Bringing the Magic to F2OnSite Recruiting
by Michaela Drinkwater
When you talk to Debbie, you can instantly tell she’s a people person. It’s more than just her job title—she genuinely loves connecting with others, making her a standout at F2OnSite for nearly a decade. More than just an employee, Debbie is truly F2OnSite’s National Treasure. Her ability to build relationships, along with her genuine care for both clients and candidates, is what makes her the heartbeat of the company. I sat down with Debbie to chat about her journey in recruiting, why she loves it, and what makes F2OnSite feel like home.
How Recruiting Found Her & Why She Loves It
Debbie didn’t start her career thinking recruiting would be her path—it sort of found her by accident. “Back in my college days at UPenn, I was recruiting support for my campaign when I ran for a seat on the Finance Committee. I was always looking for the best people to work with, even before I realized recruiting could be a career,” she said. Funny enough, the job came from being asked for a referral by a former colleague. ‘What about me?’ said Debbie. And well, the rest is history.
What’s kept her in this for the long haul is her love for helping people. For her, it’s not just about getting someone a job offer. “It’s about making sure they walk away from the process feeling like they gained something—whether that’s an improved resume, prepping them for an interview, or even just a better understanding of their strengths” she shares. And when they get an interview or job offer, she’s celebrating in the background with a ‘Woohoo!’
Keeping Up with the Shifting Recruiting World
Debbie has seen a lot of changes throughout her career—especially with technology. F2OnSite has embraced the tech side to streamline the onboarding process, using emails, texts, technical assessments, and website portals; however, she doesn’t let that get in the way of making personal connections. “Candidates are often surprised when they get a call from me so quickly after applying,” she explains. “Most people are not used to that, getting a personal call so quickly—they’re caught off guard in the best way.”
Despite the constantly changing tech-driven environment, Debbie says it still comes down to building relationships. “You never know—the person you talk to today might refer the next great hire or become one themselves in the future. It’s all about keeping that connection alive.”
What Makes a Candidate the Perfect Fit
For Debbie, it’s not just about matching someone’s skills to a job description. She listens for those qualities that make someone a great teammate—such as dedication, enthusiasm, empathy, and respect. When you take the time to really listen, she says that people open up in ways that show so much more than what’s on their resume.
She shares one of her favorite success stories about a candidate she had reached out to who wasn’t even actively job hunting. His resume didn’t really reflect what he had to offer, so she worked with him to polish it up. He ended up getting several interviews, and the company was all set to hire him—until they hit a hiring freeze. Debbie remembers, “It was disappointing for everyone, but I stayed in touch with him. And just a few months later, the company came back, not just to offer him the job, but a direct hire role!” He was over the moon and I’ll never forget when he told me, ‘You changed my life.’ “And that is why I do what I do.”
F2OnSite’s People-First Culture & What Sets Them Apart
Debbie’s love for the company was clear. “It’s a People First company,” she says. “We’re all dedicated to doing the right thing—not just for the company, but for each other and the candidates.”
Debbie’s been with F2OnSite for nine years now, and she says the company’s culture is a huge part of what keeps her motivated. “We are empowered to think like owners of the business, we have a voice, and our input is wanted and encouraged,” she explains. She loves the F2OnSite “family environment”, and that the leadership is always just a phone call away. “It doesn’t matter how much we grow—our DNA stays the same.”
She also appreciates the way F2OnSite’s Leadership is always looking for ways to help the team grow and develop their skills. One example, she mentioned is the, “extended learning opportunity to earn Certifications with major Universities in our fields of interest.”
Passions and Hobbies Beyond the Desk
When she’s not busy changing lives at F2OnSite, Debbie loves to spend time with her husband and four-legged kids throughout the years, who make her laugh and smile. Currently, it’s her precious rescue, Elvis.
She’s also a HUGE sports fan—especially NCAA and NBA basketball. She loves cheering on the Miami Heat and keeping up with March Madness and the UCONN Huskies.
Debbie also loves to read, whether it’s fiction or something for self-development, watch her favorite TV shows, and catch up with friends and family in her time off.
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It’s clear why Debbie’s such a beloved part of the F2OnSite family and our National Treasure. She’s passionate, thoughtful, and has a genuine love for helping people. Whether it’s landing a new job or just realizing their own potential, she’s always there, making a difference—one conversation at a time.