Today we’d like to introduce you to Jatue Richardson.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
Three years ago, I worked for a regional transportation authority where we received over 40,000 job applications each year. When attending community job fairs, I had an opportunity to speak to candidates and always heard the same story, ” I have been applying with your company for years and never hear back.” It was at that point, I decided that I would help candidates to have easier access to a great career. I took to LinkedIn and Instagram and started posting resume tips and advice to candidates. My videos quickly became viral and I expanded my efforts of helping job seekers by continuing to create content that empowered members of my community. I partnered with key leaders and community organizations to build a network of diverse candidates for my job openings.
Fast forward to 2021, I have recently started leading Mechanical and Engineering hiring at the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, also known as Amtrak. In this role, I help job seekers nationwide receive access to great careers as well as curate relationships with community organizations and leadership to help ensure a diverse and inclusive workplace.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
Yes, as with all things in life, success is not always an easy road. When I began creating content for job seekers, I was met with a few individuals who did not understand why I wanted to make videos and helpful content to the public. It was something new, and different in an environment where the mantra is, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” But I knew, that communicating with job seekers and having transparency about hiring practices with the public was the right thing to do.
I have certainly had missteps to overcome, but with those hiccups came the opportunity for me to learn from my mistakes and come back better and stronger.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
The work that I do is essentially assisting job seekers take the next step in leveling up their careers. It is really a competitive market right now. Companies are looking for the best employees, and candidates have many options when deciding on where they want to work. The great thing about Amtrak, is that if you come onboard with this company, you will not have a temporary job, but essentially have a career for life. There is nothing more gratifying than going to a job that you love every day and knowing that you are building for your future.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
The best piece of advice that I can give to individuals who are interested in finding success in their lives are to make goals for yourself, work towards those goals, and never give up. Things will not always go as planned, but if you happen to fall down, get back up, brush your shoulders off, and keep it moving.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
Success to me means being able to achieve your goals and then making more goals to crush. It’s really a simple concept, if you want to make things happen, focus on what you want your outcome to be and then create a plan so that your dreams become a reality.
What’s next for you?
I am so excited to let everyone know that Jay Z’s Roc Nation has agreed to partner with Amtrak in hopes of helping 1,000 New York residents become gainfully employed. Roc Nation and the Reform Alliance will be hosting a job fair on November 18 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This event will run from 9 am to 5 pm, and my team will be interviewing and hiring candidates on the spot. Please bring your resume and be prepared to hear “you’re hired!”
I am grateful for the opportunity to attend this career fair and hope to offer opportunities for socio-economic mobility for New York metro residents.
Finally, how can people connect with you if they want to learn more?
Please visit rocnation.com to sign up for the job fair on November 18.
If you are interested in Amtrak and not able to attend this event, feel free to follow me on Instagram @jatue where I give regular updates on all open positions and upcoming community events and career fairs. Good luck!
