Justin Ellis

My life is centered on my relationship with Jesus Christ, and my beautiful wife and two wonderful children are my greatest joy and motivation.

Professionally, I'm a Senior Technical Recruiter with a passion for innovation. I thrive on figuring out how to automate tasks and streamline processes, allowing me to be more efficient and make more impactful placements. I'm currently focused on researching how to develop solutions with Python and PowerShell to automate specific administrative tasks, such as writing job descriptions, posting roles, candidate submission, and scheduling.

As a Marine Corps veteran and former Systems/Network Administrator, my technical background gives me a consultative edge when placing top-tier talent in specialized fields like AI/ML, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, and Data Engineering. I believe that by combining my technical expertise with my love for automation, I can not only excel in my role but also help shape the future of recruiting.

AI-Powered Applicant Assessment System

Developed and deployed an automated applicant screening system using a custom script and a large language model to analyze resumes against specific job criteria in real time. This project eliminated over 20 hours per week of manual resume screening. Read the full article on my blog.

Automated Interview Scheduling Workflow

Created a streamlined workflow using Calendly and JotForm to automate the interview scheduling and resume collection process. This reduced manual communication by over 90%, providing a more efficient experience for candidates. Read the full article on my blog.

• Generative AI (Gemini, ChatGPT, Copilot, Grok), Custom Workflow Automation, Bullhorn, LinkedIn Recruiter, Dice, Monster, Indeed, GitHub, Stack Overflow
• Full-Cycle Recruiting, Sourcing, Boolean Black Belt, Interviewing, Offer Negotiation & Closing, Onboarding, Stakeholder Collaboration, Data-Driven Hiring, Candidate Experience
• Software Development (Java, .NET, Go, Python, JavaScript, AI/ML, Embedded), Cloud & DevOps (AWS, Azure, GCP), Cybersecurity, Data Engineering, and Design (UI/UX)

Agile Resources (GEE Group), 1/2016 – Present

Principal Technical Recruiter, 5/2024 – Present

• On track to win Recruiter of the Year among 30+ recruiters, despite being the only employee without a degree.
• Built an AI-powered script using Python and a custom AI model that performs real-time applicant assessments and automatically emails me all qualified candidate resumes and their assessments.
• Developed an automated scheduling workflow using Calendly and JotForm, which automates the process of collecting a resume from candidates and scheduling an introduction call.
• Leverage Generative AI to quickly learn emerging technologies and optimize job postings, advanced Boolean searches, and sourcing strategies for highly specialized roles.
• Leverage AI tools like Gemini, ChatGPT, and LinkedIn AI to automate administrative aspects of recruiting, from job posting to resume formatting.
• Utilize candidate feedback to refine outreach messaging, achieving a company-record 40% response rate among passive candidates.
• Serve as the Subject Matter Expert for high-demand roles in software development, cloud, AI/ML, data, design, and cybersecurity.
• Partner with hiring managers and account executives to identify key skills needed for each position, reducing time-to-fill by allowing us to place candidates from the initial pipeline.
• Manage a white-glove candidate experience from initial engagement through offer negotiation and onboarding.
• Apply consultative sales techniques to overcome objections related to compensation, benefits, hybrid/onsite work, contract work, etc.

Recruiting Manager, 10/2019 – 5/2024

• Helped grow company revenue from $9M to $30M by collaborating with senior leadership to revamp internal hiring and recruiting processes.
• Refined internal hiring practices, growing the team from 4 to 12 recruiters.
• Created, coordinated, and conducted new hire training that enabled new recruiters to close 2 jobs/month within their first 120 days.
• Improved job closure efficiency from a 5:1 ratio to 2:1 by designing and implementing a structured recruiter training and coaching program.
• Led and mentored a team of up to 12 recruiters, enhancing hiring efficiency and candidate engagement.
• Earned consistent recognition as a top performer, receiving the President’s Club and Top Recruiter awards.

Technical Recruiter, 1/2016 – 10/2019

• Pioneered the use of advanced Boolean searches, AI-assisted sourcing, and workflow automation to identify, engage, and place top-tier software, cloud, and cybersecurity professionals.
• Consistently achieved over $500K in Gross Margin, placing in the top 5% of all recruiters and earning Rookie of the Year and Up-and-Comer awards.
• Placed 18 professionals in high-demand roles within the first 8 months, generating $300K in Gross Margin.

United States Marine Corps, 4/2005 – 12/2015

Recruiting Manager & Recruiter, 2013–2015

• Developed and executed strategic recruiting initiatives, consistently exceeding hiring quotas and earning multiple top performer awards, including Recruiter of the Month/Quarter over 10 times.

Systems/Network Administrator & Electronics Engineer, 2005–2012

• Managed Linux, Unix, and Windows systems and Cisco network infrastructure.
• Maintained and repaired electronic components of Air Traffic Control Radar Systems.
• Promoted to Team Lead based on exceptional personal performance, advancing ahead of more senior peers.

• Top Recruiter (2023)
• President's Club (2021)
• Up and Comer (2017)
• Rookie of the Year (2016)
• Over 10 Recruiter of the Month/Quarter Awards (USMC)

• Professional Selling Skills (PSS)
• Advanced Consultative Sales
• Marine Corps Recruiting School
• Cisco Certified Network Associate
• CompTIA Network+ and Security+

Please feel free to connect with me via LinkedIn or email to discuss opportunities, collaborations, or recruiting best practices.