The recruiting industry is like no other. In all other transactions, only one party needs to be comfortable with their decision. In a hiring situation, the company can be completely sold on the candidate, but if the candidate doesn’t feel the same, there is no deal. Dealing with the human element successfully on both sides is what separates a great search firm from the rest of the pack, and that starts with making sure the candidate is set up for success.
Candidate Services
At Talance, we look out for the interests of both our clients and the needs of our candidates.
Resume Writing
Content is what makes a resume stand out – not fancy formatting or flowery words. Make sure you’re keeping it clear and simple for the reader.


Interview Preparation
The interview process is highly flawed and hasn’t changed in years. Ask transition questions to understand the interviewer’s needs to maximize the limited time you have.
Negotiation
How can you get the highest offer without shooting too high and losing the opportunity? Get educated or get a trusted recruiter.


Career Counseling
There are lots of career decisions you make beyond taking a new job. Making the right calls at various junctures along your career path will keep you on track with your long term plan.
Market Knowledge
It’s easier to make a career decision when you feel like you fully understand your options. This includes knowing who is hiring and what is currently in demand.

Been There Seen That
Believe it or not, some of these interview mistakes are more common than you think. The Talance Group is experienced about what not to wear to an interview, because we’ve been there and seen that.
Finance & Accounting Candidate Testimonials
My experience with the Talance Group was very positive due to the fact that the team that I worked with took the time to learn about my career interests both short and long-term. After several discussions on my interest and prior work experience, Doug and Jennifer began marketing my resume in the industry of interest. Within a short time period, I was interviewing and had received an offer. In addition to placing me, the Talance Group has provided me networking opportunities by inviting me to a happy hour with other professionals in the industry. Going forward, I will reach out to the Talance Group for job placement for myself and when looking to build a team.
Patrick P.
Controller (Deloitte Alum)
Jennifer Drake is the best recruiter out there, hands down!! She really listens to both sides, whether you are a client or a candidate. She has a special knack for picking out the “stars” and pairing them with the best industries. She knows a good match when she sees it, and she genuinely cares about the interest of both parties. Not only is she a recruiter but she’s also a “counselor”. She gives the best advice and helps you achieve your goals. The thing I love most about working with Jennifer is how responsive she is! She’s always following up and never leaves you in the dark. No one likes the waiting game, but she’s always pushing and keeping you up-to-date. I am so grateful to have met Jennifer from the Talance Group!!!
Kym H.
Oxy
The Talance Group consists of an exceptional group of people who strive to find you the perfect opportunity by carefully understanding your background, experience, and personality. Angela Godfrey and Stephan Patsch both provided me continuous support throughout the entire placement process. Their professionalism mixed with their drive to see every candidate succeed, helps create a powerful and comfortable environment. Angela’s assistance and guidance at each step of the interview process exceeded my expectations and proved to have exceptional results. I am very thankful for the opportunities and assistance that both Angela and Stephan have provided throughout my placement process. I highly recommend using The Talance Group for anyone who is looking for a dedicated team that works hard to find the perfect opportunity for each candidate.
Tricon Energy
Tricon Energy
Lauren is the ONLY recruiter I’ve met that actually listened to my needs. Not only is she personable, but very good at keeping an open line of communication during the entire job hunt process. She also did a great job of prepping me for an interview which helped me land a great job in the industry I desired. Lauren will go above and beyond to make sure her clients are treated fairly. I would highly recommend working with Lauren on your next job search.
Jose R.
Securities Accountant
I believe Jeff is the best recruiter around. He takes the time to fully understand the candidate’s skill set, strengths, desired job responsibilities, ideal work environment, etc. Jeff will only present opportunities to the candidate that fit within the candidates’ requirements. From interview preparation to guidance after an offer is presented, Jeff provides excellent support and communication through the whole recruitment process. Throughout my career, Jeff has placed me in two great companies/positions. I highly recommend Jeff and will continue to utilize his expertise in the future.
Tonya P.
Manager FP&A
My experience with Angela has exceeded my expectations, and I would recommend her to anyone. I was very specific in the type of experience I wanted going forward in my career, and she delivered in a tough job market and weak economy. Throughout the whole process, Angela was very informative and always available. She takes pride in meeting and exceeding her clients’ expectation, and I am happy to have the opportunity to work with her. Thanks Angela!
Nicole H.
PWC Alum
Over the course of my 20 plus years in business, I have worked with all the major search firms – retained and contingent – across the country and Talance is a breath of fresh air. Talance’s approach to placements is one of true investment in their clients. The other firms are hot and cold, Talance brings an honest, committed and human approach to the search business. Doug not only represented me, he partnered with me throughout the entire process; he listened, he guided, he advised, he persevered. I was and continue to be impressed with all those associated with this firm. It’s one of a kind.
Kim C.
VP and Treasurer
I was a manager with EY and was referred to Tim by a friend of mine at a time when I was ready for a career change. Tim was absolutely great to work with. From the very beginning, I could tell he genuinely cared about me and was interested in building a long term relationship. To make sure he would match me with an opportunity of my interest, he invested a lot of time to really understand the type of career I was seeking. When going through the interview process, he guided me every step along the way to get prepared (and he knew exactly what the hiring manager was looking for). After I have transitioned to my new job, he still checks in on me periodically to make sure I am happy where I am. I would definitely recommend Tim to any of my friends and colleagues who may be looking for a job.”
Estate N.
EY Alum
IT Candidate Testimonials
It was a pleasure working with Gary Kirkes at the Talance Group during my job search. During the time I worked with Gary, he was proactive in providing updates on opportunities that he was pursuing on my behalf and inquired on the status of opportunities that I was pursuing. Gary takes the time to understand what you are looking for in a position and is cognizant of opportunities that may not be a fit with your skill set or career goals. I would highly recommend Gary to other professionals who are seeking a new job.
Mark G
IT Manager
It was a pleasure working with Gary Kirkes at the Talance Group during my job search. During the time I worked with Gary, he was proactive in providing updates on opportunities that he was pursuing on my behalf and inquired on the status of opportunities that I was pursuing. Gary takes the time to understand what you are looking for in a position and is cognizant of opportunities that may not be a fit with your skill set or career goals. I would highly recommend Gary to other professionals who are seeking a new job.
Marc G.
Sr. Manager IT
After reviewing my LinkedIn profile, Angie and her Talance Group associate contacted me regarding a full-time opportunity with their client, a plastics and chemicals manufacturing company based in Houston. During the initial telephone conversation, Angie explained the opportunity, and we discussed how the role aligned with my skills, experience, and professional goals. In an effort to well represent her client company, as well as me (candidate), Angie insisted on meeting me in person prior to submitting me to the client. At the end of our face-to-face meeting, where we further discussed the role and my career ambitions, Angie immediately contacted the hiring manager directly, and arranged an in-person interview for two (2) days later. During the series of interviews with the client, I was impressed at how Angie and Talance accurately presented the expectations of the new role to me. Thanks to Angie, I felt very well-prepared for the client interviews, and ultimately, accepted an offer to join the company. Thanks Angie!
Rod J.
Supply Chain Reporting Lead
Gary has provided me with a great pool of talent. He listens well to what my needs are and then strives to bring candidates that meet those needs. He is very good at pre-screening candidates before they ever make their way to me which saves me a great deal of time. I am very pleased with the resources that Talance has provided. Gary also makes it easy to square the contractual process away quickly and efficiently.
Kristy J.
Director CTRM Solutions at ATOM Solutions LLC
Adam has been a great resource for project procurement. He is very dedicated to his work and ensures that you are always informed. Furthermore, he is resilient in making sure you have new projects available when you are in the transition phase. I would recommend Adam to any of my professional connections.
Robert G.
Project Lead
Adams is one of the best recruiters in Houston that I’ve come across. I have engaged a long list in my job search. The difference (with Adam) is not only does he care about staffing his clients with the best people. He truly cares about his candidates. He is not afraid to give constructive criticism, interview tips and follow up with candidates on their progress regardless of whether it’s his opportunity or otherwise. The advice he has given has made for more productive interview experiences for me. He truly is a person that has a passion for connecting employers with great resources. Additionally, a passion for helping resources be the best they can be.
Keith C.
Sr. Desktop Engineer
I have been a close friend and business associate of Jami Davenport for more than 7 years. We’ve worked together as colleagues and as business partners. Jami has such a wonderful spirit and is a loyal, positive individual. She is someone that people turn to for extra help both personally and professionally. Her strong work ethic has helped many teams achieve success and her work is nothing short of exemplary. I am always impressed with her drive and determination; she never gives up on a situation or a person and fights for what she believes. I am very proud to recommend her.
Tammie R.
IT Consultant
I met Gary Kirkes through a cold contact I put out to him shortly after I had relocated to the Houston area. He immediately followed up with me and took time to learn what I was looking for and what my qualifications were. Unlike many recruiters, he insisted on a face to face meeting before ever submitting me to a client, which I feel is very important for senior management roles. He was engaged in a search for a senior IT management role with a unique client that he felt I’d make a good candidate for. He was very quick at getting interviews set up and coordinated. He stuck tight to the process as I went through several rounds of interviews. In the end however, the company felt that I wasn’t going to be the right match for their environment and opted to pursue other candidates. I have only good things to say about how Gary conducted the process and would recommend him and his firm to other candidates seeking technology roles.
Mike W.
Director of Operations