From wishing to travel the world to Talent Partnering in my home town
I studied Leisure and Tourism at college as I always wanted to work in the travel industry. For a few years I did, starting at Gatwick Airport as a Passenger Handling Agent and moving to work in a contact centre for a holiday car hire company. Deciding that working in a contact centre and within travel wasn’t something I wanted to do long term, I joined a large bank in its Operations Centre and was there for a year. That definitely wasn’t for me! I applied for an HR Assistant role a recruitment agency recommended and got the job. I’d never thought of working in HR before and, actually, many people say they just fell into HR. However, it’s a great career - most organisations need an HR Team, so you can transfer your knowledge, skills and experience to any industry.
I worked in HR at a Professional Services firm for 8 years and then moved to First Central in 2013. I joined as an HR Adviser and was promoted to HR Business Partner but I went through a big life event in 2014 – 2015 and had time away. When I returned to work I joined the internal Recruitment Team (now known as the Talent Team). I’ve been super lucky to have lots of opportunities to get involved in various projects and be promoted here at First Central. It’s even more of a bonus that the office is a 10-minute walk from home!
I partner with managers to recruit the right people into the business
I work closely with hiring managers to make sure we recruit the right people into the business. My current role focuses mainly on roles at Grade 8 (‘Head of’) and above. However, I provide advice and work closely with hiring managers around the business to try and provide candidates and colleagues with the best recruitment and talent journey possible. I have three Senior Talent Advisers reporting into me; each has their own business areas they recruit for. I also get involved in various projects, working closely with and supporting my manager on new initiatives and taking the lead on updating and issuing communications for candidates, agencies and colleagues. I also work closely with the HR team, again to create a smooth candidate and colleague journey and to guarantee compliance in our recruitment processes.
I enjoy the variety and fast pace
Anyone who’s worked for First Central knows that we work at a fast pace and there’s always something new happening or changes taking place. I really enjoy this way of working – it keeps me on my toes and keeps my interest piqued. There are always projects to be involved in and I’m given autonomy to get on with my job and deliver great results. I also love working as part of a team and it’s a great team here at First Central.
Work hard & get involved in new things to keep developing
I have rarely asked for or applied for promotions during my career, generally feeling I was happy where I was and not wanting loads more responsibility, especially since I lost my 21-month-old daughter in 2015. I wanted to come to work, enjoy it and then go home without any added pressures (plus I hate being interviewed!) I think I have naturally progressed and become involved in other things, specifically over the past 10 years. I’ve done it by working hard, being loyal and putting effort into everything I do.
I’ve been lucky that my managers have always recognised my potential and pushed me to progress myself and my career. It’s definitely helped when working for the same company for a number of years! I could probably have progressed a bit quicker if I had pushed for it, but that’s not me and that’s ok. You don’t have to be pushy to get where you want to be; it might just take a little longer.
Generally, just how I have built a successful career
Although there are a number of achievements I’m proud of inside work, I think I’m mostly proud of the successful career I’ve built, the positive feedback I get from my colleagues and manager and that I’ve worked for the same company for almost 10 years but am still able to add value and support the business to grow and move forward. I put a lot of effort into my work and take pride in the outcomes, which naturally makes me feel a sense of accomplishment.
