Get to Know Us: Meri Allen - Temporary Recruitment Consultant at JR Personnel

It's always nice to put a face to a name - especially when dealing with something so personal as finding yourself a new career or perfect employee for your business, that's why we are continuing our blog series where we offer you an insight into our team here at JR Personnel. 

This week we meet Meredith (Meri), Temporary Recruitment Consultant and soon-to-be new mum! 

What is your position at JR Personnel? Temporary Recruitment Consultant and occasional blog-writer!

How long have you worked at JR Personnel?     Over two and a half years!

What do you enjoy most about your role?           For me the most enjoyable aspect of the role is definitely placing candidates in a new position whether it be their dream job or something interim to tide them over. Being able to call a candidate and tell them they have been offered a new position is so exciting and rewarding - notifying the client that the job has been accepted is equally as special.

What do you see as a big challenge in recruitment and how do you resolve this issue for candidates/clients? How quickly the market moves is a huge challenge we face on a daily basis, so we have to be really proactive in managing both client and candidate expectations – that means always being well informed and keeping both parties up to date with any changes whether that be advising the client the candidate has other interviews to attend and may be snapped up quickly or letting the candidate know that the hiring manager is on holiday so it’ll be two weeks before we hear anything back. Recruitment can change in an instant so it's vital to be one step ahead. 

Professional & educational background? Prior to becoming a recruitment consultant I’d always worked within the student sector in Sheffield in independent, family businesses – I thought I’d stick with this theme as I joined JR Personnel and love working for a tight-knit, family-run, Loughborough institution.

Unusual fact or story? I studied Fashion Design at University and was fortunate enough to meet and work alongside some British fashion icons including Christopher Bailey, various Saville Row tailors and Vivienne Westwood!

Greatest Achievement either personal or professional? In 2017 I raised £2000 in the space of 4 months for British Lung Foundation by skydiving in honour of my dad who passed away from Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in 2016.

The nights are well and truly drawing in, it's getting colder and we seem to be suffering from a LOT of wet weather at the moment. It can be hard to stay motivated at this time of year; going to work in the dark and coming home from work in the dark can be very draining and uninspiring, especially on a Monday when the weekend feels a million miles away!

Here are some tips on how to boost your motivation and to have a Happy Monday!

1. Rest and Relaxation
It might be tempting to try and cram in as much social activity as possible into your weekends but it's important to make sure you find a good balance and allow some time to rest and relax properly;maintaining regular sleep patterns and taking the time to "put your feet up" will really help recharge your batteries leaving you fresh as a daisy for Monday morning.

2. Know your purpose
Your commute into work on a Monday morning is the perfect time for reflection on your job role, try to remind yourself of what appealed to you when you first accepted the role you are doing, what makes you care about your job, what do you find particularly rewarding? Understanding the true purpose behind your role can be very fulfilling and make you re-evaluate how you feel about your career.

3. What do you want to achieve?
If you're struggling with the Monday blues on a regular basis it could be you've lost your sense of direction. Feeling stagnant in a position or company can have a negative effect so taking time to think about a clear path and idea of progression can really help with feeling motivated, what do you want to achieve? What's your long-term goal? What can you do to get there? Be proactive in speaking with your employer to see what they can do to help you achieve your goals.

4. Be specific
If you're consistently feeling negative about your job, it's important to assess the root of your unhappiness. Are you feeling stressed and overworked or undervalued and not challenged?
If concerns are left unaddressed, they may continue to grow and only add to your disengagement with your work. Employers will want you to be happy, motivated and productive and a good employer should take any issues seriously and help to rectify them with your input.

5. Consider a change
If Monday morning represents an ongoing problem for you, perhaps it's time to consider a career move. Speaking to a recruitment specialist could help you to identify what you're looking for in your career. A chat with one of our consultants could help you to take the necessary steps towards achieving job contentment. Call the office now on 01509 211 211 or email your CV to [email protected]

Get to Know Us: Henry Marvell – Permanent Recruitment Consultant at JR Personnel

So often as recruiters we hear from candidates and clients alike who have worked with agencies before but have never met or known specifically who it is working on their behalf.

Sound familiar?

Here at JR Personnel we believe in the personal approach, after all, the better we know you and the better you know us, the more likely we are to be able to place you in your dream role or find you the ideal candidate.

So, we continue our “Get to Know Us” blog this week with our in-house musician, general tormentor of the team and Permanent Recruiter: Henry Marvell.

What is your position at JR Personnel?

As a consultant, I focus on running permanent recruitment processes for our clients.

How long have you worked at JR Personnel?

"Two and a half years"

What do you enjoy most about your role?    

"That full 360 element, so finding opportunities that I know will be challenging to appoint and being able to target the market to search for those rare candidate skillsets. Knowing I’ve delivered where both the client and candidate feel like they have found what they were looking for, is incredibly fulfilling."          

What do you see as a big challenge in recruitment and how do you resolve this issue for candidates/clients?   

"From observing the industry, the value and quality of service being delivered can often be compromised. Consistently delivering a high level of service to both my clients and candidates is always my priority. Faced with some challenging timescales at times, one could easily be tempted to let that high service level drop, but I never allow that to happen. Being open, clear and honest with all parties always ensures I’m managing the expectations of the client and candidate effectively."

Professional & educational background?

"Degree educated having studied Music & Business."

Unusual fact or story?

"Wherever I am, I always carry a foldaway pocket sized coat hanger. Being well presented is a form of good manners after all."

Greatest Achievement either personal or professional?

"As a self-taught jazz drummer, I’ve played in numerous venues across Europe, once playing at the Royal Albert Hall, something I feel very privileged to have done."