Blog Post: Recruiter’s Notebook: Kimberlee Elliott

Name: Kimberlee Elliott

Job Title/Employer: Edward Jones Investments

Year of Graduation: 2000

Degree/Major: B.S., Human Resources emphasis

What kind of recruiting do you do for your company?

Overall, from a recruiting perspective, Edward Jones recruits all majors, all backgrounds. Personally, I am responsible for all information systems recruitment for our Tempe location. Prior to this assignment, I recruited for our operations division at the Tempe headquarters.

What most people don’t know about Edward Jones is that we recruit for management, information systems, accountancy, insurance, equity and bonds and our service area. Edward Jones is a full service investment provider, and we recruited and filled more than 200 positions last year.

Who is your company’s ideal recruiting candidate?

Our ideal candidate is someone who believes in Edward Jones. We have an awesome and unique culture. Associates love working here.

In my recruiting process, I focus on the applicant’s past career endeavors, as well as their ability to want to learn and grasp a new concept. Edward Jones does not have a true career path. Hence, you have the ability to do anything you aspire to with development, feedback, training, and education. I look for applicants that possess this quality or desire to have this outlook in their career.

What strengths do Arizona State University graduates bring to the hiring table as job candidates?

First, as an alum (smile), I can state that ASU does an awesome job with providing context to the material taught in the classroom. I still am able to utilize some terminology learned eight years ago via HR concepts and terms.

Additionally, I utilize contacts I made during college, including professors, to find the best students for positions here with the firm.

What can current students or alumni do to improve their chances of finding work with (or though) your company?

Improve your resume. Your college years are the best opportunity to gain knowledge and work experience.

If you aspire to be a journalist, intern with Fox Sports. I did and loved it! If you also like the investment world and not sure about where to intern, call me! I also did an internship with an investment firm and it has gotten me to where I am now. Edward Jones offers internship experiences for ALL levels, whether a student is a freshman or senior in college.

Any other job-hunting secrets you’d like to share?

Go to job fairs! They are usually free and allow you to easily compare a variety of companies.

From a recruiter's standpoint, I usually can hire a lot of applicants there, as I get to have a casual conversation with them, as well as see their professionalism and interest in our firm. Do your research before you come to the fair—first impressions still stick and apply here.