In this episode of Who Hired This Person?, host Kaitlyn sits down with Cheryl Davidson, Talent Acquisition Partner at Carol Search Partner. With nearly two decades of experience recruiting for top accounting firms and consulting with hiring managers across the U.S., Cheryl brings deep expertise on what it really takes to match the right talent with the right culture. She opens up about avoiding “mini-me” hires, spotting integrity red flags, and why focus is a recruiter’s greatest tool.

Whether you’re hiring in specialized industries, competitive markets, or culture-driven teams, Cheryl shares stories and strategies that reveal how to hire smarter and with more confidence.

Key Lessons Covered in This Episode:

🔹 The Power of Focus in Recruiting:

Cheryl explains why recruiters must zero in on one role at a time to avoid spinning their wheels—and how she trains others to do the same.

🔹 Coaching Hiring Managers:

Even seasoned leaders can fall into the trap of hiring people “just like them.” Cheryl shares how she guides managers to look beyond surface-level similarities.

🔹 The Candidate Who Looked Perfect on Paper:

She recalls an interview with a Big Four candidate who wowed everyone in the room—but revealed integrity issues on the car ride back to the airport. That moment changed the hiring decision.

🔹 Giving Candidates a Second Chance:

Some of Cheryl’s best placements started with resumes that undersold their skills. She explains how reworking resumes and digging deeper uncovered hidden gems.

🔹 Culture Fit Is Everything:

Matching technical skills is only half the battle. Cheryl emphasizes that without culture alignment, hires won’t last—and neither side will be happy.

🔹 Creative Sourcing Beyond LinkedIn:

From attendee lists at industry conferences to specialized outreach, Cheryl reveals how she finds candidates outside the usual channels.

🔹 Setting Realistic Expectations:

She walks through how to have tough conversations with clients when the local talent pool just isn’t enough—and how to reframe the search.

Key Takeaways:

✅ Focus and discipline in recruiting lead to better results.

✅ Don’t overlook red flags, even if a candidate looks perfect on paper.

✅ Resumes rarely tell the whole story—dig deeper.

✅ Culture fit is non-negotiable for long-term success.

✅ Recruiters must act as consultants, not just order-takers.

✅ Creative sourcing and setting client expectations are essential in competitive markets.

Links & Resources:

🔗 Connect with Cheryl Davidson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cheryldavidson/

🔗 Learn more about Carol Search Partners: https://www.carolsearch.com/