Four bites of wisdom from a recruitment pro
We’re happy to welcome recruitment process consultant and coach Sam Glendinning to our team. She shares four bites of wisdom no one in recruitment can afford to miss. We’re happy to welcome recruitment process consultant and new Jarred associate Sam Glendinning to our team. With thirty years of experience including assessment centre preparation and digital assessment platform implementation, she’s a specialist at the top of her game. We talk to her about her work, what she enjoys, and her unique approach. Despite working with huge organisations on projects of considerable scale, we love that the personal achievements she fuels along the way drive her commitment to excellence. This is the heart of what we do here at Jarred. It’s as much about people as it is process With Unilever, HSBC and HMRC on her list of high-profile clients, Sam has learned to think on her feet. ‘Sometimes we’re implementing a system that’s only just been approved.’ she says. A part of the team from day one, she’s the voice of encouragement and confidence needed at such times. ‘I show that I believe in them,’ she continues, ‘and we get through it together.’. This is reflected in what she leaves behind. ‘Even though I’m brought in as a contractor, I try to also develop the people I work with.’ she says. As a result, she often finds herself asked to come back to work time and time again on other projects. Adaptation is paramount Sam states that the key to success is moving quickly into the client’s arena. Whether working on mass recruitment or leading workshops, she inspires others to test new things and move out of their comfort zone. Her part in the process may involve everything from complete oversight, investigative reports and assessing, to role plays and interviewing. This involves a huge range of skills and an ability to go with the flow. ‘It’s important to be flexible and open to what’s next.’ she says. Where the corporate and personal spheres meet ‘For the big players, it’s about numbers and process’ she says. ‘but you might also interview twelve people for a particular high-profile position and you won’t know immediately who got the job. The responsibility is huge but rewarding. The bottom line is that the client needs exactly the right person. That’s what I’m there for.’ The most rewarding part Her experience in recruitment outsourcing has led her on a coaching journey. Working with people like Bootcamp graduates fresh from university, established but interview-rusty professionals and even school children, it’s about building confidence, enhancing techniques and tightening CV skills. ‘Everyone is so different with differing levels of confidence,’ she states, ‘but when they get the job and they email me, it’s everything. At heart, I’m a people person so building relationships and seeing people succeed is what matters.’ Four lessons from a recruitment pro Whichever side of the virtual desk you’re on, Sam has four pieces of advice from her thirty years in the game:- Believe in yourself because it’s infectious. By relying on your past experience and being willing to try new things, you’ll get the job done and encourage others too.
- Technology will fail. Acknowledge that this will happen, keep asking questions until you find the solution and do your best to draw everyone together.
- Get to work quickly. Assimilate what’s immediately needed so that you can adapt rapidly and relate it to the wisdom you already have.
- Leave everyone in a better place than when you found them. ‘Sometimes I’m meant to check in once a month but I’ll talk to the client every day if they need it’, Sam says. Become part of the team and they won’t forget you.