Life & Work with Jennifer Jones

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Jones.

Hi Jennifer, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am currently a technical software engineering recruiter with Google and NEVER imagined this is what I would be doing. After graduating high school, I left NJ to start college at Temple University to become an educator. After a year and a half, I knew college or becoming a teacher wasn’t for me. I started working in retail as a cashier and quickly found myself creating a career in retail management and then eventually account management.

I eventually left New Jersey in 2012 and moved to Atlanta where I was laid off a year after my move and going through a divorce at the same time. To make ends meet, I started working 2-3 odd jobs and taking any contract positions I could get and that is where things changed for me.

After one of my contract assignments ended, the staffing agency I was working with lost their receptionist and I was asked to come in and answer phones while they looked for a replacement. During that time, a recruiter quit and they gave me a chance to learn and eventually I was hired full-time as a recruiter.

I have since worked with companies like Cirque du Soleil, Amazon, Instacart, Uber and now Google where I take great pride in finding other nontraditional candidates to help advance their careers.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been smooth at all lol but it is why I can appreciate where I am today.

The biggest struggle I had to face was proving I deserved to be where I was. When I first started recruiting, a college degree was preferred, especially in the tech space. That of course has changed, but battling imposter syndrome was and sometimes still is, something I fight through.

There were mental, financial and emotional challenges that had to be overcome, but a great therapist and a supportive circle did wonders for me.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a technical SWE recruiter, I work with Google’s early career candidates. Early career is defined as interns, campus and industry candidates that have less than three years of relevant working experience.

Having recruited for over ten years, I know what questions to ask to really understand my candidate and their goals, no matter their level. As someone without a college degree, my approach is different and I am more open to giving someone a chance that they might be seeking; I know what and who to look for.

I also know how to create a resume that tells my story and I help others do the same when they are looking to pivot or change careers.

I’m so proud of myself for never giving up when things became difficult and now I am able to help others.

What matters most to you? Why?
Peace, my mental health and representation.

I worked very hard to understand my triggers and heal. I make sure to surround myself with the right people and do what feels good/right in my soul. I no longer do or say anything that can jeopardize the work I’ve done to become who I am today. I also try to normalize talking about mental health and creating a space where people feel safe to be themselves wholeheartedly.

I also care about representation in the workspace. I want people to know and believe that anything is possible. Nothing can hold you back if there is something you want for your life.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennuinelife/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifernicolejones/

Image Credits
Niajah Thom