While working for a local firm, Sarah McCarter was exposed to the staffing industry and realized HR was her niche.  After working for the State of Nebraska—State Personnel for six years, she found that the recruiting and selection process was what really excited her and she chose to join Manpower.

Manpower partners with some of the most successful organizations in the area to help find the best talent through various recruiting tools and network connections.  Companies benefit from Manpower’s hiring system, screening process, evaluation tools, and other strategic employment solutions.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
We are all faced with challenges for life/work balance, and early in my career that was certainly the case for me.  When you put in long hours at the office, you must give up time spent elsewhere.  My kids have witnessed what it means to sacrifice down time to get things done.   Now that the kids are older, life has become a little easier.  I don’t feel near as guilty focusing on my career, and I’m excited to continue my education now as well.

What has been your most important achievement professionally?
While working in recruitment for the State of Nebraska, I jumped at an opportunity to help roll out supervision and team building training to all State employees.  As a facilitator of these workshops, I learned a lot about coaching employees, ways to recognize and provide feedback to employees, how to empower your teammates, and so much more.  I played a key role in developing the facilitator guide, which included effective techniques that foster participation and self-discovery.  It was a really great experience, and it taught me to look for those opportunities to help with special projects.  They can be very rewarding.

Tell me a little about your family.
I’m a single mother of two wonderful kids, Joseph and Rachel, and they have taught me just as much as I’ve taught them.

What is your favorite thing to do on a day off?
My church keeps me active.  As a member of the choir and praise team at Capitol City Christian, I have the opportunity to build lasting relationships with a terrific family of friends.

I am, and will always be, a Girl Scout.  My daughter, Rachel, and I are very active in troop activities, and I’m pleased to see these girls learn, grow, and develop valuable leadership skills.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
It’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.  Sometimes you have to take risks, so be confident with your initiatives.  If you believe it’s the right thing to do and great things can come from it then do it.

What is the one goal you would most like to accomplish?
I know what I want to be “when I grow up”, so one of my driving forces right now is continued education.

How would your friends describe you?
Friends and family would say that I appreciate the strengths and talents in others.  I’m always encouraging others by specifically pointing out what I know makes them unique and special.  I believe it’s that attitude that helps me at work, too.  I have a knack for identifying talent and finding opportunities for others to grow and better themselves.

If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Call me at (402) 484-5511, connect with her on LinkedIn or email sarah.mccarter@manpower.com or visit our company website at www.manpowerjobs.com.