Hiring practices affect more than staffing levels; they impact your brand’s reputation. That principle guides Aysha Abdullatif, vice president of marketing and franchisee at Spherion Atlanta Northeast, where she connects employers with the right candidates, ensuring a great experience for everyone involved. “A well-executed hiring process builds strong relationships and enhances an organization’s image,” Abdullatif says. “But a poor approach can have lasting negative effects.”
Headquartered in Atlanta and backed by parent company Randstad, Spherion is a nationwide staffing and recruitment firm with a local-first approach. Each location is independently owned and operated, enabling offices like Spherion Atlanta Northeast to remain laser-focused on the local market. Abdullatif and her team study local compensation trends, cost-of-living factors and market needs to give clients relevant, data-driven advice. “What someone makes in Fargo versus Seattle or Suwanee varies greatly. We help our local clients make competitive offers that attract top talent — and retain them,” she explains.
In Gwinnett County and neighboring areas, her team recruits for a wide array of sectors, from supply chain and manufacturing to professional roles in finance, human resources and IT. They support direct-hire placements, temporary positions and temp-to-hire solutions, which she refers to as “temp to retire,” underscoring her focus on building lasting relationships. Her diverse client base ranges from nonprofits like Hemophilia of Georgia to corporate partners like S&A Industries, Waffle House, Salto Systems and Porter Steel.
A Process Built on Understanding and Precision
Spherion’s success, Abdullatif notes, comes from a customized approach that goes well beyond matching a resume with a job description. “We come in and want to thoroughly understand your needs so we can find the right fit for you,” she says. “I want to know why this job is open. It’s important for me to visit your facility, do walk-throughs and see the environment firsthand. I’m not just checking off boxes on a list. I’m learning about your culture, your team dynamics and your long-term objectives.”
Abdullatif’s team also invests significant energy into understanding each candidate. “We get to know candidates thoroughly and layer in behavioral interviewing to build the most in-depth candidate profiles possible,” she says. This meticulous matching process has earned Spherion high marks, including recognition from Reputation.com for having the strongest brand reputation and selection as the top recruitment agency in Georgia by Corporate Vision in 2024.
Going the Extra Mile for New Hires
One of Abdullatif’s favorite moments in the staffing process is a new employee’s first day. She and her team typically arrange a breakfast or lunch and check in on the small details that can make or break the onboarding experience. “You never forget your first day at a new job, and we want to celebrate it with the people we place,” she says. “We’re on-site making sure everything goes smoothly and that they feel welcome. We stay in touch after the first day, too, so we can bridge any communication gaps and ensure employees are settling in.”
Deep Roots in Gwinnett
A Gwinnett County native, Abdullatif spent years working in major metro areas across the U.S. before returning to the region to be closer to family. Seeing the county’s rapid growth and need for skilled talent, she seized the opportunity to open a Spherion franchise alongside her husband, who leads the recruiting side of the business. “Gwinnett has so much potential and such an amazing business environment,” she says. “I knew that bringing Spherion here would address a critical need.”
Abdullatif’s commitment to local economic development extends to her involvement with the Gwinnett Chamber. She joined soon after moving back to Gwinnett, taking advantage of the Chamber’s networking events and HR programming. She was invited to join the Chairman’s Club and, within a year, nominated for the Chamber’s Board of Directors and the Chamber Foundation Board. In her role with the foundation, Abdullatif helps minority, women and veteran business owners obtain and leverage certifications that open the door to government contracts and corporate supplier diversity channels. “Certifications can be a game-changer for small businesses,” Abdullatif explains. “The process can be overwhelming, and I love helping business owners navigate it so they can access new opportunities.”
A Hiring Expert’s Advice for Business Leaders
As Gwinnett’s business community continues to grow, Abdullatif offers a word of advice to employers: “Brand reputation matters. And one way you can protect yours is by communicating in a timely manner throughout your hiring process,” she says. “No matter how busy you are, follow up with candidates promptly. Within a few days of interviews, either let them know it’s a pass with constructive feedback or talk next steps with them.”
For Abdullatif, staffing isn’t just about making placements. It’s about making meaningful connections that strengthen companies, empower employees and elevate the broader business community.