Hi! I’m Kate, a Certified Human Resources Professional and Employment Coach. I am also pretty salty about how terrible the job searching experience has become for many employment seekers.

How’d I get here? My background can be explained as a wild journey, with a common theme, that plopped me right into the perfect opportunity to become an Employment Coach. The common theme? From an early age, I have felt strongly about making sure I create positive experiences for people around me.

After attaining my Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Human Development, I’ve spent the last 15 years weaving my way through career moves that allowed me to create amazing customer service experiences for others.

Feel free to check out Coworking with Kate Smiley, published in HR Brew, to see how a flash mob started my career!

After eight years as the director of a bank travel program, creating memorable experiences for customers all around the world, I decided to set my sights closer to home. With a really compelling employment story, I sold my (non-HR) skills to a hiring HR Manager for the role on their HR Business Partner team. I wasn’t qualified. I knew it, they knew it. It didn’t matter. I landed the interview because my networking skills are just as strong as my storytelling and the president wanted me there. Sometimes, that’s all it takes. Plus the fact that ~88% of hiring decisions are made based on the hiring manager receiving a recommendation.

Once I landed in the HR field, I was hooked. I saw so much potential to help people in ways that are usually hidden behind 65-page policy manuals or an automated messaging system. No more. After a few years in employee relations, I jumped to recruiting and have never turned back.

By day, I’m a Senior Recruiting Consultant that works on a team that has designed a white-glove, concierge style recruiting experience for candidates and hiring managers. When the opportunity presents itself, I have a lovely soap box I stand on to preach about the power of LinkedIn as an employment tool to anyone that will listen.

On evenings and weekends, I use my knowledge, skills and abilities to help job hunters maximize their exposure and hack the job market. My goal is to provide resources for those who have a hard time understanding and explaining the worth of their skills that they have gained during a career break.

So, that’s a bit about me. I can’t wait to hear about you!

Welcome. I am so glad you’re here.