Her Story
About Larissa
Larissa Lopez is a Senior Recruiter at QPS Employment in Des Moines, Iowa. She entered the recruiting field two years ago after working four years as a kitchen manager and eight years as a waitress, roles that honed her skills in sourcing candidates, training, and building customer relationships. Promoted to senior recruiter three months ago, she now focuses on temp staffing, onboarding processes, and maintaining strong client communications that have led her accounts to all-time highs in placements. Larissa recently obtained her OSHA 10 certification and became a certified forklift trainer, allowing her to support on-site training needs. Her professional achievements include Rookie of the Year recognition, top gross profit bonuses for the past three quarters, and ranking number one in her region. Outside of work, she volunteers with the Animal Rescue League Dog Day Out program, attended the Food Bank of Iowa Women's Brunch, and supports the QPS Food Pantry and Clothing Drive. Larissa attributes her success to the work ethic modeled by her father, who worked extra hours and took a second job, and she is motivated by her two young children to remain dedicated and honest so they can have better opportunities.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Larissa
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my work ethic, which I learned from my dad who always put in extra hours and got a second job for us. I want to be a hard worker so my kids can see that and have better.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've received is about building relationships, which has really helped me in my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Don't be scared. Even if it's your first week and you're nervous because it's a new setting, just give it a try. I did that and now I love my job.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Challenges include temps getting laid off due to things like tariffs, and people ghosting after onboarding. But we help by finding new placements quickly through soliciting resumes to other companies.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Being honest and dedicated is most important. My kids motivate me to do better so they can have better.
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