Meet Us Monday: Michelle Johnson
To help you get to know the Automationtechies team a bit better, we will introduce a different member each Monday. Today’s profile is for Michelle Johnson.
Michelle joined Automationtechies in 2003 after recruiting for a supply chain execution software company. In addition to working in the automation and engineering sector, Michelle’s previous experience allows Automationtechies to expand its scope to include software developers, marketing, sales and administration positions.
1) What role do you play at Automationtechies? What do your daily tasks include?
I’ve been a recruiter at Automationtechies since 2003. I enjoy my coworkers and prove that by driving from Northfield, MN, to see them! What I most enjoy about my job is meeting interesting people and helping them to find or fill jobs. I try to talk to as many people a day in our industry as I can and really listen to what they are looking for, either in a new job or in a potential hire. Over the last 12 years I’ve been with Automationtechies, I’ve definitely become a better listener but I’m striving to keep improving on that by asking the right questions and honing the ability to make the connections.
2) What do you do for fun when you’re not working?
I enjoy spending time with my two kids; we like exploring nature and hanging out with our animals, including an assortment of chickens. They are entertaining and we really enjoy the eggs! My kids are always woeful about my ongoing projects from painting the barn to tearing out the living room floor in our 1890 farmhouse (I’ve found it’s not a good thing to have unattached tree trunks holding up the floor!). I’d love to do more travelling and find more time to cook and bake. I enjoy experimenting with different whole grains and vegetables (much to the chagrin of my children)! Snowshoeing has become a passion of mine so I was not happy with our lack of snow this winter… too much baking and not enough snow!
3) Tell us a little bit about your family.
Things are never dull as I have a son and a daughter who still live at home. My son is in 7th grade and my daughter is in 4th. They are growing into people I enjoy hanging out with… most of the time! Some days I feel like a “road warrior” as I shuttle my kids to school and commute to work, thankfully I work from home part of the week (thanks Alan!). We listen to a lot of audio books in the car and are enjoying the Beyonders series right now. We are planning our summer getaways including camping trips to Tetteguche and Madelaine Island. I am close with my parents and two sibs who all live in Minnesota.
4) If you won the lottery, what would you do with your winnings?
Travel and install a new kitchen!
5) What is one random or weird fact about you that other people tend to find interesting?
I can whistle very loud and do a great Spock imitation.
6) What is one piece of advice you’d like to share with job seekers?
Be positive! A great attitude is so important! Also, being honest and upfront at the beginning of the interviewing process saves a lot of time in the long run. Make sure your resume is easy to read and by that I mean use bullets and include white space so it doesn’t appear cluttered. Ask for help with your resume from someone you trust, especially to make sure you get rid of any typos.
7) What is one piece of advice you’d like to share with employers who are hiring?
Flexibility and a willingness to consider candidates who are a little out of the box can be beneficial when you’re looking to hire – especially if they have the basic skills your company needs and those ever desirable communication skills!
