10 Questions with Karen

Karen Spann, the President & Owner of PEG, is a dynamic change agent with a passion for collaborating with top performers. While many in the industry are driven by fear, Karen focuses on fostering positive change by recognizing the potential in everyone. With her optimistic outlook, she thrives in environments surrounded by open-minded, adaptable individuals who share her commitment to service.

Karen is dedicated to keeping PEG at the forefront of technological innovations, ensuring the company remains competitive in an ever-evolving industry. At the same time, she is deeply committed to preserving the core competencies that have been the foundation of PEG’s success: deep market knowledge and expertise in industry verticals, a strong emphasis on caring for both candidates and clients, and leveraging advanced technology to enhance efficiency and automate repetitive tasks.

Get to know Karen as she answers ten questions about the staffing industry:

1. How do you stay ahead of evolving job market demands while maintaining PEG’s core competencies?

We stay ahead by continuously monitoring market trends and adapting our strategies accordingly. While we embrace technological innovations, we remain grounded in our core competencies: deep market knowledge, local pay scale expertise, and a strong commitment to both clients and candidates. These foundational elements ensure that, even as the market evolves, we continue to deliver exceptional service.

2. What challenges do you see in the current labor market, particularly regarding talent acquisition and retention?

One of the biggest challenges is the talent shortage in specialized fields. To address this, PEG focuses on proactive recruitment strategies, building talent pipelines, and maintaining strong relationships with passive candidates. Retention is also a concern, so we advise our clients on competitive compensation packages and creating positive work environments that encourage employee loyalty.

3. How do you ensure that PEG remains competitive in an increasingly digital and automated staffing environment?

We stay competitive by integrating advanced technology into our processes while not losing sight of the human element that sets us apart. Our investment in cutting-edge technologies helps us streamline operations, but our deep market expertise, open, honest communication, and personalized service remains our competitive edge.

4. How do you balance the use of advanced technology with the need for a personal touch in client and candidate interactions?

At PEG, we believe that technology should enhance, not replace, human interaction. We use advanced tools to streamline processes and gain insights, but our recruiters maintain close, personal relationships with both clients and candidates. This approach ensures that while we are efficient and data-driven, our service remains personalized and responsive to individual needs.

5. What advice would you give to companies struggling to fill roles in a tight labor market?

In a tight labor market, it’s crucial to be flexible and open to different candidate profiles. We advise our clients to consider transferable skills and invest in training programs that can bring candidates up to speed. Additionally, offering competitive compensation and a strong company culture can make all the difference in attracting and retaining top talent.

6. What are the most critical factors you consider when assessing a candidate’s fit for a role?

We consider a combination of factors: technical skills, cultural fit, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in the specific work environment of our client. Understanding the unique needs of each client and matching those with the strengths of our candidates is key to successful placements.

7. How do you handle the challenge of finding talent in highly specialized or niche industry verticals?

Our deep market knowledge and extensive network play a crucial role here. We stay connected with professionals in niche fields and build relationships over time, even when they’re not actively looking for new opportunities. This proactive approach ensures that when a specialized role opens, we already have a pool of qualified candidates to draw from.

8. How important is it for staffing companies to understand the industries they serve, and how does PEG achieve this?

It’s crucial for staffing companies to have deep industry knowledge. PEG achieves this by having specialized recruiters who are experts in their respective fields, coupled with our extensive local market expertise. This allows us to understand the unique challenges and opportunities in each industry, providing more effective and tailored solutions to our clients.

9. How do you maintain a strong client relationship in a market where competition is fierce?

We maintain strong client relationships by consistently delivering results, being responsive to their needs, and providing value beyond just filling roles. Our clients trust us because we understand their businesses deeply, offer tailored solutions, and maintain open, transparent communication.

10. What roles do technological advancements, like AI and automation, play in modern staffing practices?

AI and automation are central to PEG’s operations. We utilize Bullhorn Automation with unique customizations to streamline candidate sourcing, enhance matching accuracy, and reduce time-to-fill. These technologies allow us to focus more on building relationships with clients and candidates, while automation handles repetitive tasks. This balance between technology and personal touch is key to our success.