Role: Recruitment Consultant – Engineering Specialist
Company: Black Fox Solutions
Track Record:
What does your job entail?
I am responsible for the development and delivery of recruitment solutions across Northern Ireland from sole trader to commercial conglomerate via SMEs, while managing both candidate attraction and business development within the Engineering/Manufacturing industry.
Is it 9-5?
Yes and no, my office hours are 9 to 5:30 However I tend to get a lot of stick from my other half, as I never really switch off, there is always something you have to do or plan. I spend a huge amount of my time on the phone and get through a vast amount of info so you can never really switch off if you want to be successful.
How did you get into this line of work?
I was always interested in Business Development and sales, so I had a relatable background for Recruitment. I ran into an ex-colleague who informed me of an opening in his Consultancy, and suggested I send a CV; I sent off my CV that day on his request and got contacted almost immediately to set up an interview, Which my friend must have had something to do with it as it was so quick, luckily I must have said the right things as I got offered and accepted the job a day later!
Outline your career to date?
I was never driven by academic achievement at all and couldn’t wait to leave school. I went into a call centre type role that allowed me to deal with quite irate customers, at the time it was just a way to earn some money, but now I see that it was a great platform for sales, as you really need good listening skills and an ability to provide suitable solutions.
Tell us about your qualifications/training.
Not much to say in the way of qualifications, as I said previously, that’s what happens when you leave school at 16,However I would say I have a certain amount of intelligence and ability to do my job well also I’ve been helped loads by some great man-managers who, upon reflection might disagree with me.
What qualities are required for your job – personal and professional?
Resilience and clear communication would be the two qualities that would spring to mind, you have to be ready to pick up the phone no matter how bad of a day you are having. Being able to communicate clearly is paramount to the position, as you are always the middle man in any negotiations. So you have to be the biggest optimist in the world and at the same time be really pessimistic! Which is a total paradox but if you can manage it you will do well.
What are the biggest challenges and rewards of your work?
Personally, my biggest challenge would be time management, I am lucky enough to have a solid list of repeat clients, so finding time to help everyone is definitely my biggest test, which is why you always end up taking some work home with you.
No question what the biggest buzz is, helping a candidate find their dream job and a client find the perfect solution to their problem, killing two birds with one stone! Knowing that you helped resolve a situation, that finds a candidate a new career path and helping a business to maintain its growth is very rewarding ( oh and the money helps).
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I love football and I play video games all the time, I am a mad Manchester United supporter and lately I have been tied up watching the European Championships, That said I do have a beautiful girlfriend and we generally hang out a lot, we actually get on really well, she is really funny and stops me getting too bogged down with work.
Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I don’t like clowns at all and I am petrified of heights, if I wear thicker soled shoes I’ll end up embarrassing myself, which people find strangely ironic as I’m 6ft 4inches.
Who has inspired you most in your life?
It’s hard to look past my parents as they have always provided me with everything I need and although they are from a working class background, they have always been very supportive about my career choices, which helps me stay motivated!