Role: Director
Company: Forde May Consulting Limited
Track Record:
What does your job entail?
On a day-to-day basis, I manage a range of executive recruitment assignments across the private, public and voluntary sectors: Typical positions include; senior managers, Directors and Chief Executives. Every client has a different set of challenges and objectives which I need to extract from them in order to understand the job and person requirements most suitable for the position.
Although recruitment is at the centre of my expertise, I have had my own talent management and hr consultancy and have managed and trained teams within the “High Street” recruitment sector. I also work as an HR Consultant in my current role: This might involve designing and implementing performance management systems or reviewing organisational structures within the SME sector. It might also entail recruitment and selection training or outplacement programmes.
With all our clients, I take a consultative approach which results in positive outcomes. I’m always busy and it’s a hugely challenging role but equally rewarding!
Is it 9-5?
Certainly the majority of my client work is carried out during normal business hours but I often work outside of 9-5pm particularly in terms of briefing candidates and attending relevant functions.
How did you get into this line of work?
My first role after graduating from university was in recruitment and to be honest at that stage I thought it was a “nice personnel job”!! I had no understanding of the commercials behind it. After a few years though and a move back to England, I had a hugely inspiring Director; she was a natural leader and it was a very supportive environment. She quickly identified that I had the right traits and skills to make a successful career in management. I learnt some basic but important fundamentals during this formative stage that have stayed with me through various roles.
Outline your career to date?
I have almost 20 years’ experience in the recruitment and HR field; encompassing recruiter, head-hunter and HR consultancy roles. Having worked with such a range of clients, candidates and companies I am able to share knowledge and insight and I can quickly identify the type of person that is going to “fit” into a position.
Tell us about your qualifications/training
I have a Post Graduate Diploma in Human Resource Management, a degree in Social and Public Policy and am a Level A and B Psychometric Assessor.
What qualities are required for your job — personal and professional?
Professionally; I’d say the ability to influence with integrity, honesty, the ability to listen, understand and comprehend, and being very personable and adaptable are amongst the key qualities required for an executive level recruiter. Personal qualities would be intuition, confidentiality, professionalism and commitment.
What are the biggest challenges and rewards of your work?
Although it’s more a frustration than a challenge, I feel strongly about the growing disconnect between school careers advice and the real world. My role frequently brings me into contact with individuals who have studied and chosen careers with very little understanding of what it entails and the natural attributes required. A lot more could be done to introduce students at an early age to the vast range of careers available, particularly in the commercial world, and to help them understand the day-to-day work involved. With the significant shift in the public sector in Northern Ireland, it’s vital that we are preparing young people for private sector careers.
In terms of rewards, there are many but still the biggest is definitely when someone is placed in a role. I have to admit that I still punch the air and jump from my seat! Essentially because it means that I have helped someone make the right career move and fulfilled the management needs of my client. It’s because of this that I have formed many long-standing relationships with clients and candidates which have endured over several years.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
Spare time is absolutely about family time and I like nothing better than spending the weekend with my husband and our two girls. The weeks are busy with work, school, home works (although my Mum is the best Home Work Fairy ever!) and extra-curricular, as are weekend mornings so we like to ensure the rest of the weekends are focussed on quality family time.
Like most people, I also enjoy entertaining and socialising when I can and catching up over a glass of wine with friends is a great way to unwind!
Who has inspired you most in your life?
There are a few people; being part of a big family, my parents and siblings have always provided a secure and happy family life which I value strongly and hope that as a parent myself I am providing the same. Growing up I was always a very busy child and young adult…. I think at one point I was out every night, either at singing lessons, elocution, GB or fitness classes! This gave me confidence and as a shy child helped develop my communication skills; a must in any job these days!