Courtney M. - Senior Recruiting Manager

Title: Senior Recruiting Manager
Location: Chicago, IL
Joined: 2009
Preferred Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

As one of Groupon's most tenured employees, you could say Courtney has seen and done it all…including recording a German chorale with roughly 100 other Grouponers at the Lyric Opera of Chicago to send to merchants as a holiday card.

You've been with Groupon for 12 years! What about the company has kept you here?

The people - I’m so incredibly fortunate to work with some truly exceptional people and teams. Also, I know I’m not just a cog in a massive machine. The work we do is important, impactful, and there’s always something new to solve for. “Never a dull moment” certainly applies here. Also, to quote a teammate, “You gotta have fun!”.

What's the biggest challenge your team is solving?

Recruiting is always a challenge - it can be fun and frustrating all at the same time. There are a lot of variables out of our control, but at the end of the day, it’s just the best feeling to see our hires doing super amazing things at Groupon.

How have you grown in your career since joining Groupon? 

There were 50 people in the company when I started, so inherently, my personal/professional growth has happened in a multitude of ways as Groupon has grown into what it is today. I’ve been on the Recruiting team the entire time, and I’ve grown from being an individual contributor to leading sales recruiting teams, corporate recruiting teams, and now our tech recruiting team. Many adventures, and a tremendous amount of learning along the way.

What do you miss about being in the office?

The innate camaraderie, random conversations with teammates, our very competitive RuPaul’s Drag Race and Bachelor/ette pools that take up a large white board, and the ranch dressing in the cafeteria… oh my goodness gracious, it’s heavenly.

What are some best practices for candidates to keep in mind while they’re applying or interviewing here?

I personally appreciate a cover letter, especially if it’s not overly clear how your background or experience aligns with the role you’re applying for. Also, be yourself during the interview. We can tell if someone is too rehearsed or is just using a lot of jargon or buzzwords. We want to get to know YOU during the interview. Also, be prepared to talk about your past work and experience. We’ll likely dig deep into specific areas, so being prepared to go into detail will be helpful!

Have you won any awards at Groupon? 

Why yes I have. Don’t mean to brag, but in 2017 I won the “Best Dip” contest with my Ham, Cream Cheese, Pickle Dip. There’s a trophy somewhere. Truly a pivotal life moment.

What was your first impression of Groupon…in 2009?

“Whoa.” Walking through these doors was a complete 180 from any job or company I had worked with, or even seen. Smart, casual, quirky, thoughtful, innovative, hilarious, energetic, and had the potential to be extremely impactful. Also, I get to wear jeans here?!

What’s your favorite Groupon memory?

In late 2009, the entire company (about 100 or so people at the time) went to the Lyric Opera House in Chicago, dressed in choir robes and recorded a German Chorale. We were all given the words (in German) and our “parts” ahead of time (alto, soprano, etc.) so we could practice. This was recorded and sent to merchants and vendors as a “holiday card.” I had only been at the company a couple months when we did this, and I remember trying to explain to my mom what I had done that day (that was a challenge). I LOVE these types of quirks of Groupon that make you scratch your head but are also super endearing.

What’s your favorite local business?

Marie’s Pizza and Liquors. Very old-school pizza place with a liquor store attached. Not to mention, on Saturday nights they have a string quartet (comprised of old men) traveling around from table to table. All of this makes me very happy.

Tell us something about you that’d surprise us.

I have a compulsory need to smell mustard if it’s on a restaurant table.