Her Story
About Allison
Allison Nielson is a Recruiter in the staffing and recruiting industry with approximately eight years of experience spanning talent acquisition, human resources, healthcare, and business consulting. She currently works as a full-cycle recruiter with JJ DeLong Staffing Specialists, where she sources candidates, builds talent pipelines, conducts behavioral pre-screens, researches talent markets, and supports candidates throughout the recruitment process. Alongside her recruiting career, Allison operates as an independent business consultant, providing research, documentation, marketing, project coordination, and operational support to businesses.
Allison's professional background reflects a practical, hands-on approach to career development. She began working at the age of 14 and started her career in telemarketing before moving into healthcare as a State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA) and working her way from home health aide into scheduling and human resources roles. Her experience subsequently expanded into recruiting and talent acquisition, including positions with EverStaff, TruWest Holdings, and Nesco Resource. She also holds an Associate's Degree in Business & Human Resource Management and a Google IT Support Specialist Certificate from Cuyahoga Community College, along with an STNA credential associated with the American Red Cross and Heart Association.
Beyond traditional recruitment, Allison is focused on the intersection of human resources, technology, and artificial intelligence. She has developed an AI recruiting business designed to address challenges in candidate sourcing and resume screening, while also using AI-assisted workflows for research, summarization, documentation, content development, and project tracking. She describes determination, grit, and resilience as key contributors to her success and emphasizes truth, justice, equality, and treating others as she would like to be treated. Outside of work, she enjoys singing in her church choir, hiking, traveling, fishing, spending time at the beach, working out, and reading. She is also a member of the American Staffing Association and supports the Signal activist group.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Allison
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to determination, grit, and resilience. Throughout my career, I have continued moving forward despite challenges and have built my experience through persistence, hard work, and a willingness to keep learning. I am particularly proud of building my career through experience and determination without completing a traditional college degree.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have received is to treat others the way I want to be treated. I live by that principle and believe strongly in karma. I try to carry that mindset into my professional relationships by treating people with respect, fairness, and consideration.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to never give up. Small habits and consistent efforts can build into something much bigger over time. Stay persistent, continue developing yourself, and recognize that progress is often created through the accumulation of small, positive actions.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in the staffing and recruiting field is the disconnect between employers and employees regarding rates of pay. Another challenge is AI-based sorting and screening of candidate resumes and how these technologies are incorporated into the recruitment process.
At the same time, I see a significant opportunity in blending AI and HR seamlessly. I am particularly interested in using AI to improve recruiting processes and address challenges in sourcing, screening, and reviewing candidates. I have developed an AI recruiting business focused on addressing these needs and exploring how technology can complement human-centered recruitment.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are truth, justice, and equality. These principles guide how I interact with others and how I approach my professional responsibilities. As a people-oriented leader, I believe in treating people fairly, honestly, and with respect.
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