Meet your recruiter: Maria Lopez MacDonald, recruiter

Hailing from the largest country in Central America, Nicaragua, Maria moved to Canada more than 30 years ago in search of a new life.

Upon her arrival, she initially settled in Alberta and began working in administration. It was in that role her love for human resources flourished and she decided to pursue further education.

After completing her studies Maria landed her first human resources role, working as a human resources coordinator for the Alberta provincial government. After several years in Alberta, Maria decided to relocate in 2010 to Kelowna, drawn by the promise of a new pace of life and the beautiful scenery of the Okanagan Valley. The allure of Kelowna's natural beauty and the opportunity for a fresh start made the decision an easy one for her.

New opportunities

Maria has found great joy in Kelowna's mild winters and warm summers. Nestled amidst lush natural surroundings, the city provides an ideal environment for an active lifestyle, raising a family and enjoying the amenities of a big city while still experiencing the tranquility of a small community. Kelowna offers countless activities such as hiking, biking, boating, golfing and fishing, and simple pleasures like walking to work. Additionally, the city boasts festivals, wineries and a variety of excellent restaurants.

The serene scenery continually brings Maria a sense of peace and comfort. When she isn't working, Maria can be found at her morning hot yoga or aerial yoga class, or riding her motorcycle through the rolling landscapes of Kelowna. She cherishes these moments of relaxation and adventure.

Her journey with Interior Health

Maria joined Interior Health 13 years ago, initially as a human resources assistant. Over time, she advanced through various roles, serving as a recruitment assistant and recruitment advisor, before landing her current role as a recruiter.

Human resources has always come naturally to her due to her innate ability to connect with people and help them achieve their career goals. Throughout her life, she has found joy in building relationships and understanding individuals' unique strengths and aspirations. Recruitment provides her the perfect platform to leverage these skills and interests by facilitating meaningful connections between talented individuals and opportunities that align with their career ambitions.

She's energized by the dynamic nature of the recruitment field, where every day presents new challenges and opportunities for learning and growth. Her desire to make a positive impact on people's lives and contribute to the success of both individuals and the organization has been the driving force behind her decision to pursue and continue a career in recruitment. Working her way through the recruitment stream from one end of the department to the other has endowed Maria with extensive knowledge and a profound appreciation for the work done within the organization.

A fulfilling career

In her current role, Maria leads recruitment for various positions, including professions allied to social work (mental health professions), social workers, clinical psychologists, administrative assistants (non-contract), post-secondary students (co-op and non-coop), and employed student nurses (ESNs).

In her role, Maria focuses on identifying, attracting, and hiring top talent to meet the organization's staffing needs. Her primary goal is to ensure candidates have a positive and engaging experience throughout the recruitment process. Working in health-care recruitment offers Maria the chance to contribute indirectly to improving people's lives. Every position filled has the potential to positively impact patient care and well-being, providing her with an innate sense of fulfillment.

New programs in the organization

A moment in her recruitment career that Maria is most proud of is playing a crucial role in the New Grad Program for Nurses, collaborating with the Professional Practice Office (PPO) to elevate the program. The teamwork and innovation involved were incredibly rewarding, and Maria is proud of the program's success and evolution.

• Understand the health care industry: Research current trends, challenges and regulations to familiarize yourself with the complexities of health-care careers. Show genuine interest in the position.
• Emphasize relevant experience and skills: Highlight your specific qualifications such as clinical experience, knowledge and proficiency in medical terminology in your resume and cover letter
• Emphasize soft skills: Showcase essential interpersonal skills like empathy, communication, teamwork and problem-solving alongside technical expertise, crucial for success in health care roles.
• Customize your application: Tailor your resume, cover letter and application materials to match the requirements of each job you apply for.
• Prepare for the interview: Practise common interview questions, demonstrate enthusiasm ask thoughtful questions, and seek feedback to enhance your preparation and performance.
• Learn from setbacks: If you don't land a job, view it as a learning opportunity. Reflect, improve and stay optimistic that the right opportunity will come your way.

“You are enough just as you are.” – Meghan Markle

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