When Mark and Anne Lackey, Co-founders of HireSmart Cares, recently visited the welding program at Foothills Regional High School in Barrow County, Georgia, they brought more than just business experience — they brought practical wisdom for students preparing to enter the workforce with their new welding certifications.

Mark shared his personal journey of struggling in traditional education before finding his path. After dropping out in 11th grade, he later returned to complete his education. He went on to build successful businesses with his wife, Anne, in real estate, property management, and staffing. Now, the couple focuses on helping youth find successful careers.

First Impressions Matter

The presentation began with Mark and Anne walking around the room, shaking hands with each student while maintaining eye contact and exchanging names. Anne emphasized that these first 30 seconds can make all the difference in how potential employers perceive candidates.

“When you meet someone, you stand up, you extend your hand. It’s a nice, firm handshake,” Anne instructed. “Look them in the eyes, wait for them to introduce themselves; if they don’t, you introduce yourself.”

She pointed out that one student who had entered the room had demonstrated excellent etiquette by standing up, introducing himself, and shaking their hands — creating a memorable first impression.

Digital Footprint Awareness

Anne said first impressions these days extend beyond in-person meetings. She warned students that employers routinely review candidates’ social media profiles before interviews.

“Your employer is doing that before they ever call you back,” she cautioned. “We do social media checks, guys.”

She advised students to examine their online presence through the eyes of potential employers, removing content that doesn’t align with how they want to be perceived professionally.

“I’m not asking you to be fake,” said Anne. “Nobody wants you to lie. Nobody wants you to be something that you’re not. Be authentic, but be professional.”

Anne suggested a simple test: “If you wouldn’t put it on a billboard on I-285, you probably shouldn’t be putting it online.”

Communication Is Key

Responsiveness was a crucial theme throughout the presentation. Anne stressed that job seekers must be reachable and prompt in their communications.

“If you’re not checking your email every day, don’t use that email address,” she said, explaining that employers won’t wait three days for a response when other candidates are immediately available. Anne recommended creating a dedicated email address for job searching if necessary.

She also highlighted the importance of professional voicemail greetings, suggesting a template: “Hi, my name is [your name]. I’m sorry I’m unavailable to talk to you right now. Please leave a detailed message, and I’ll return your call within 24 hours.”

Most importantly, she emphasized following through on commitments: “If you say you’re going to get back to somebody within a time frame, what do you need to do? Get back to them within the time frame.”

Resume Purpose and Strategy

When asked about the purpose of a resume, students suggested it was to showcase skills or provide a summary of their background. Anne revealed a more fundamental purpose.

“It’s to get an appointment. That’s really the whole reason you’re there,” she said. “It’s to get the meeting. You want an interview.”

With this in mind, Anne advised against creating exhaustive “laundry lists” of past experiences. Instead, she recommended focusing on relevant qualifications — like their welding certificates — and clearly communicating career objectives.

“When you get this welding certificate, you are a prime commodity,” Anne told the students. “People want what you have.” She encouraged them to be specific about their aspirations to help potential employers understand how they might fit into their organization.

Interview Tactics

For job interviews, the Lackeys offered practical advice:

1. Arrive early, but not too early. “Get there 20 minutes early. Make sure you check your teeth, all the good stuff… but sit in the parking lot,” Anne advised. “Don’t walk into the employer’s office 20 minutes early,” as this can create pressure for interviewers who aren’t ready. She suggested entering the office seven minutes before the interview.

2. Dress appropriately. Mark emphasized looking clean and professional, recommending a collared, button-down shirt regardless of the job type. “No

matter the job. If you’re going to be working plumbing and digging ditches… be clean,” he said.

3. Leave your phone behind. “The worst thing to carry with you into an interview? Your phone,” Mark said. “Leave it in the car.”

4. Ask thoughtful questions. Anne suggested inquiries about the work environment, safety procedures, and what an average day looks like. She cautioned against asking about compensation, benefits, or PTO too early, saying these are “marriage” questions, not “first-date” questions: “Don’t ask pay questions, benefits questions… until you get further into the process.”

5. Express gratitude. Both speakers emphasized the power of thank-you notes. Anne shared a story about an eight-year-old who wrote her a thank-you note that she still displays prominently in her home. “It’s quick, it’s meaningful, but I remember that,” she said.

Building Connections

Even if a job isn’t the right fit, the Lackeys urged students to maintain professionalism and seek to build connections. Anne suggested asking interviewers who else they might know in the industry who could be a better match.

“Don’t just hightail it out of there,” she said. “Say ‘thank you for your time today. I truly appreciate it. May I ask you a question? Who do you know that I should know in the industry that might be more in line with what I’m looking for?'”

Mark reinforced that networking happens everywhere: “I have made multiple job offers to servers in restaurants… I can tell people who connect and work and like working with people.”

The presentation concluded with encouraging the students to confidently approach their job search, knowing their welding skills are in high demand.

“Your first job may not be your dream job, and that’s OK,” said Anne. “It’s a stepping stone to something else. Do your best while you’re there. Give it your all. Show that you care because you’re setting yourself up for success down the road.”

Mark and Anne founded HireSmart Cares as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a clear mission: “equipping the next generation.” After seeing a bumper sticker that read “No Farms, No Food” while driving on Interstate 85, Mark was inspired to address growing workforce shortages in critical sectors including agriculture, trades, and healthcare.

Rather than just worrying about these issues, the Lackeys decided to take action. Through HireSmart Cares, they invest in youth development by offering time, tools, teaching, and technology to help young people find successful careers without taking on college debt.

Click here to help HireSmart Cares help more kids.