Helena's Profile

Our fourth profile is from the gorgeous Helena, whose contagious enthusiasm and humour is a main reason for getting up in the morning.

How did you begin your career in Human Resources?
I kinda fell into it. I was working in a call centre where we had a lot of temporary workers and the agency that they were working for were useless, they never called or checked in on them. I thought that I could a better job than they were and applied for a position as a temp consultant. 3 interviews later and the job was mine. (and I was right, I did do a better job!)

What inspired you to become a TalentWax Consultant?
To help people gain the confidence they need to be able to get the job/respect they deserve.

What do you believe are the main differences between TalentWax and other career support services?
TalentWax is a more personal service that is on a one to one basis. TalentWax ensure the candidate is with the most suitable consultant that can help the candidate grow and learn.

What do you think are the main challenges facing job hunters at present?
The lack of roles available and the amount of candidates applying for each role. I believe this causes a job hunter to become de-motivated and gain low self-esteem which then comes across in interviews.

What elements of the job application process do you think are commonly mishandled among candidates?
Sending the same cover letter to every job they apply for and not changing who it is addressed to or the job they applying for – this comes across as careless and desperate.
Not sending a professional looking resume.
Having bad voicemail services or crazy email addresses.

What advice would you have for those people who could improve in these areas?
Think before you do anything. Think about how much the role you are applying for means to you and how you can stand out from the others. Ensure the cover letter is tailored to that job, that your resume is in the same font and size the whole way through. If you need to, then set up a new email account for professional use and remove the ‘funny’ voicemail service.

When you have been a job candidate, how have you kept your nerves under control?
Wine! No, in all honestly I have made sure that I have researched the company and the job thoroughly before the interview and then just been myself. I want that job and I know I can do it, just need to make the client realise this. Pretending to be someone you’re not to impress at an interview will only backfire if you get offered the job, how long can you keep up being someone you’re not?

What else has worked for you in the past as a candidate?
Being friendly and polite. Making sure I’m there on time so I can relax and take in the surroundings. Dress to impress and make good eye contact throughout the interview. Also make a joke – but only if the time is right!

What is your perception of the recruitment industry at present?
Quiet and unstable. However, with that in mind, jobs are still coming in, and candidates are still being placed. It’s all about having a reason to call a client rather than calling to see if they have a job. It’s getting back to basics and building a relationship for future use. I also believe that candidates need to be made aware that just registering with an agency does not equal work.

How do you believe candidates should manage relationships with recruiters?
Keep in contact. Recruiters try their hardest to stay in touch with everyone they meet, but it doesn’t hurt for a candidate to touch base every once in a while.

What do you find most rewarding about delivering TalentWax?
Watching a candidate grow from someone who is lacking confidence and doesn’t know where to start, to someone who in a matter of weeks is walking with their head held high and is confident they will get the job they deserve.

What would you most like to achieve as a TalentWax consultant?
Satisfaction – knowing that I have made a difference to this person’s life and given them the encouragement and guidance they needed to go out there and get the job they want.

What does success mean to you?
Helping people and making them happy, whether that's seeing someone land a full-time job or helping a friend move house. To me success is being able to go to sleep at night and feel relaxed and that I have done everything humanly possible to help others.

What do you like doing in your spare time?
Relaxing with my partner and dogs, oh and renovating my house.

What are you passionate about?
Friends and family.

What is the best compliment you’ve ever received?
I look better naked – I'm guessing my dress sense leaves a lot to be desired!

What is your greatest personal achievement?
Finding the courage to leave everything and everyone I know to move half way around the world and start a new life for myself – scary but so worth it.

Which famous person would you like to be stuck in a lift with?
Stephen Fry – wealth of knowledge in that guy's head.

What’s your favourite book?
The Ice Man

What are you focused on learning more about this year?
How to renovate a house on a budget – a tight budget!