What was your earliest dream job? 

My grandad had a stroke and was taught to communicate again by an amazing speech therapist who inspired me! However, a little too much science was required to succeed in this field and science was never a strong point for me.

What was your first job in recruitment and how did you come into it?

I was lucky enough to secure a 13-week placement in the graduate recruitment team at Proctor & Gamble during the second year of my degree. I was responsible for organising all the grad fairs, putting together the flyers, and application forms.

Who is your role model – in life or in recruitment?

In recruitment it would have to be Anne Corder – her vision to build a non-sales recruitment consultancy based on best practice really disrupted the general modus operandi of the commission-based recruitment model. In life, it would be my mum. She is a highly resilient individual despite having challenges thrown her way.

What do you love most about your current role?

I love the team, their dedication and expertise – as a collective I think we are unbeatable. I’m proud of our recent rebrand, adjusting to Covid and the evolutionary journey we have been on the last three years. And of course, all the people that make what we do possible – candidates and our clients for relying on us. I love my job.

What would you consider to be the most brilliant moment of your career? 

Taking on the managing director role when Anne [Corder] stepped back, and the amazing support of colleagues, clients and suppliers who all reached out to wish me luck made me believe I could do it.

Laugh or cry, what did your most memorable candidate make you want to do and why?

We laugh and cry with candidates all the time – sometimes for the best reasons when we have made the perfect match, but also when things don’t quite go to plan, and we have to tell them they didn’t get the role.

What would you regard as your signature tune? 

It would have to be We Are Family by Sister Sledge. There is a genuine family feel here at ACR.

What was your sanity go-to during Covid-19 and various lockdowns? 

Dog walks! My trusted furry companions Frank and Roy were by my side every day!

What did you learn about yourself during the pandemic? 

To slow down and reflect, trust my instincts and make time for others. I have always worked pretty much full time, even when my boys were little. I could never go back to the 5.15 am dog walks in the dark with a head torch!

Nel Woolcott spoke to Roisin Woolnough

Image credit | Shutterstock | Alamy