We spoke to non other than our very own resident Talent Manager to ask some intriguing questions about the job, our own training and starting in the industry.
Niyaa People
Mclaren Building, 12th Floor
46 The Priory Queensway
Birmingham
B4 7LR
17th May 2018
Q: What’s your background and history with Niyaa People?
A: I joined Niyaa in 2012 and spent the next four years running our Architecture desk. After a short stint away from the company in 2016/17, I returned at the start of this year to take up the role of Talent Manager.
Q: What would you say are they key elements to your role?
A: My role is more diverse and varied than I ever anticipated it would be, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. My day can vary wildly, from running assessments and interviews to find our future hires, delivering workshops to our trainees, at-desk coaching, leadership meetings, HR elements, or working on any number of projects in development to enhance the learning experience and operation of the business.
Q: How would you describe yourself as a manager?
A: My first manager told me I was ‘too nice’ for recruitment, but it’s a style I’ve stuck with since and its served me well. No one wants to be on the receiving end of a manager barking about KPI’s. A bit of tough love can work wonders when used correctly, but I want my team to enjoy coming to work every day, hold themselves accountable to be better recruiters, and have some fun too.
Q: What’s been your highlight so far as Talent Manager?
A: On a personal level it’s seeing the success the my trainees have achieved so far, out billing their predecessors to date. Seeing my first Trainee pass probation with flying colours was a fantastic personal moment for me.
Q: What was your first job & how did you get into recruitment?
A: I think I was 14/15 when I had my first my job, as a glass collector in a hotel followed by stints in retail, IT and even aviation, repairing landing gear on commercial airlines. I took my first steps into recruitment in 2010 with a national agency recruiting into Accountancy & Finance, before moving into Legal. I’m now in my 9th year in recruitment – how time flies!
Q: What’s the best piece of advice about leadership you’ve learned in your career?
A: There is a difference between a leader and a manager – treat those as you wish to be treated.
Q: Why do you think Niyaa People’s training is so successful?
A: It assumes nothing and caters to everyone, whether you know a lot or a little. It’s a structured programme full of content-rich workshops split into bite size chunks, giving trainees the opportunity to practice and hone their newly learnt skills before moving on to the next challenge. Our trainees spend equal time sat with each other and amongst their teams to get the best exposure, and utilise those around them to aid their development.
Q: What advice would you give to a trainee in recruitment?
A: Work hard and apply yourself, really invest in your learning. Things WILL go wrong sometimes, don’t take it personally.
Q: What tips would you give to someone at any level joining Niyaa people?
A: Listen to the guidance and support your given, it may not always make sense immediately, but the purpose will always become apparent. Your surrounded by people who’ve been there, done it, got the t-shirt… use them as much as you can!
Favourite food: Chinese
Favourite drink: Dark & Stormy
Fact nobody would know: I once called the Police on my cat… long story!
Biggest Fear/Phobia: Noisy eaters
If you weren’t in recruitment what would you be doing: Working in architecture
What can you be found doing on the weekend: Renovating a house
So, you’ve learned a bit about Gary and our L&D, but there’s so much more! Check out our other posts and our Hunted page to see what our culture is really about.
If you are an ambitious individual interested in recruitment or an experienced consultant, feel free to contact Gary with questions or for an initial chat [email protected]
