Getting to know Melissa, our new addition to The People Place team.

We're thrilled to welcome (back!) Melissa to the business, in the role of Principal Consultant, Recruitment. Mel brings with her a wealth of experience, plus an abundance of energy and humour. We're excited to see the perspectives and ideas she'll bring to her work with our clients & candidates. Stay tuned and read on to find out a bit more about Mel.

Your career path has been so interesting, what inspired you to get into recruitment?

I guess I kind of 'fell' into recruitment. I did the UK OE thing for a couple of years, and found myself in an HR Coordinator role for a global news media company. It was a really interesting team and operational remit. That was my first exposure to recruitment agencies, as they used to ring me on the daily to sell me candidates!

When I came back to NZ, I registered with a couple of local agencies to find work in HR, and completed a couple of contract and temp roles. The agency I was temping through must have seen something in me, because at the end of one assignment, they asked me to join them as a Consultant. I said I'd give it a year maximum, but then never really looked back!

Describe your role as Principal Consultant here at The People Place?

In my role, my core responsibility is working closely with our key clients to support their business's 'people needs', whatever they might be. It’s not uncommon for organisations to lack clarity about what exactly they need— in fact, it’s fairly typical. This is where external expertise is valuable. I spend time with each client, figuring out and identifying what is going to move them closer to their goals; perhaps its attracting & securing a fantastic new employee, developing an EVP for the team, or helping to determine the skill gaps within the organisational structure.

Tell us about what it is that you really enjoy about recruitment?

I like to really partner with my clients, and ensure that I am in fact, an extension of their brand in the candidate market. I enjoy the close collaboration. ?Probably, what I am known for across my client base is my love of getting in front of my hiring managers to personally 'longlist' key business roles. It becomes a valuable part of the candidate selection process, and we get to have robust discussions about the ‘people piece’.

How do you kickstart your day for maximum productivity? Any morning rituals?

This year, alongside a few of my colleagues, I have been fortunate to have been introduced to a fabulous new productivity concept and education out of Sweden: our sister business, Beminded.

If you know me and my love for all things Scandinavian then you will get that I have completely embraced this new way of working! ?I've also tweaked it for my personal life too, which can at times be quite manic with 3 active children. I am enjoying some healthy changes to my work habits following this programme, and look forward to continuing to train myself to work smarter, not harder! #stressfreeproductivity?

What's your secret weapon for staying motivated and inspired in your role?

I love engaging with all things 'people' and consistently remind myself to add value in my interactions with others. If you're adding value and giving...I believe you can’t go wrong.

What’s one surprising fact about you that your colleagues might not know?

I make a highly sought-after Chicken Liver Parfait - it's world famous in South Auckland! haha!

When you're not rocking it at work, what are your go-to activities for fun and relaxation?

I definitely like getting amongst nature - parks, neighbourhood walks, beach time…anywhere near water is my happy place. I'm also partial to a good meal, and the company of friends.

Any final thoughts or comments for our LinkedIn network?

I'm curious about my fellow humans, and love following the career journeys of previous candidates, colleagues and client contacts. I find that LinkedIn enables me to do that—keep in touch everyone! ?

?