As a recruiting professional, I’ve worked in a number of different industries over the years.  I have always attempted to separate myself from the HR group as much as possible. “Um—I’m a recruiter. I’m not HR.”

The reason for my desire to be separate had to do with the fact that no matter where I worked it seemed like HR was in place to provide bureaucracy, drawn out processes and roadblocks. They drove the way we did things in recruiting and we were just trying to get folks in the door.  I felt like every time HR was involved in a decision I was most likely going to have to say “No” more often than I got to say “Yes.”  Most of the time it was for no reason other than an antiquated company rule or some idea that employees were trying to take advantage of the company.  I’d attend a company event and people would joke, “Oh. HR is here – we better behave now”.  Being part of HR made me feel like an icky rule monster.

The little servant recruiter inside of me screamed: “Why aren’t we helping our employees more?! Why aren’t we doing more!? Why aren’t we showing them how to accomplish what they need to accomplish and partnering with them more?!”

I yearned for a place where I could hold my head high and proudly proclaim that I’m not only a recruiter, but also a part of an awesome HR team who is here to help… and maybe I could wear a cape and tights… and that is what brought me to Rackspace.

At Rackspace, I can truly say that I am part of an amazing HR team that is dedicated to improving the lives of Rackers. We don’t toot our own horns enough, but I assure you, there are a lot of very busy people whose sole purpose is to make things easier for our fellow Rackers.  And really, if I wanted to wear a cape and tights, I’m sure no one would really notice since we don’t have a dress code.

Sure we have frustrations that occur as we try to do the best by Rackers. When you get a lot of wicked smart people in a room, debate will occur. The nice thing about HR debate at Rackspace is that it’s almost always about doing more. Everyone’s heart is in the right place and we’re all on the same page.

We are here to serve Rackers and give them the tools they need to be successful. I get a little teary eyed just typing that sentence. I finally feel like I’ve found a place where I can use my knowledge to help rather than hinder.

Theresa is a Veteran of the U.S. Navy where she served as a Ship Board Electrician.  After her service in the military, Theresa turned her attentions to a career in recruiting.  Since then, she has recruited in a variety of fields including semi-conductor, gaming, medical and technology.

Theresa’s friends fondly refer to her as a gypsy since she’s lived in a variety of locations including Guam, Hawaii and all over the West Coast.  In her spare time, she enjoys perfecting her cookie baking skills, getting tattoos, taming cats and being a total beer snob.

Connect with Theresa on Twitter (@TheresaHankins) or LinkedIn!

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