How did you get into recruitment?
In 2011, I started a business admin apprenticeship and was placed within a recruitment agency as an Office Administrator. In just under a year I became a Resourcer and have never looked back. I quickly realised I enjoyed working with candidates, the fast-paced environment and varied days. That’s why 10 years on I am still loving working in recruitment.
What is your specialist sector(s)? How did you develop your knowledge of the sector?
At Coleman James I work with Robyn Keelin, Associate Director for the Building Services division and design is my niche specialism within the sector. This means I work closely with Design Engineers and Technicians on a daily basis.
Robyn has worked closely with me over the last 2.5 years, investing time to share her knowledge of the industry which has proved invaluable. She has a genuine passion for the sector which has inspired me to develop my career within Building Services recruitment.
What are the key ingredients for a good working relationship with your clients and candidates?
Trust and transparency are vital elements when developing relationships with both clients and candidates. Research and asking the right questions is also key. I am always learning new things about my sector and it is important that I have a good level of understanding so that my clients have faith in my ability to source them the best candidates. There’s always plenty to stay abreast of from the latest software and technology to trends, legislation and Building Services news.
For a candidate, finding a new role can be daunting and potentially life-changing. Therefore, communication and building a strong, trusted relationship is important to ensure they feel supported throughout the entire process and confident that I will secure the best offer for them.
What Building Services trends should candidates be aware of for 2022 in terms of their skills?
Sustainability within Building Services is a rapidly growing area. With the industries commitment to Net Zero and Decarbonisation, clients are striving towards a cleaner and more sustainable way of working which is in turn creating new and exciting opportunities throughout the industry.
With a concerning shortage of Engineers entering the industry, I predict that in 2022 clients will be more open to offering flexible working, opening up a pool of candidates from a wider geographical area. We are also seeing many clients welcoming candidates with transferable skills from outside of the sector to retrain. It is great to work with so many clients who are genuinely committed to diversity and inclusion, understanding the importance of a diverse workforce within an ever-changing landscape in order to remain relevant and successful.
How has Coleman James supported your development?
As soon as I joined the team as a Building Services Resourcer in 2019, everyone across the business was extremely supportive. The team here genuinely want to see each other develop and succeed. It’s like no other recruitment firm I’ve worked for.
After working as a Trades and Labour Resourcer for 8 years, I had no ambitions of becoming a consultant. If I’m honest I didn’t have the confidence. It was Robyn who inspired me to consider taking the next step and made me realise how I could carve a long-lasting career in Building Services Recruitment. Thanks to Robyn’s continued support, the wider team’s encouragement and the management team’s belief in me, I worked towards my promotion and am now a Consultant which has definitely been the right move for me. Coleman James have helped me to realise my potential.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I’ve now been in Recruitment for 10 years and what drives me has never changed. Moving to a new role, changing career direction or expanding your team is a huge decision. For me, there’s no greater satisfaction than finding someone their dream job or candidate.
The cherry on the cake is definitely being part of the Coleman James journey within the most amazing team. It is such an exciting time for the business and I am excited for the future as we continue to grow.
What is your ‘golden’ piece of advice for candidates?
Moving jobs doesn’t have to be stressful and daunting. There are fantastic opportunities out there and with the industry constantly evolving, don’t stand still. Partnering with the right recruitment consultant who is a specialist in their field will give you the confidence to make that next career step and not look back.