Stand in front of Opportunity
Having spent 14 years as a recruitment consultant, Jemma Hadley takes us back to the fundamentals that led her to start Project You Recruit. One year on, she provides reflections on her career trajectory thus far and provide invaluable insight to getting in front of recruiters.
If you had have told me 14 years ago that I would still be in recruitment now I would have possibly smirked and said – yeah sure. But here I am, excited to be celebrating the first year anniversary of Project You Recruit.
Like a lot of Recruiters, my path into recruitment had been driven by a sales background. Learning the art of “selling” people for a living was possibly one of the most challenging “sales” roles one could have – so many tangibles when dealing with peoples’ careers, their future and the emotion behind their decisions. Not to mention the expectation to tick most, if not all of those client boxes.
I was fortunate to have started my career with one of the global firms, who suffice to say provided great “training ground” for rookie’s. In 2010 I made the move into a boutique firm with a focus on the Construction, Engineering and Architecture industries, where I found my niche recruiting in a space that resonated with me, sitting along-side people who were equally as passionate about these industries. I was personally enabled to mature as a Recruiter and ultimately change my mindset from “selling” to creating authentic connections with both clients and candidates – a game changer in how I started managing the 360-recruitment process with a long term vision. Colleagues, clients and candidates that I have had the opportunity to work with throughout my career would say, I am someone who quite simply “tells it how it is”. And as such I enjoy transparent, to the point conversations, getting to know the nuts and bolts of the businesses and the candidates I work with.
Upon self-reflection in my late 30’s and after a solid 9 years with the one employer it was time to look at my personal values by looking at what I wanted from my own career long term (something as a Recruiter, we often don’t do enough of as we assist others to navigate their next step).
Needless to say, developing my own brand and logo, Project You Recruit, was an incredibly rewarding process for me and getting the business to the 1 year milestone, an achievement I’m proud of.
I am passionate about the project-based sectors I recruit in and the exciting infrastructure we see designed and built around us daily. I’m also acutely aware of some of the challenges the industry is faced with. As a female recruiting across these sectors, I have a particular interest in the movement towards gender equity in the built environment. And whilst we may still have a long way to go, it’s been positive to see the progression over the past 10 years and the increased awareness, focus and support that is developing. Both the women and men that I have placed and worked with throughout my career are a testament to this.
I’m often asked by candidates “how do I get in front of a Recruiter?” The key thing to remember when applying to a Recruiter is that we are often working with a position description in mind and therefore are looking for relevant experience and qualifications. For this reason, you need to ensure your resume is well structured; has a professional/career summary; relevant qualifications and your roles and responsibilities listed (with most recent first). Whilst some recruiters look at a cover letter and others head straight to the resume, it’s important to always include this.
Make sure the information is factual and correct (there is nothing worse than dates being out on a resume or a recruiter reading their competitors name on the cover letter). Understandably you may be applying to several roles, however, ensure the criteria of THIS role (that you are applying for) is being met.
The current pandemic has been challenging for most and I recognise the importance of having people in your corner. These times have led me to get onboard with a global NFP initiative www.recruitersgiveback.org to help those who have had their career impacted during this time. If you know someone who needs support, please refer them to this link.
All in all, the opportunity to branch out on my own has been such a positive experience. I am humbled by the support I have received from clients and candidates. I look forward to expanding these networks in the future. Equally I have felt supported – particularly in recent times by a group of independent recruiters also working across the Property, Construction, Engineering and Architectural fields.
This piece was curated by Meleane Kaufasi for The Construction Coach blog.
Jemma Hadley is an accomplished recruiter with 14 years’ experience predominantly specialising across Business Support, Finance and Marketing roles in the Design and Construction sectors.