The Power of Purpose: Why Helping Others Find Meaningful Work Still Inspires Me

Employment Recruiter

There’s something powerful about watching someone realize they’re capable of more than they thought. You see it in their face during an interview, or hear it in their voice when they land the job that felt just out of reach. That moment—when it clicks—is what keeps me coming back to this work. It’s the reason I do what I do.

Helping people find meaningful employment isn’t just my job. It’s a purpose I’ve grown into, and it’s what continues to motivate me every day. I’ve had a few different careers, worn a few different hats, and learned that the common thread through all of them is connection. At the core of it, I’ve always been drawn to helping people move forward—whether it’s through support, leadership, or simply listening at the right moment.

Now, as a recruiter, I get to do that on a daily basis. And the impact is real.

Why Meaningful Work Matters

When people talk about jobs, they often focus on titles, salaries, or benefits. Don’t get me wrong—those things are important. But the deeper conversations usually happen when you ask someone how their work makes them feel. Do they feel valued? Are they growing? Do they believe in what they’re doing?

That’s the difference between just having a job and doing meaningful work.

Meaningful work doesn’t mean it’s easy. It doesn’t mean it’s perfect. But it’s work that fits—work that challenges you, aligns with your values, and gives you a reason to show up with purpose. I’ve seen how transformative it can be when someone finds that kind of role. Confidence grows. Energy returns. People feel seen and useful again.

Helping someone reach that place is a privilege.

It’s About More Than Resumes

I’ve read a lot of resumes in my time. But the truth is, a piece of paper rarely tells the full story. The best part of recruiting isn’t scanning bullet points—it’s the conversation. It’s hearing someone explain where they’ve been, what they’ve overcome, and what they hope to do next. Everyone has a story, and it’s in those stories that real potential lives.

I’ve met candidates who thought they weren’t qualified—until we broke down what they actually had to offer. Others were stuck, unsure how to move forward, until someone helped them reframe their experience. Sometimes all it takes is someone else seeing your value before you can see it yourself.

That’s what I try to bring to the table: not just matching skills to roles, but seeing people for who they are, where they’ve been, and where they want to go.


A Purpose That Keeps You Grounded

There’s a lot about the working world that can feel transactional. Goals, deadlines, metrics—they’re all part of it. And I actually enjoy that part. I’m someone who loves a good list and thrives on finding efficiencies. But what keeps me grounded is the human side. It’s knowing that behind every resume is a real person who’s trying to improve their life.

That sense of purpose has helped carry me through tough days. Like anyone else, I’ve had setbacks and frustrations. But I always come back to the same thing: this work matters. It matters because work is such a big part of our lives, and when someone is stuck or struggling, it impacts everything—from their health and relationships to their sense of self-worth.

When I help someone find work that gives them purpose, I know I’ve played a small part in something much bigger. That’s incredibly fulfilling.

You Can’t Do It Without Listening

Over the years, one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that listening is a superpower. People don’t always need immediate answers. They need to feel heard. They need someone who’s willing to ask the right questions—and wait for the answers.

I’ve had conversations with candidates where, by the end of the call, they didn’t just feel more prepared—they felt more confident. And that only happened because I slowed down, paid attention, and gave them space to talk things through.

Recruiting isn’t just about filling jobs. It’s about building trust. And trust is built when people know you’re actually listening—not just checking boxes.

Purpose Is a Two-Way Street

Here’s the thing I’ve realized: helping others find meaningful work has brought meaning to my own work. It’s a two-way street. When I walk away from a successful hire, when I hear that someone I supported is thriving in their new role, it reinforces that what I do matters.

And it goes beyond the professional. My sense of purpose carries over into how I show up in my personal life—whether it’s volunteering, staying active, or just trying to be present with the people around me.

Purpose isn’t one big thing—it’s built from the small, consistent ways we choose to support others and grow ourselves.

I didn’t always know I’d end up here. Like many people, my path wasn’t a straight line. But every step brought me closer to work that feels aligned with who I am and what I care about. That’s what I want to help others find too—not just a job, but a role that helps them feel engaged, connected, and proud of what they do.

Because when we find meaning in our work, we bring more of ourselves to everything else in life.

And for me, that’s the power of purpose.