Name: Jamie Chandlee
Job Title: CEO of Rank & Style
College Name/Major: University of Texas at Austin/Public Relations
Website: www.rankandstyle.com
Instagram Handle: @jamiechandlee | @rankandstyle
What does your current job entail?
Jamie Chandlee: Continuing to scale the business is my #1 priority especially with developing and growing relationships with strategic partners. I really have to get my hands dirty and wear a lot of hats in order to make that objective a reality. Be on the lookout for a redesign and new verticals launching this spring! Exciting times at Rank & Style!
What is the best part about your job?
JC: I love seeing our team work together to challenge and inspire one another on a daily basis. We sometimes have to step outside our comfort zone as we strive to reach new goals. It has been so rewarding to see the company’s growth and watch our ideas coming to life.
What was your first entry-level job in your field and how did you get it?
JC: My first job out of college was with the Dallas Cowboys in the sales and marketing office. I was persistent and made sure to build strong connections with people in order to get my resume in the hands of decision makers in order to land the job. My passion for working for this organization came across in my cover letter and interviews as well.
What words of wisdom do you find most valuable?
JC: When I worked at Facebook, there was a poster that read, ”What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” Those words continue to stick with me. It constantly reminds me to continue to be bold and take risks. With great risk comes great reward, and I try to apply that to both my personal and business decisions everyday.
What is one mistake you made along the way and what did you learn from it?
JC: When I reflect back on my career thus far, I always ask myself why I didn’t become an entrepreneur earlier. It took me a while to realize that I had that bug in me and to believe in myself enough to take the leap of faith into entrepreneurship.
What has been the most surreal moment of your career this far?
JC: Leaving Facebook was really tough for me. My job there had become a part of my identity and to walk away from that was pretty scary. It was something I never thought I would do, but I am forever grateful that it led me to where I am now.
What do you look for when considering hiring someone?
JC: Authenticity. Someone who displays his or her true self. This quality always stands out to me when interviewing. I also want to know that they are results-oriented and able to jump right in and start making an impact. Since we operate as a startup, I need people who are extremely flexible and want to have their hands in lots of different parts of the business.
What advice would you give to a 20-something with similar aspirations?
- The more authenticity, the better.
- Be transparent and go for what you desire most.
- Be results oriented.
- Spend time building strong relationships with the people around you, whether you know you’ll be somewhere for a short period of time or a lifetime.
What’s the one thing that’s stood out to you the most in a resume?
JC: A brief description of the applicant and his or her skills such as, “passionate brand storyteller” or “creative social media manager.” That opening helps me identify the theme of your skills and experience and lets the me know who you are as a person. A resume that has specific data points is also always going to be more impactful to the reader because I can see how your work drove results.