paths.

Sometimes I get to be a cheerleader and restore confidence in someone who may have lost a job through no fault of his or her own. At other times, I have the opportunity to work with recent graduates who are brimming with enthusiasm and hope about the future. I'm candid in giving feedback on interviewing skills or a resume that doesn't do justice to one's skills. I meet people with all kinds of experience, education and backgrounds, but who all share the desire to work for an organization that will value them and offer them a chance to shine. They're willing to work hard if given this chance.

By working with all types of individuals, I feel I'm able to recognize a "gem" of an employee. In addition, proficiency tests and assessments allow me to sharpen my "sixth sense" in perfectly matching an employer and employee. I also have the chance to help employers of all sizes and in all industries, who are overwhelmed with resumes and need assistance in streamlining their hiring process.

A career is one of the most important aspects of one's life, and every day I help people get to where they want to go.