An Open Letter to You, the Candidate

Dear Candidate, 

Hi! My name is Candice. I’m the Recruitment Specialist for Centra Windows. I get to talk to awesome people (like you) about becoming an Employee Owner by joining the Centra team. It’s very likely that you and I will speak at some point during the interview process. If you’re curious (and I hope you are), I wanted to tell you a little bit about me and the sincere hopes I have for you.

Just so you know: A career at Centra wasn’t my plan.

Once upon a time, I applied for an entry-level call center position at Centra in order to just… have a job. I was miserable as a bridal consultant and needed time to pursue a career in the field I went to college for. I had no intention of making this a long-term gig. Well, I got the job, and my short-term 6-month plan turned into over 8 years.

Let’s be clear. I didn’t settle. This isn’t a case of shutting my eyes and thinking… ”how the heck did 8 years pass!? What am I doing with my life!?” On the contrary! That entry-level position turned into a full-blown career, and I could not have asked for a better company to grow in.

Years pass and I’m all lovey-dovey, but then I hit a wall.

Like any career progression, there are ups and downs. Then seven years hit, and I found I no longer felt challenged in the position. I was bored and wasn’t satisfied.

Here’s the thing: I felt comfortable enough to say so, and my leader took it seriously. We had honest conversations about my skillset, where I want to be in my career, and how to take my expertise to the next level. This led me to recruiting.

That is the kind of place Centra is. The leadership members are caring, supportive, and connected. They are also honest (boy howdy, are they honest) and will challenge you to grow. If it weren’t for Centra I wouldn’t be the person I am today, both professionally and personally.

I’m thriving again!

I friggin’ love recruiting. Finding people who will flourish in this environment and watching them grow is such a special thing to be a part of.

I know what a game-changer Centra can be for someone’s career. I’ve personally experienced it, and I’ve witnessed it in others.

Ok, enough about me. Let’s talk about you.

Listen, I know you’re making a big decision. Joining a new company is daunting. There is a lot to consider, not to mention the fear and uncertainty that accompany the process.

Here is what I know for sure…

Company culture is extremely important. We’re supportive, stick to our values, and are a bunch of ambitious owners who are very performance-based. You have to ask yourself: is this the place for you?

Ask yourself important questions such as…

-Do my values align with theirs?
-Am I excited by what I’ve read about their company culture, or am I skeptical?
-Am I ready to take on the responsibility that comes with ownership?

I have hopes for you!

My sincere hope is that you’ve asked yourself those questions. If you’re still reading this and have decided that we sound like a place you would thrive in (which totally makes me giddy) then before you apply, I have to tell you something…

You’ve got to be interviewing us while we’re interviewing you. Full stop.

There is nothing more disappointing than when expectations don’t meet reality. So even though you have read about us and like what you hear, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t ask tough questions, ask your interviewer for more details, and reach out to our current Employee Owners. We want you to come out with a well-rounded view of Centra.

I sincerely hope we’re the place you want to bring your expertise.  

Talk to you soon!

-Candice

P.S… If you want to chat about our culture or have any questions, add me on LinkedIn and shoot me a message or reach out to me at careers@centra.ca

Check out our open opportunities before you go!