By Betty Lezcano and Allan Leung
Readers note: The following story features two different perspectives. One showcases the thoughts of Betty, the candidate, while the other showcases the HCSS representative, Allan’s, thoughts. This is a special story where keeping in touch ultimately led Betty to join the HCSS team.
Betty [2018]
I first heard about HCSS from a good friend, and if it weren’t for the fact that he is one of those who doesn’t lie or exaggerate, I would have thought it was too good to be true. That same day I checked the website and started looking for more and more information. I was so hooked that I ended up on the careers page to see if there was any open position that matched my background and experiences. At that time there were none but I continued to check regularly until a couple of months later a Software Developer position became available and I applied without a second thought.
Some say that starting the day on the right foot brings luck and that must be what happened the day Allan called me. The conversation was the prediction of what would be a different interview process, for the better, that I would enjoy along the way. I remember being impressed the first time I went to the campus. You could tell right away that it was a place where a lot of effort and heart had been put into making it the place you don’t want to run home from, a place that encourages you to do more than work colleagues: friends. Friends to play sports with, improvise a picnic to have lunch outside on a nice day, and have lots of fun together. I think what impacted me the most were the people I spoke with, for the number of years they had been working at HCSS and for the passion and humility they expressed. I remember in particular my interview with Chris, one of those honest and unpretentious conversations, where people look into each other’s eyes and where nobody is trying to sell something that is not truly there. I took away a life lesson that I still hold true today.
At the end of the process, I got an offer. For multiple reasons it ended up not being the right time and I declined it, with the certainty within me that one day, if they wanted me again, I would be part of the HCSS family.
Allan [2018]
I initially found out about Betty via an employee referral, Will, who had previously worked with her and spoke very highly of her experience and personality. I dug into our applicant tracking system to find her application and reached out to hop on a call. Betty was kind, personable, and showcased a great attitude towards learning and growth. Winnie and I guided Betty through our rigorous hiring process where she would eventually receive an offer to join the team.
Unfortunately, Betty ended up withdrawing so she did not officially start with us. She explained to me the difficult decision she had to make. While many companies may set this as an immediate ban from being considered again for future opportunities, Minh said the offer would still stand if Betty changed her mind. It’s rare for me to hear a response such as this from a hiring leader, but I made a note in our system to keep in touch.
The timing didn’t work out in our favor, but not one to close the door immediately, I connected with Betty on social media.
Betty [2018 – 2020]
The experience was so good and profound that for the next 2 years I continued to keep up with what was happening with HCSS, following and interacting with the content shared on LinkedIn by Allan, HCSS and several of the people I met there. I didn’t forget them and I wanted them to not forget me either… and it worked.
Betty [2020]
Two years later I received an unexpected message from Allan telling me about a Development Supervisor position. For the first time a recruiter was really keeping in touch – after 2 years! – those are the wonderful things that happen at HCSS. I was not looking to change jobs and we were three months into the horrors of COVID-19, with its fears, uncertainties, and the new “normal”. All this was enough to not even consider changing jobs, but it was Allan with HCSS. I knew that this opportunity was unique, that this position was exactly what I wanted, and I applied with the certainty that if they gave me another chance I was going to accept this offer.
The interview process was slightly different than before because it was for a different position, but the execution and quality of the interviewers was just as excellent, one of those rare interviews where you go out and say “I definitely want to work with them and be part of whatever is going on here, because it is special and it is working”.
If I have always admired something in Allan, it is that throughout the process he treated me with respect and always cared about my perspective, far from the conventional treatment of the recruiters who on so many occasions treat applicants like someone doing them a favor. After each phase, he contacted me to ask how I felt after each interview, and then gave me feedback from the other party, as one who recognizes that this process involves perspectives from both sides.
After the final round of interviews, I waited for the call. Maybe because I wanted it so much, but this time the wait seemed endless. When Allan called me, he started asking me about my experience, but this time I wanted him to fast-forward to the final decision. Finally with a smile, he gave me the wonderful news, I got the offer. I jumped and screamed happily trying unsuccessfully to keep my neutral voice. HCSS family, here I come!
Allan [2020]
Fast forward to today. Over the course of two years Betty engaged with the content that I shared online. On her LinkedIn profile, I saw that she had grown into a Team Lead role at her current employer as well.
When we were planning on opening up a Software Development Supervisor position, Betty popped into my mind. I immediately reached out to her to share more about the opportunity and see if it would align with her career goals. We were both candid with our perspectives, mine with the fear of losing her again and hers with the fear of switching jobs during COVID-19. However, I felt that we both poured our hearts and trust in each other in the conversation and mutually agreed that now would be the perfect time to join HCSS.
The rest of the hiring process was relatively smooth sailing since Betty had met with the initial hiring team in the past. This time she was paired up with new interviewers who were in alignment that she would be a great addition to the team. When I called to extend Betty the offer again, she let out a joyous scream. I was happy and couldn’t wait for her to start her journey with us.
During the period between the offer acceptance and the start date, one of Betty’s family members unfortunately passed away from COVID-19. I immediately let Betty know to take as much time as she needed and partnered with Tiffany to deliver flowers and express our condolences.
On Betty’s first day, she met with her new HCSS teammates and took a picture with our famous slide.
Betty’s impact has already been recognized by her peers, with one commenting that Betty has a ton of relevant experience but she’s willing to listen to the team first. She shapes her contributions to what the team is ready for and balances this with a sense of confidence to fight for changes she wants to introduce. Because of this and many other reasons, she was selected as the “Best Newcomer” in the HCSS Devvy Awards.
I’m looking forward to watching her grow and continue to lead her team to success!
Stories such as this begin with an interest in joining our team. Explore our open opportunities at careers.hcss.com.