We find that many recruitment professionals, SThree’s included, often come in to the industry almost by accident.
Many first experienced the world of recruitment when they were themselves hired for roles and there’s often something about that process, the interactions they’ve had and the success from dealing with inspirational and effective recruiters that encourages them to make the transition. When they do cross the divide these “second careerists” can become deeply passionate and hugely effective in finding the right talent and making placements.
We asked Jenny Gladman, one of our Senior Sales Team Managers for Real Staffing, how she experienced this journey.
How did you get into recruitment?
“I fell into recruitment by chance really. Having graduated in 2009 with a degree in Maths, it wasn’t the best time to be an analyst or statistician with the Banking and Finance sector making so many changes. I had been offered a position on a graduate scheme, however the scheme was cancelled and I was out of a career.
A Recruiter mentioned about opportunities within recruitment and it piqued my interest. There was something about being in control of my own career and the earning potential which I really liked and so I interviewed with SThree and joined Real Staffing.”
What characteristics do you need to succeed in this business?
“This role can be tough so you need to establish the adaptability to deal with varying situations with your candidates, clients and equally yourself.
Sometimes you have to change the way you do things to make recruitment work for you and you cannot remain set in your ways of working. One thing that I always look for from people in my team is having the commercial acumen to understand what implications your actions have on your business.”
What’s an average day like for you?
“It’s really hard to say what my day-to-day activity is as it’s never the same. I’d say my role comprises of 3 main responsibilities: Managing the team, Client Relationship Managing and Recruiting.
The vast majority of managers tend to move away from the recruiting aspect. However, I still want to remain hands on, plus I enjoy speaking to my candidates and clients as much as I love developing my colleagues. I do the same amount of recruiting as my consultants and believe in being a leader, not a manager.
One thing I have learnt is that you have to become more efficient as you progress. It’s such a diverse role and you won’t be successful unless you are organised.”
What do you love about working in recruitment?
“The reason why I moved into recruitment and what I love about it is the direct correlation to your success and results being based up your effort and skills. You have the autonomy in recruitment to make those decisions which directly affect your own business and even if you make mistakes you continually learn and evolve. The variety that comes with recruitment always motivates me to better myself and I enjoy having to excel across 3 main responsibilities to be successful.”
What is hard about your job?
“Managing your time and staying focused can be difficult. Splitting my time between Team Management, Client Management and actually trying to recruit has been pretty tough now the team is much bigger. I have learnt the art of 'working SMART' and delegating both to my team and my manager as well as managing counter offers.
There are a lot of ups and downs in recruitment and it has taken me a long time to stay equally as focused, if not more focused, when times are tougher than when deals are coming in from all angles.”
Has SThree contributed to your success?
“I have been continually supported throughout my career, not just by Real Staffing, but across the whole SThree Group. We have a really collaborative approach as a company and I learnt from some of the best recruiters in the market.
I worked exceptionally hard in my first 2 years and really got to understand how to 'do the basics well’. I then built on this by forging strong relationships and continuing to service clients to a very high standard.
I also value my integrity and relationships very highly and as such have forged very strong client relationships. I truly believe that if you do the right thing, you will always come out on top.”
If you feel inspired by Jenny’s insights and would like to find out more about SThree, then visit our LinkedIn Page or contact our Talent Acquisition Team, Tel.: +44 207 851 7850.