We Asked Building Materials Recruiter Susan Hazelwood to Share Her Recruitment Origin Story
Susan Hazelwood has built her recruitment career around curiosity, relationships, and a genuine interest in how businesses operate. Her experience in manufacturing, distribution, and building materials allows her to understand the people and companies behind the industries she serves.
We asked Susan a few questions about how she entered recruitment, what she has learned, and why she continues to enjoy the work.
Q: Where did your career start, and what led you to recruitment?
Susan: I was between careers when an opportunity came up with a leading recruitment firm. I was nervous because I had no recruitment experience and was not sure whether I could make it work.
Two things made an enormous difference: an amazing mentor and excellent foundational training.
I started my recruitment career in Edmonton, Alberta, where I had the opportunity to learn about the inner workings of many manufacturing and distribution businesses. I quickly fell in love with the processes, people, and pace of these industries.
Q: What do you enjoy most about recruitment?
Susan: I genuinely enjoy learning about people. I want to understand a candidate’s background, what excites them, and what they want from the next chapter of their career. It is incredible what you can uncover when you take the time to listen.
I am equally passionate about understanding the companies I work with, including their history, vision, culture, and goals.
Finding a candidate whose skills, experience, and values align with a client’s needs is the most rewarding part of the job.
Q: What advice would you give someone considering a career in recruitment?
Susan: Recruitment is a lot like starting your own business. You need to build a network of candidates and develop deep knowledge of the industry you serve. Both take time.
Be prepared to work hard during your first year. Results may not come as quickly as you expect. Find a strong mentor and be willing to learn.
Recruitment involves constant growth. Every conversation, search, and missed opportunity can teach you something valuable. One of my most challenging searches ended with the client promoting someone internally, but one of the candidates I interviewed later became one of my biggest clients.
Q: What has surprised you most about working at DMC?
Susan: The team culture is unlike anything I have experienced before. The partners genuinely support collaboration through their actions.
There is a real desire to see each person succeed, and that mindset starts at the top. It has created an environment built on trust, support, and shared success.
The level of collaboration and knowledge sharing between recruiters is incredible. Instead of competing with one another, people genuinely want to help their colleagues succeed.
Q: How has your experience been working in the building materials industry?
Susan: I love working in the building materials sector, whether the focus is steel, metals, industrial supplies, or lumber and building materials.
I am fortunate to have the support to pursue the sectors I am most passionate about, particularly manufacturing and distribution. There is something rewarding about connecting great people with the essential industries that keep businesses and communities moving.
Q: What might people be surprised to learn about you?
Susan: I have a garage full of tools and enjoy building things. For many years, my local building centre called its delivery vehicle “Susan’s van” because I rented it so often. Eventually, I bought my own truck.
Q: What do you enjoy outside work?
Susan: I created my dream backyard, and it has become my favourite place to unwind. When I am not working, you will often find me outside relaxing, recharging, and enjoying the space I built.
Q: If a recruiter were an animal, what would it be?
Susan: An owl, because of its insight, perception, and ability to see beyond the obvious. Recruiters need to look deeper, read between the lines, and recognize potential that others might miss.
Susan’s ability to listen, understand businesses, and recognize potential has helped her build a successful career at DMC. Her industry knowledge and collaborative approach make her a trusted partner to clients and candidates throughout the building materials sector.
