If you’ve ever had a conversation with Emma Nerrow, you know she brings a lot more than recruiting expertise to the table. As an Account Manager at Resource Options, Inc., Emma is energetic, approachable, and genuinely loves connecting with people. Whether she’s helping a candidate discover a career-changing opportunity or partnering with a client to solve a hiring challenge, she believes recruiting is all about relationships, not transactions. We caught up with Emma to learn what motivates her, hear one of her favorite success stories, get her best career advice, and uncover a few fun facts that make her, well, Emma!

What initially drew you to recruiting, and how did you get started at ROI?

I’ve always loved being around people. In college, I served as the recruitment chair for my sorority, and that’s where I realized how much I enjoyed connecting with others and helping them find where they belonged. It might have started on a smaller scale, but it sparked something that made me want to build a career in recruiting.

After interning in talent acquisition with a commercial construction company, I knew I had found my lane. I loved talking with construction professionals every day and learning about so many different careers. When I interviewed at ROI, it just felt right. The healthy competition, the opportunity to recruit across construction and engineering, and the genuinely welcoming people made it an easy decision. I left every interview thinking, “These are my people.”

What keeps you motivated every day?

Without question; it’s the people.

I love helping someone realize there may be an opportunity that’s an even better fit than the one they’ve been in for years. Sometimes people don’t even know what’s possible until someone picks up the phone and starts a conversation.

The best part is knowing that changing someone’s job can truly change their life. It impacts their family, their future, and their confidence. That’s a pretty incredible feeling.

I’m also motivated by the relationships we build. Every phone call is a chance to learn something new, even if the timing isn’t right today. Maybe that opportunity will come next month, or maybe it’s two years from now. At ROI, we’re competitive, but we’re also one team. We celebrate each other’s wins because every placement means someone found a better opportunity, and that’s worth cheering for.

Is there a candidate success story you’ll never forget?

Absolutely.

One story I’ll never forget involved a land surveyor in Portland, Maine. We had been working with a longtime client in Boston, and when they expanded into Portland, it was our opportunity to help them build a team in a brand-new market. There was just one problem, finding experienced land surveyors wasn’t easy.

Land surveying has become something of a dying profession in many areas. There are very few educational programs dedicated to it, fewer people are entering the field, and experienced professionals are incredibly hard to find. Our client had a critical role to fill, and they needed someone who could make an impact right away.

That’s when I made a cold call to Dan.

At first, he wasn’t really interested. He wasn’t actively looking for a new opportunity, and honestly, he was content where he was. But instead of treating it like a one-and-done phone call, we stayed in touch. Over the next couple of months, we built a genuine relationship. When the timing felt right, I shared more about the opportunity, and everything changed.

Dan accepted the position and ended up making $18 more per hour than he had been earning before. Our client gained an experienced land surveyor in an extremely competitive market, helping them successfully launch and grow their Portland office. It truly was a win for everyone involved.

The best part? Dan and I still keep in touch. He still texts me to say thank you, and every time I remind him that he earned the job, I simply introduced him to an opportunity he didn’t know existed. Those long-term relationships are what make this career so rewarding, and they’re exactly why I love what I do.

What makes ROI different from other staffing firms?

Relationships. It’s really that simple.

At ROI, we never look at people as transactions. Whether it’s a client or a candidate, we invest the time to truly get to know them. We want to understand company culture, career goals, personalities, and what success actually looks like, not just what’s written on a résumé.

We’re also constantly out in the field meeting people. Networking events, industry associations, lunches with clients, you’ll find us wherever our industries are gathering. We believe the best partnerships happen face-to-face, and those long-term relationships are what set ROI apart. By the time a hiring need comes up, we’ve already built the trust that’s needed to make the right match.

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

“Get comfortable with the uncomfortable.”

That advice has stuck with me throughout my career.

Whether it’s delivering difficult news, having an honest conversation, or asking a tough question, growth usually happens outside your comfort zone. The more comfortable you become having those conversations, the more confident, and transparent, you become.

In recruiting, honesty builds trust. And trust is the foundation of every great relationship with our clients and candidates.

Five Things to Know About Emma

She’s a LinkedIn Games champion. Every morning starts with the daily LinkedIn games, and if a new one drops, she’s already challenging her coworkers.

She’s always up for a good legal drama. Suits and White Collar are at the top of her watch list.

Big family, big energy. As one of four siblings, Emma grew up surrounded by what she calls “good chaos”, which is probably why ROI’s fast-paced, team-oriented environment feels like home.

Dream destination? Santorini, Greece. It’s been on her travel bucket list for years.

She can make a mean Chicken Parmesan. Extra cheese is non-negotiable. Baking, however…she’ll happily leave that to someone else.

Connect with Emma

Whether you’re looking to grow your team or you’re ready for your next career move, Emma is always excited to start a conversation. Her energy, positivity, and relationship-first approach have helped countless clients and candidates find the right fit, and she’d love to help you do the same.

Connect with Emma on LinkedIn or reach out to Resource Options today. Your next opportunity could be one conversation away.