How did you join the team at Coleman James?
I studied Sports Management at Northumbria University, graduating in 2022. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do career-wise at first, so I initially worked in door-to-door sales and then in recruitment for an IT firm. I knew neither job was quite the right fit for me, and luckily, Jemma, the People and Development Manager at Coleman James, approached me about taking on a role here.
The interview process was really smooth. I had an initial phone call with Jemma before we met for a coffee to go through my CV, and soon afterwards I was invited to the Newcastle office to meet with Robyn Haswell, Associate Director for the Building Services Division, and Andrew Mackay, Founder and MD.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My primary focus as a Delivery Consultant is on sourcing candidates, working closely with Robyn to find the right talent for live jobs.
Like any role, there are challenges, but my focus each day is to keep looking for great candidates, using the various tools we have available to us to source new talent and headhunt for people who are not actively on the market. There’s always a lot of excitement and variety, and it’s very rewarding when finding the right candidate and helping them secure the right role.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
For me, the best aspects of the job include being able to contribute to the team and our wider network, working with so many interesting colleagues, clients and candidates. There’s so much variety when speaking with different candidates for new and exciting roles every day.
We’re a tight-knit team here in the Building Services Division, and we collaborate and work together very well. Being part of this experienced team is extremely rewarding as I continue to learn and develop on the daily. Since joining the team, we have filled a wide variety of roles across different disciplines, including Commercial and Planning, Project Engineering/Management, BIM, Design and Pre-Construction.
You recently won the Rising Star award at the annual Coleman James awards. How did you feel winning the award?
I feel honoured to have won the Rising Star award because everyone at Coleman James works incredibly hard and there are so many stars across the business.
The Coleman James awards are a big deal for us - this year we held the ceremony at the Everyman Cinema in York, followed by dinner at the Ivy. It was the perfect day out for the whole team to recognise the effort and dedication we all put in.
Being named a Rising Star feels like an important recognition of my hard work and the big contribution I’ve made to the team since joining Coleman James. It was a nice touch to be appreciated for that focus and commitment.
What are the key ingredients for a successful career in recruitment?
Working in an environment that offers a clear development structure with ongoing support at an entry level is key. For me, the culture within Coleman James is the key driving force for overall success. There is a real buzz in the office and we are a team of people who genuinely enjoy working together. Being happy and enjoying where you work makes all the difference.
Having a clear progression path is very important, and that’s something Coleman James does well. There’s plenty of opportunity to progress to more senior roles with more responsibility. Your manager and colleagues will always help and support you on your journey to achieving that.
Personal qualities are also important. Confidence and interpersonal skills are crucial, and the foundation for that is the training and support given to carry out the technical aspects of the role and build that industry knowledge.
You need to have the right mindset. One thing I learnt from door-to-door sales is that perseverance is important; don’t get knocked back, stick at it and the rewards will be there when you succeed.
What would your advice be to anyone considering a career in recruitment?
It’s a great career option. The progression, support and training are second to none. Recruitment is a great industry to build skills, confidence and experience, and a great fit for someone from any sales background, as well as a recent graduate looking to start their professional journey.
What training and support is on offer at Coleman James?
Coleman James offers a high level of support and training, within a highly collaborative and open culture where everyone is eager to help. From day one you are supported by both your line manager and Jemma, our People and Development Manager. Jemma designs a personalised 12-week induction plan for each new starter, which is informed by the i3 personality assessment tool. This tool enhances self-awareness and helps identify your ideal working style, which allows Jemma to create a plan tailored specifically to your needs. Ongoing training is also provided across various areas of the business, including LinkedIn and the systems we use regularly, with a clear career path to help you reach your full potential.
After only a year and a half in my role, I’m making the most of the opportunities on offer. As part of my progression plan, I am working towards taking my next step into a more senior role. I am currently assisting in the management and development of another Delivery Consultant. This is an exciting prospect for me and it is proving to be very rewarding.
Why would you recommend starting a career at Coleman James?
If you are an ambitious and driven individual looking for a varied and challenging role that offers long-term progression, I couldn’t recommend Coleman James enough.
I’d never been involved with Building Services or Construction prior to starting this role, but working with Robyn and other experienced members of the team, I’ve been able to build my knowledge quickly. I find this sector so interesting and love being a part of it. It’s a great opportunity for anyone looking for a successful career.