Meet Thomas Alascio, a community builder and successful independent recruiter who has overcome numerous challenges to achieve his goals. From starting as a bartender to owning his own firm, Thom's story is one of resilience, determination, and a passion for helping others. In this blog post, we will delve into Thom's journey, his key learnings, and his advice for aspiring recruiters.
Thom Alessio's career in the recruiting industry began unexpectedly
Thomas Alascio's journey in the recruiting industry started when he was approached by recruiters who recognized his potential. It was an unexpected turn of events, as Thom had never considered a career in recruiting before. Intrigued by the opportunity, he decided to join a management recruiters office and embark on a new chapter in his professional life.
Starting as a Headhunter
Upon joining the management recruiters office, Thom started his career as a headhunter. This role involved sourcing and recruiting candidates for various job positions, with a focus on the construction industry. It was an exciting field that allowed him to connect talented individuals with promising career opportunities.
As a headhunter, Thom had to work long hours to meet the demands of the job. He often found himself juggling his responsibilities as a headhunter while also working as a bartender to support his family. It wasn't an easy task, but his determination and work ethic kept him going.
Dedication and Hard Work
Thom's dedication to his work as a headhunter was unwavering. Despite the challenges he faced, he remained committed to excelling in his role and making a difference in the lives of both candidates and employers.
His hard work started paying off as he began to build a reputation for himself in the recruiting industry. Thom's ability to identify top talent and match them with suitable positions impressed both candidates and employers alike. He quickly became known for his expertise in the construction industry and his commitment to finding the perfect fit for each job opening.
Thom's success as a headhunter can be attributed to his passion for helping others succeed. He understood the importance of finding the right job fit, not only for the employer but also for the candidate. By taking the time to understand the needs and aspirations of both parties, he was able to make successful placements that resulted in long-term career growth and satisfaction.
Building Relationships
One of the key factors that contributed to Thom's success as a headhunter was his ability to build strong relationships with both candidates and employers. He believed in the power of networking and took the time to develop meaningful connections in the industry.
By building relationships with candidates, Thom gained a deeper understanding of their skills, experiences, and career goals. This allowed him to provide personalized guidance and support throughout the job search process, ensuring that candidates found positions that aligned with their aspirations.
Similarly, Thom cultivated relationships with employers and hiring managers. He made it a priority to fully understand their company culture, values, and requirements for each job opening. This enabled him to effectively represent both the employer and the candidate, ensuring a successful match for both parties.
Continued Success
Thom's early years as a headhunter and bartender were challenging, but they laid the foundation for his continued success in the recruiting industry. His dedication, hard work, and ability to build relationships set him apart and propelled him to new heights.
As Thomas Alascio's career advanced, he continued to specialize in the construction industry, becoming a trusted advisor to both candidates and employers. His reputation as a top headhunter grew, and he started to take on leadership roles within the management recruiters office.
Through his early years, Thom learned valuable lessons about the importance of perseverance, professionalism, and the power of networking. These lessons shaped his approach to recruiting and helped him become a respected figure in the industry.
Thomas Alascio's story is a testament to the possibilities that can arise when one seizes unexpected opportunities and puts in the hard work to make the most of them. From humble beginnings as a bartender to becoming a successful headhunter, his journey shows that with dedication and a passion for helping others, anything is possible.
Building His Own Firm: Challenges and Success
After gaining valuable experience in the industry, Thom made the bold decision to start his own firm in 2011. It was a moment of excitement and anticipation, as he envisioned creating something that would not only be personally fulfilling but also provide value to his clients and candidates.
However, the journey towards building his own firm was not without its challenges. Thom faced numerous obstacles along the way, many of which tested his determination and resilience.
Financial Struggles and a Car Repossession
One of the most significant obstacles Thom encountered was financial struggles. Starting a new business requires capital, and Thom had to invest his savings as well as take out loans to get his firm off the ground. Unfortunately, the early years proved to be financially challenging, and Thom soon found himself facing the threat of bankruptcy.
As the pressure mounted, Thom's car was repossessed. This was a devastating blow, as it not only impacted his personal life but also hindered his ability to meet with clients and candidates. However, Thom refused to let this setback define him. He remained undeterred and persevered through the tough times.
Determination and Perseverance
Despite the financial struggles and the emotional toll they took, Thom remained determined to make his firm a success. He knew that building a business takes time and effort, and setbacks were part of the journey. With unwavering resolve, he continued to work hard, constantly adapting his strategies and seeking new opportunities.
Thom's perseverance paid off when, within three weeks of starting his firm, he landed a significant deal. This marked the beginning of his success as an independent recruiter. The deal not only provided much-needed financial stability but also served as validation for Thom's capabilities and vision.
Building Strong Relationships
In today's competitive business environment, building strong relationships is crucial for success. Throughout his career, Thomas Alascio has placed great emphasis on the importance of forming meaningful connections with clients and candidates. He believes that building relationships is not just about making a sale or finding a job; it is about establishing trust, understanding needs, and creating mutually beneficial partnerships.
To build strong relationships, Thom believes in going back to the basics. In a digital age where communication has become synonymous with emails and text messages, Thom understands the value of personal interaction. He encourages his team to pick up the phone, schedule face-to-face meetings, and invest time in developing genuine connections.
By engaging in one-on-one conversations, Thom and his team are able to gain valuable insights into the needs, challenges, and aspirations of their clients and candidates. This deep understanding allows them to provide tailored solutions and guidance, going above and beyond what can be achieved through impersonal communication.
Making a Lasting Impression
While building relationships is crucial, making a lasting impression is equally important. Thom believes in the power of going the extra mile to provide exceptional service and exceed expectations. By doing so, he has not only earned the loyalty of his clients and candidates but also gained a reputation as a trusted advisor and industry expert.
One of the ways Thom makes a lasting impression is by staying true to his skills and industry knowledge. He understands the importance of continuously learning and staying updated on industry trends. By doing so, he is able to provide relevant and valuable insights to his clients and candidates, positioning himself as a trusted source of information and guidance.
Additionally, Thom believes in the power of transparency and honesty. He believes in setting realistic expectations and delivering on promises. By being reliable and trustworthy, he has built a reputation of integrity that has helped him stand out in a competitive industry.
The Value of Resilience
Throughout his career, Thomas Alascio has faced numerous challenges and setbacks. However, instead of giving up, Thom has always demonstrated resilience and a determination to overcome obstacles. He understands that setbacks are not failures but opportunities for growth and improvement.
Thom's experience has taught him that success does not come without facing adversity. It is during the toughest times that resilience becomes essential. By remaining optimistic, adaptable, and persistent, Thom has been able to navigate through difficult situations and emerge stronger.
Resilience is not only important for overcoming professional challenges but also for personal growth. Thom believes that a resilient mindset allows individuals to bounce back from setbacks, learn from mistakes, and continue moving forward.
Thom encourages his team and peers to embrace resilience as a fundamental characteristic for success. He believes that by staying resilient, one can turn challenges into opportunities and continue to thrive in a dynamic and competitive business environment.
Building strong relationships and maintaining resilience are key elements of success in any career. Thomas Alascio's emphasis on personal connection, exceptional service, and unwavering determination has allowed him to stand out in the industry and make a lasting impression on clients and candidates.
By going back to the basics, making phone calls, and staying true to their skills and industry knowledge, Thom and his team have been able to establish meaningful relationships with their clients and candidates. Their commitment to providing exceptional service and exceeding expectations has earned them a reputation as trusted advisors.
Thom's experience has shown him the value of resilience and the importance of never giving up, even in the face of adversity. By staying resilient, individuals can continue to learn, grow, and overcome challenges, ultimately leading them to greater success.
Advice for Aspiring Recruiters
In the world of recruitment, Thomas Alascio's journey serves as a valuable guide for aspiring recruiters. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, staying true to one's passion, and overcoming challenges that come along the way. In this section, we will delve into the lessons and insights gained from Thom's experiences.
Focusing on a Niche
One of the key pieces of advice that Thom offers to aspiring recruiters is to focus on a niche. By specializing in a specific industry or skill set, recruiters can establish themselves as experts in that particular area. This specialization not only differentiates them from their competitors but also allows them to develop deep knowledge and understanding of the industry.
When recruiters focus on a niche, they become more valuable to both candidates and employers. Candidates appreciate working with recruiters who truly understand their skills and aspirations, while employers value the expertise and industry connections that specialized recruiters bring to the table.
Finding Opportunities in Difficult Times
Another valuable lesson from Thom's journey is the importance of finding opportunities even in difficult times. The recruitment industry, like any other, goes through ups and downs. During economic downturns or periods of uncertainty, recruiters may face challenges in finding job openings or connecting with potential candidates.
However, Thom advises aspiring recruiters to stay proactive and adapt to the changing circumstances. This could involve exploring new industries or markets, networking with professionals in different fields, or seeking out remote or freelance recruitment opportunities. By being flexible and open-minded, recruiters can navigate through tough times and discover untapped opportunities.
Taking Risks and Betting on Oneself
Thomas Alascio firmly believes in taking risks and betting on oneself. In the competitive world of recruitment, standing out from the crowd often requires stepping out of one's comfort zone and embracing new challenges. This could mean starting a new business, pursuing entrepreneurial ventures, or taking on roles that stretch one's capabilities.
By taking risks, recruiters can expand their skills, knowledge, and network. They can push themselves to learn and grow, ultimately becoming more effective in their profession. Thom's own entrepreneurial journey is a testament to the rewards that can come from taking calculated risks and betting on oneself.
Never Settling for Less
Another piece of advice shared by Thom is never settling for less. As recruiters, it can be tempting to accept subpar candidates or job openings merely to close deals or meet targets. However, Thom emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards, both in terms of the candidates recruited and the organizations they work with.
Recruiters who refuse to settle for less build strong reputations and foster lasting relationships with top-notch candidates and employers. By striving for excellence and insisting on quality, recruiters can enhance their credibility and become trusted partners in the recruitment process.
Joining Industry Discussions and Training Programs
To stay updated with the latest trends and developments in the recruitment industry, Thom suggests joining industry discussions and participating in training programs. Networking with fellow recruiters, attending conferences, and engaging in online forums can provide valuable insights and connections.
Additionally, investing in training programs and certifications allows recruiters to sharpen their skills and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving field. Continuous learning is crucial for recruiters to adapt to changing market dynamics, understand emerging technologies, and effectively source and attract talent.
Seeking Help When Needed
No matter how experienced or knowledgeable one may be, there are times when seeking help becomes necessary. Thom encourages aspiring recruiters to be humble enough to acknowledge their limitations and seek guidance from mentors or industry experts.
Whether it's seeking advice on a complex recruitment strategy or learning from the experiences of seasoned recruiters, reaching out for support can accelerate personal and professional growth. By tapping into the wisdom and expertise of others, recruiters can enhance their skills, expand their network, and overcome challenges more effectively.
Thomas Alascio's journey as a recruiter is an inspiring tale that offers valuable lessons to aspiring professionals in the field. By focusing on a niche, finding opportunities even in difficult times, taking risks, maintaining high standards, staying updated, and seeking help when needed, recruiters can pave their paths to success. Thom's story reminds us that with perseverance, passion, and a willingness to continuously learn and improve, anyone can thrive in the recruitment industry.
Conclusion
Thomas Alascio's journey in the recruiting industry is an inspiring tale of determination, resilience, and success. From humble beginnings as a bartender to owning his own firm, Thom's story serves as a reminder that hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to building relationships can lead to great achievements. Aspiring recruiters can learn valuable lessons from Thom's experiences and apply them to their own careers.
Thom's journey is a testament to the power of believing in oneself and pursuing one's passion. He started his career in an entirely unrelated field as a bartender, but he never lost sight of his dream to work in the recruiting industry. Despite facing several obstacles and setbacks along the way, Thom remained determined and resilient.
One of the key lessons to be learned from Thom's journey is the importance of hard work. Thom continuously pushed himself to acquire new skills, expand his industry knowledge, and deepen his understanding of the recruitment process. He attended numerous conferences, workshops, and seminars, always seeking to improve himself and his abilities as a recruiter.
Another crucial factor in Thom's success was his unwavering commitment to building relationships. He recognized that relationships are at the heart of the recruiting industry, and he invested time and effort into establishing meaningful connections with both candidates and clients. Thom understood the value of networking and took advantage of social media platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook to expand his professional network.
Thom's story is a source of inspiration not only for aspiring recruiters but for anyone with a dream and a desire to succeed. It teaches us that success does not come overnight and that setbacks are inevitable. However, with determination, resilience, and hard work, it is possible to overcome challenges and achieve great things.
If you want to learn more about Thom's journey and connect with him, you can find him on LinkedIn and Facebook. Joining industry groups and engaging with like-minded professionals can provide valuable support and networking opportunities. Thom's experiences and insights can serve as a guiding light on your own journey in the recruiting industry.
In conclusion, Thomas Alascio's journey in the recruiting industry is a testimony to the power of perseverance, hard work, and building relationships. His story serves as a reminder that success is within reach for those who are willing to put in the effort and never give up. Aspiring recruiters can draw inspiration from Thom's experiences and apply his lessons to their own careers.
Youtube: https://youtu.be/o7OKSbU70d0
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5R8wVrsNaWBVVgECzxT8hR
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/there-is-no-plan-b-with-thomas-alascio/id1547241660?i=1000630174376
