Myra DeShields and Mia Simmons understand both sides of the employment-consultant process.
About 15 years ago, the Baltimore natives entered the work force with the help of an employee placement firm.
Now, after several years in the sales industry, DeShields and Simmons are selling their experience, matching job seekers with area companies through their year-old company, M3 Minority Recruiting.
“Knowing the recruitment process, we thought we could do something better,” DeShields said. “We want to give that extra value.”
The friends, who have known each other since attending Frostburg State University together, stress the importance of making contacts with eager workers and prospective employers.
“M3 means that we mentor, motivate and mobilize,” Simmons said. Large employment-placement firms typically do most of their work over the phone. DeShields and Simmons ask that job hunters meet with them so they can be properly placed in the information technology, engineering, finance, management, health care and sales industries throughout the Baltimore and Washington area.
“It?s the face-to-face contact,” Simmons said. “That?s what makes us different.”
DeShields and Simmons have placed people with nationally known companies. They work with professionals as well as recent college graduates.
According to the Maryland Department of Labor, Baltimore?s unemployment rate was 6.4 percent in June.
The friends are spreading the word about their services throughout Baltimore, contacting companies such as Black & Decker, Constellation Energy and Legg Mason.
They have about 35 to 40 people ready for job placement.
“We want to partner with the Baltimore business community,” Simmons said. “There are so many opportunities in this area.”
M3 Minority Recruiting helps potential employees improve their resumes, prepare for interviews and with everything else they need to receive a job offer.
DeShields and Simmons spent about $7,000 to start the company. The biggest challenge, thus far, has been to remain patient while they build their reputation and the business, they said.
“We want to help folks,” DeShields said. “That?s our passion.”
AT A GLANCE
M3 Minority Recruiting
Employment Consultation
P.O. Box 343
Joppa, MD 21085
