Meet the Team: Michelle Cleveland
Tell us a little bit about your background.
I am from a cute little beach town in Western Michigan called Grand Haven. We were voted best beach town in 2021.
After graduating from Grand Haven High School I attended Michigan State University. I am a true Spartan and will always support the GREEN and WHITE! After graduating from MSU with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications/Public Relations I relocated to Chicago. At the time I wasn’t sure exactly what I wanted to do, so I started temping at a lot of advertising agencies. This experience afforded me the opportunity to test out several roles and environments. What I found is I really enjoyed working with people and didn’t really enjoy advertising.
One day, I went into the temp office and their Branch Manager pulled me aside and asked if I would want to try recruiting. They thought I had the personality, drive and willingness to help clients and candidates. I began recruiting in 1996 and haven’t stopped yet. My first position was with Aerotek, a consulting firm specializing in mainly IT placements at the time. I then moved over to a retail corporate office, Meijer and helped open their IT recruiting office. I developed the business plan, the recruiting tools, assessed and found an ATS system and successfully built their IT team. Once their recruitment had slowed a bit, I joined Haworth, a global office furniture manufacturer, in their Recruiting Department. I would spend the next 12 years with Haworth in various recruitment roles, but spent the majority of my time supporting their field sales organization.
In 2012, I wanted to spend more time with my sweet daughter who was 8 at the time (it really does go to fast) and decided to join Cornerstone Recruitment Group and then in 2016, 5 Star Global Recruitment.
What are your key accomplishments in your field/on the job?
Successfully have placed over 100+ candidates
Successfully built personal and professional relationships with clients
Have grown to be a leader in Recruiting in West Michigan (was part of the Human Resource Group-Lakeshore Division) for several years.
Tell us about your approach to recruiting.
My approach to recruiting is to listen more than I talk and to be genuine with every interaction. I also do my very best to stay true to my word. For example, if I promise to get additional information to a client or candidate, I always make sure I do it.
With every client the approach is to really understand their company. What makes their company attractive to new employees, what types of perks do they have, what is the best candidate to fit into their organization, what is their interview process, their benefits etc.
With every candidate, I do my best to really listen to what motivates them (what types of roles, environments and companies they like to work for etc.).
Describe yourself using only film titles.
Fast and Furious (fast and full of energy), Working Girl, Hunger Games,
& The Pursuit of Happyness
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Listen more, talk less.
What one song will you always know every word to?
I’m an 80’s and classic rock girl. American Pie (along with 100’s of others)
What does a perfect vacation look like for you?
My friends and family on a beach relaxing.
Favorite quote?
"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." -Walt Disney
What would your pet say about you if we asked for a reference?
My sweet cat would tell you that his mom is the best. He generally can be found sitting at my desk all day, trying to sneak in some pets. He would say she always puts me first and takes care of my every need. 😊