Suggestions
Michelle Watts
Director of Recruiting
Michelle Watts is a dedicated professional with a background in Social Work, holding a Bachelor's degree from Indiana University Indianapolis. Michelle has gathered a wealth of experience through various roles in recruitment, talent acquisition, consulting, and human resources. She has notably served as the Director of Recruiting at Cunningham Restaurant Group, Talent Acquisition Partner at High Alpha, Career Consultant at Powderkeg, Talent Acquisition Specialist at PERQ, and Talent Acquisition Specialist at Angie's List. Additionally, Michelle has held positions such as Learning and Leadership Development Specialist, HR Coordinator, HR Assistant, and Neighborhood Specialist at Angie's List, showcasing a diverse skill set in HR and organizational development. Prior to these roles, Michelle also worked as a Counselor at CRC Health Group, further enriching her understanding of human behavior and support services.
Highlights
What a day! What a month!
I'm so excited to share I've found my next opportunity.
Today, I joined (or should I say rejoined!) Cunningham Restaurant Group. This time as their Director of Recruiting.
This is a huge change from 10 years in tech but I could not be more excited. Growing up in high school and college, Cunningham and the food industry as a whole taught me so much work ethic. I can't wait to jump back in after all these years!
February was a whirlwind. Thank you to the many people who sat down and allowed me to just talk... talk about my feelings, what I want next, what I may be passionate about, and give me tons of advice. I had to make a lot of tough decisions and I couldn't have done it without you folks.
Finally, thank you to the gentleman who stopped this morning and helped me. I had left plenty early, but some things are unpredictable. Like a flat tire. I didn't get your name sir, but as I'm on the side of I70, in sheer panic that I'm going to be hours late to my first day, you saved me. That's true kindness and 100% why I love Indy.
Every day we're getting more and more details on individuals being laid off from tech companies. My heart absolutely goes out to those individuals and to the HR/Leadership teams that have to make those difficult decisions.
As a recruiter who is actively seeking individuals for open roles, I wanted to share a quick tip if you are searching for your next opportunity.
LinkedIn is an incredible tool for job seekers and for recruiters -- that pretty green "Open to work" banner on your profile picture... it's awesome for me and the work I do. If you're open to changing your status and showing that you are no longer with your most recent employer, that helps me find you quickly! It's 2023 and things happen; this isn't a red flag to me.
If I see you are not working at your previous employer, I would be significantly more likely to reach out to you. I am excited to see those individuals that are actively seeking because, in true High Alpha fashion, I move fast. 2 weeks' notice at your employer is important, but knowing you can start Monday... game-changing and I'd like to connect you to my hiring managers ASAP.
If you're on the job market right now, know that I am rooting for you and would love to connect. #hiring
