This week, Rose went on the record with Avery Davila, a recruiting coordinator for Brightspot, formerly Perfect Sense. Avery recently celebrated her 1-year anniversary at the company, and in her first year, Avery has played a central role in providing structure to the recruiting and onboarding processing helping Brightspot grow in critical areas. A recent graduate of James Madison University, Avery talked about starting her career at Brightspot and advice for soon-to-graduate students, many of whom she has met with at university career fairs around Virginia.
You started at Brightspot after graduating from college? What convinced you to come here and start your career?
This is my first full-time job out of school. I was excited about the opportunity because there was potential to grow and learn. I also really liked the people I met when I interviewed and found the environment to be very welcoming.
Can you tell me more about your role at Brightspot?
My title is Recruiting Coordinator, so I am responsible for making sure candidates go through every stage of the hiring process as smoothly as possible. I also write and extend offer letters and help onboard new employees.
What traits are most important to making you successful at your job?
Good organization, prompt communication, and being personable are essential because I work with a variety of people all day. My role also requires a lot of flexibility, so it's important to be able to roll with the punches.
What is the most rewarding part of your job at Brightspot?
In my role, I talk to people all day and really get to know everybody in the company. I contribute to the company's success by filling important roles, which allow us to continue to grow, and I help people find jobs, which is very rewarding.
You are responsible for putting together a candidate’s interview schedule. How do you select the employees that serve on these interview panels? What does the typical interview process look like?
Typically, I meet with hiring managers to create the appropriate interview panels. I make sure the interviews are on everybody's calendar and the conference rooms are reserved, clarify each interviewer's role and what questions to ask, coordinate candidate travel and other logistics, and lead candidates on a tour of our office when they arrive.
This fall, you've attended multiple career fairs at local universities. Can you describe what is it like to recruit at college career fairs?
I graduated from JMU, so it's fun to see different schools like UVA and George Mason. I enjoy talking to students to get them excited about the possibility of working at Brightspot, and hear about their backgrounds and experiences.
What piece of advice of you give a recent graduate looking to land his/her first job?
I would encourage them to keep an open mind and take chances. Don't get scared if you think a job is too challenging, embrace the opportunity.
Besides the people, what is your favorite part about working for Brightspot? What is your favorite part about our new office?
My favorite part about working at Brightspot is contributing to great projects with cool clients and helping grow the company. My favorite part about the office is the free catered lunches. I enjoy eating with people that I don't get to interact with often on a daily basis.
What was the last book you read? Would you recommend it?
The last book I read was Lone Survivor. It was about a NAVY SEAL serving in Afghanistan and a mission gone terribly wrong. I would definitely recommend it!
What was the last concert you went to?
I saw Keith Urban and he was awesome! One of the best concerts I've ever seen.
