Our personal experiences on the other side of the fence...

As a candidate being approached by a Rec 2 Rec, I think it’s very easy to forget we are people with our own experiences finding a new role and we all know how vital it is we get it right. In all honesty, I have never had the experience of using a Rec 2 Rec, but a tip I always go by in this industry is quality. I like to tailor my approaches as much as possible, I am always thinking “Would I appreciate this message and is it relevant to me and my situation?”

Here’s an insight into our (minus me) personal experiences being represented by Rec 2 Rec’s in the industry and why/how it's shaped up as consultants now. 

Shona Wainwright; “I secured my first recruitment job using a rec2rec and felt so much more confident in the decision I made because of their input. I was advised about what sectors I should focus my search based on the pace of work I was used to and my personality approach and how I presented myself. I was given a range of companies to interview with, really corporate, super sales-y, boutique and a bit more chilled out environment so I was happy that when I accepted the offer I wanted, it was with somewhere which I’d enjoy working culturally as well as being that ‘recruitment’ job I was so driven towards."

I’ve always remembered how helpful the rec2rec I used, and when I became more senior in my job used them myself to find trainees as I trusted their opinion. Having such a great experience made me super excited to move into rec2rec myself, and I’m so glad I did. I love giving our candidates the exact type of service I received and it’s even better when those candidates become hiring managers and we get to repeat the process with them as clients!”

Harriett Horan; “Even though I currently work in the Rec2Rec industry myself now, I did have a slightly bad experience with them in the past (mentioning no names) which has made me reflect on how I approach candidates. As with most Rec2Rec’s, I was headhunted on LinkedIn and at this time I was looking for a new exciting role & their message really enticed me. They did all the usual, registered me & got to know what I was really looking for in my next position. I then wanted the weekend to research certain companies & see which is more suited for me. This then led to them calling me on a Sunday... not once, not twice but three times!! I appreciate in our industry we like to move quickly, and I wouldn’t want to keep someone waiting but the Sunday calls were a no go for me. This is something that always sticks in my head when I’m now working in the industry, I will always chase candidates just like most recruiters. But please, do not end up calling them on a weekend or inappropriate hours.”

Darcy Taylor; “If I am honest, when I first started to get my head around recruitment I didn’t understand or know what rec2rec even was. I kept asking “Why would a company need a rec2rec?” and “Why can’t they just find the consultants themselves?”

Well, it's simple really - it’s a full-time job, finding consultants that are a perfect fit for each company. We listen to the client’s needs and find them the right consultants with the right experience and the right culture fit. It takes time to headhunt, interview, send out a hit list and chat to the candidates to find out what they are looking for. 

If you are a company who are looking to expand their team for 2020, get in touch as we would be more than happy to help find you, consultants, to join your team!”

Katie Coates; "In my career, I’ve used a rec2rec 3 times, 2 of which I got a promotion and in all a salary uplift. The main reason I chose to use a rec2rec was convenience. They did all the leg work for me with the initial introductions and scheduling of interviews. I know that I’m an experienced recruiter and could have done this myself however I had a day job to do and knew how much time it can take to sort everything out. It also meant that my employer didn’t notice as I wasn’t spending lots of time nipping out of the office to speak to numerous people. I had one point of contact who checked in with me when she knew I wouldn’t get rumbled - all in all, I had a fab experience!"

For a confidential chat about your personal situation, call one us at Harrison Sands ??