Lean on Me

Like Bill Withers wrote in one of my favourite songs; Lean On Me.

I’m not sure if its just because I am getting older and my life is becoming more complicated with increasing commitments that I realizing more and more the responsibility we have as recruiters to our candidates.

Within my role I am more often than not, relocating candidates internationally for roles due to complex skill sets / industry knowledge required / clients asking for unicorns who have experience eating in fields full of four leaf clovers… ??

My clients depend on me to educate potential candidates not just on the opportunity. They rely on me making sure the candidates have thought about the move. Advising them on what they can come to expect in their new environment. Giving them hard facts around the local the cost of living. The quality of life. Make sure they are not just kicking tyres and are actually going to get on the plane when it comes to the crunch.

Where I am surprised, is when candidates are shocked that I am happy to have as many calls as needed to answer any questions they may have. I am here to hold their hands (metaphorically!) through the process and alleviate some of the anxiety. I have lived and worked outside of my home country twice in my life. I moved to Melbourne for a year when I was 18 and then left London again at 29 to move to Dubai. I get it. I understand how stressful the move can be. It’s a huge decision to leave your family, friends and everything you find familiar to up sticks and leave. It’s a huge gamble. When I was 18 I had one suitcase. When I was 29 I had a few more suitcases and when I moved back to London at 36, I had a lot more suitcases and a 7kg ginger rescue cat. I cannot imagine how much pressure is applied when you then add a spouse and children to the mix.

This is where both as an employer and an employee its so important to pick the right recruitment partner. Someone who not only has your best interests at heart but also someone who cares. Someone who is free at the weekends and in the evenings to speak. Someone you can contact when you wake up at 2am worried about the visa process. When you realise you have no idea how to get your kids into the local school. When on a Sunday afternoon you start to panic that you won’t know where you can get the ingredients for a roast lunch to keep the family happy (the REALLY important things ??)

If you are looking for that four leaf clover munching unicorn or seeking that next chapter outside of your current location – pop me a note and lets get that ball rolling!