Employee Spotlight: Lawrence Wilde

What inspired your career path? Kforce Talent Associate Lawrence Wilde’s military background shaped his desire to help people find their next career move. Get his job transition tips and advice for veterans looking for their calling in our Employee Spotlight.

What sparked your interest in joining the staffing industry?

I’ve always enjoyed helping people find their purpose. I got into the staffing industry shortly after I left the military in May 2013. At first, I struggled to get a job lined up, which many veterans face. Not knowing when and where I would find my next opportunity was overwhelming.

This experience gave me perspective on how important it is to have a career and mission you're passionate about. In my role at Kforce, I now find meaning in helping people make career moves.

What makes your experience with Kforce unique from other companies you’ve worked with?

With Kforce, the focus on quality over quantity was something that really resonated with me. I remember when I first met with my Managing Director Joy Casey. She was adamant about getting out, meeting people and building relationships. I had already been doing these things specifically with veterans, so I transitioned to supporting accounting and finance professionals as well.

What is the best career advice you’ve received?

From day one, Search Director Nick Sowells has always reiterated that you must build a solid foundation for success. Thankfully, I have an incredible team of people, led by Nick, that have different approaches to achieving their goals. I've been able to cherry-pick the things that work well for each person, and then create my own process.

What message do you have for candidates right now in this new world of work?

Knowledge is everything. Things are changing daily, so it’s essential to stay informed. The value that Kforce brings is that it isn't our first rodeo. We've been here, fought through it and come out better every single time. Having a resource to stay connected and keep you in the loop is invaluable to our candidates right now.

Can you describe your approach to balancing work and home life in a remote environment?

Set yourself up at a table, get into professional attire and find a quiet space. Make yourself feel like you're in a work setting. If you don’t separate work from home, it’s easy to lose track of time and that can lead to burnout. By establishing a clear separation, I ensure focus on my job and that I still have that time to recharge after work.

What is one military principle you’ve also adopted at work?

Some days are just a grind. The military taught me that the tough days are when you improve the most. As long as you're learning in those situations, you're going to be better in the long run. By embracing struggles and growing from them, I've been able to achieve some pretty cool things.

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Is there anyone at Kforce who has left an impact on you?

Kforce Market Manager Stephanie Zimmerman has been an incredible mentor. When I first started at Kforce, I relied on emails heavily. She challenged me by saying, “Your numbers are staying pretty static, and it's because you're not getting on the phone and talking to people.” So, I immediately jumped on the phone and had my best week at Kforce after our conversation.

Now, I'm getting more out of each conversation. I give back to the candidates as much as I get from them. That’s a crucial step because, as recruiters, we need our candidates to trust us and form a partnership. Her advice has made me an overall better recruiter.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I love to cook. I have a lot of kitchen appliances (probably too many of them). It’s a major stress reliever to follow a recipe and put my twist on it. I have to limit gluten and dairy in my diet, so I’ve come up with alternative ways to make my favorite recipes. I recently made beef stroganoff with lactose-free cream cheese that was better than the original.

Can you describe your favorite part of Kforce culture?

The Baltimore office culture has blown me away. We make sure people feel like they're a part of something, and we're constantly challenging each other. As we’re working hard, we celebrate successes and embrace one another as family.

What three insights do you have for people looking to make a career transition?

• Understand the industry. Often, job seekers don't understand the full scope of the role they applied for. That’s why it’s important to find mentors or recruiters to inform you about prospective industries you’re looking to work in. Having insight before starting in a new field will help you be successful.
• Focus on the positive. Some people don't necessarily have a dream job. But, you have to find a career where you have small successes and positive reinforcement consistently. Otherwise, you're going to wear yourself down.
• Find a culture that suits you. I thrive in environments with fun energy and people pushing me to succeed. So, look for an organization where the environment works for you. A culture fit is crucial for finding fulfilling work and having a long-standing career at a company.

Are there any resources you would like to share for people transitioning out of the military?

Take advantage of the Department of Defense (DOD) SkillBridge program. The government will pay your military salary while you get an internship. You might even get hired. If not, you’ll still get actual work experience and network contacts, making you more marketable as you search for your next opportunity.

Also, I would recommend the nonprofit organization that I volunteer with called VETS2INDUSTRY. Whether you have already transitioned, are transitioning or are looking for career advancement, it offers a library of resources and connections with various industries.

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