Employment Coordinator at The Shaw Group Inc
Former Army transporter turns his military recruiting experience into a new civilian career with The Shaw Group.
by Warren Duffie

Bruce Hartman is good with people. As an Army recruiter, he sold undecided, insecure high school kids on the leadership-building virtues of the military – while soothing the anguish of their worried parents.

Nowadays, as an employment coordinator for The Shaw Group Inc., he helps new employees navigate the human resources maze – evaluating paperwork, scheduling health and safety testing, and providing tax and benefits information.

“Basically, once one of our hiring managers extends an offer to a new employee, I take over,” Hartman says. “Since the military is so strict about documentation, my experience as a recruiter allows me to help new employees stay organized. Another good thing about my job is that I don’t have parents slamming their doors in my face, because they’re afraid I’m going to take their child away.”

On the Job
The Shaw Group is a contracting firm providing engineering, design, construction, and maintenance services to government and private sector clients encompassing a variety of industries – including energy, chemicals, environmental, infrastructure (facilities maintenance), fabrication and manufacturing. The $6.7 billion company boasts 22,000 employees and has twice been named to Fortune magazine’s list of “America’s Most Admired Companies.”

Hartman, 40, works with two recruiters at The Shaw Group’s Monroeville, Pa., office. The team’s mission is to attract and hire financial analysts, project accountants, business development specialists, and scientists – to name just a few.

The former staff sergeant usually arrives at work at 7:30 a.m. After checking his e-mails, Hartman sends out job offer letters and reviews the company’s recruiting Web site for new applications. Afterwards, he looks over job vacancies from Shaw Group hiring managers, compares these requests with existing résumés, and determines which candidates are the best fits. He sends that information back to the hiring managers with recommendations. Other duties include writing job descriptions and offer letters, and compiling new hire packets.

“The Army taught me how to organize my time effectively,” he says. “That, combined with my attention to detail, has really helped me excel at my job.”

Looking for Veterans
And what has Hartman learned by sifting through an ocean of résumés? Veterans are some of the best and most desired employees in corporate America. Renowned for their technical skills and discipline, veterans also possess the ability and willingness to relocate and they dedicate themselves to the company’s mission – qualities that make a corporate recruiter’s mouth water.

While hesitant to speculate on how many veterans work for The Shaw Group, Hartman says the company actively recruits them: “For example, we’re conducting an experiment for some of our construction clients. We want to assemble all-veteran teams for jobs, so I encourage those who are interested to contact to us.”

The Transition
One day, Hartman engaged in an elevator discussion about military recruiting with a Shaw recruiter (his future boss). Impressed, the recruiter recommended that Hartman check out the company Web site for permanent positions. Hartman did so, saw an opening for a human resources job, and presented his résumé to the same recruiter. Immediately, the recruiter knew he wanted Hartman on his team, and hired him as an employment coordinator.

Although no civilian company offers the kind of benefits provided by the military – free health care, lodging, and food – Hartman says The Shaw Group takes care of its employees. The pay is good, and you can take advantage of medical care, vision, 401(k), and tuition assistance. In addition, advancement opportunities in the civilian world are fantastic.

“Out here, your work ethic and achievements will be recognized,” he says. “And with Shaw, you’ll work for a company that believes strongly in promoting from within the ranks. I came on full time in February 2006. Since then, I’ve received a positive review and pay raise, and will soon be promoted to a recruiter.”

Hartman’s Advice
Go to class. “It is highly beneficial for you to attend whatever transition programs that your service offers. For example, the Army ACAP provides a Transition Assistance
Program (TAP) to assist you in writing résumés, conducting interviews, and dressing for success.”

Choose your home wisely. “If you plan on relocating to a different area, take the time to research the area for employment opportunities, cost of living, and things of that nature.”

Research potential jobs. “Find out as much as you can about the potential employers prior to going to an interview. Pose questions to the interviewers that show that you have researched the company and would like an opportunity to join the team.”