A 200 mile journey to a new recruitment life....

In life, we often have to face some very stressful situations and amongst those that feature highly (apart from marriage and divorce) are moving house and starting a new job /career.

So imagine if you were faced with both of those combined. Here is an interview with Simon Monaghan, a candidate who recently got in touch with People Prospect Solutions to help with a relocation to the sunny South Coast.....

So you decided to relocate your recruitment life over 200 miles away from Manchester to the South Coast. What locations did you start focusing on initially?

I knew we wanted to be near Portsmouth as my best friend Emma and her boyfriend live in Southsea, so ideally we wanted to be near to them. I drive so I also considered Southampton and in-between too.

What criteria did you stipulate for your next recruitment role?

I wanted a company that paid good commission so I can be rewarded for the work I put in. I also wanted my basic salary at least matched. I also wanted a company where I wasn’t going to be shackled by pointless KPI’s like how many calls I make. Somewhere where they value creativity, ideas and modern thinking. I didn’t want to work for a company who use Wolf of Wall Street as inspiration. and ideally I wanted somewhere that I can progress into management. In addition, I wanted to stay in .NET Recruitment ideally but Software Development as a minimum

What emotions did you experience throughout the process?

None really apart from excitement. I was excited that my new life was within reach. I am confident in my ability as a recruiter, I am honest and direct and any agency values these traits. So I had no worries, anxiety or disappointments.

You decided to use a rec to rec - what prompted you to take this route?

Quite simply I didn’t want the hassle of researching the local area as I was going travelling before moving here so wanted a rec to rec who would listen to what my needs were and what I could add to their clients and recommend the right fit for me. Louise was recommended to me by a contact I had so I contacted her.

What support did you receive throughout the process?

Louise called me in the evening after putting her kids to bed and spent an hour questioning me, understanding me and making her recommendations. She gave me options and the pros and cons of them. There were certain larger agencies here that would have been interested in me but she gave me an insight in to each environment and team and didn’t push at any point. We decided upon 3 options, completed three telephone interviews and all went well. She provided detailed feedback and we decided the press on with three face to faces. She managed to arrange it all over a 2 day period which gave me time to find somewhere to live too. I did three interviews with 3 really good companies and chose Mexa Solutions because it was a newish business of 2 years and my experience and passion could help them to grow which they are doing.

Louise provided me with detailed preparation for all of the people I was meeting throughout and it was invaluable. I got an offer from another one which I didn’t allow to get to figures as my mind was made up. I didn’t need much support at the end as my mind was completely made up.

Most importantly, how are you now enjoying your new life and new role?

Mexa are the best company I have worked for. I am 6 months in, billing well, lots of freedom, support and an openness to my many ideas. It was just what I expected and we have just taken another person on as part of that growth. Life is good. My girlfriend just got a job at the University of Southampton so I may end up moving closer to there. Things are great.

What advice would you give to anyone else considering a relocation to the area?

Speak to Louise. Be honest with her. About your figures, skills, needs and everything else. Give her the tools to help you get the right job. In fact, get her to put you over to Mexa Solutions. Best decision I made.

We love chatting to recruiters about our wonderful South Coast opportunities. If you are looking at relocating, get in touch with the South Coast rec to rec specialists - 02380 119630

Thank you to Simon Monaghan for taking the time to share your experience.