The Post: Recruitment Consultant, Nominate Recruitment
The Post Holder: Fiona McClean
Fiona McClean set up her own recruitment business last year having worked in the industry for 20 years.
Give a brief outline of your career to date.
I started working in the hotel industry and then went to Australia for a year and had various jobs. When I came back I started working in recruitment and I have never looked back.
What was your favourite subject at school?
I was never a big fan of school but if I had to choose I would say Economics – but my old Economics teacher Mr Donnelly might disagree.
Did you go on to further/higher education, if so what did you study and where?
I studied in Portrush Catering College and completed a HND in Travel and Tourism. Portrush was a great place to study and I also worked part-time in Kelly’s which was probably more of an education.
How did you get into your area of work?
When I was in Australia I signed up with a few agencies and thought I would love to be a Recruitment Consultant. I liked the idea of chatting to loads of different people and finding people work. When I came home I applied for a job in Recruitment and was successful. I started off on a Hospitality desk and then moved to Business Support.
Is this what you always wanted to do?
I am not sure if you asked me this at 16 if this would be my chosen career. I had toyed with the idea of getting into the Beauty Industry or Travel.
Were there any particular essential qualifications or experience needed?
I came from a Sales/Front-Facing role in a hotel so that helped me get into Recruitment. As Recruitment is essentially a sales role it helps to have a background in a good sales/customer focused environment.
Are there alternative routes into the job?
Yes – you could start off as a Candidate Resourcer – which is finding candidates for different roles or you could start off in a trainee capacity.
What are the main personal skills your job requires?
You need be outgoing but also resilient and tenacious. Recruitment is not for the faint hearted! The good days can be amazing but the bad days can be bad. You just have got to learn to pick yourself up and move on – tomorrow is another day.
What does a typical day entail?
I get up at 6.30am and go for a swim in my local leisure centre. Then my husband and I get the kids ready for school and I then head up to my office at the Innovation factory on the Springfield Road. Recruitment is very reactive so I have a very busy to-do list but this usually changes depending on what is happening.
What are the best and most challenging aspects of the job?
I really do love helping people find their dream jobs. Your job is such a big part of your life so it is so important you are happy in it. The most challenging aspect is that you are selling the hardest thing as people and their dynamics and motivations can change at any time.
Why is what you do important?
I feel and I hope I make a difference in people’s lives. Even if I don’t find them their dream role I try and give them as much support and encouragement as possible. Finding a new job is tough but having a good Recruitment Consultant on your side always helps.
How has Covid-19 impacted your business/role?
I made a life changing decision during Covid to set up my own recruitment business. I had been with my old employer for 20 years and I was ready for a new challenge. Setting up on my own was something I had always wanted to do. If anything Covid taught me to take a chance and live your dream.
What adjustments have you had to make?
I do a lot more Teams meetings now as before it was nearly all face-to-face. So as we are heading back to normality it is so much nicer to meet people in person again and at networking events. That is one of the nice things about having an office at Innovation Factory – being able to have a coffee with other small business owners. It’s something that’s so important when you work on your own.
What advice would you give anyone looking to follow a similar career path?
Recruitment is a very sales orientated so make sure you are happy working to targets and are able to work in a fast paced, ever changing environment.
If you weren’t doing this what would you like to do?
I would prob have pursued a career in the Beauty industry.
What is the one piece of advice you would give to yourself on your first day?
Keep going and don’t give up.
Describe your ideal day off.
It would be spending the day with the family, enjoying a swim, breakfast and a movie together.
And finally, what’s the key to any successful job search?
Have a good CV prepared – make sure it’s clear concise with all the relevant details. Also get to know one or two Recruitment Consultants who listen and get to know you. It can make the job search so much easier.
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