Retail to Recruitment: Paving the Path to Success at British Airways
My career journey began in the vibrant domain of retail management, where I honed a profound understanding of customer service and operational efficiency. Moving into recruitment agencies, I polished my communication and matchmaking skills across diverse industries, nurturing a passion for talent acquisition and supporting individuals in their career paths. These experiences have uniquely equipped me for my current role at British Airways, where I oversee technical recruitment efforts. Drawing on insights from my retail background, I place a strong emphasis on customer-centricity and process optimization within our talent acquisition strategies. Similarly, my tenure in recruitment agencies has refined my ability to identify and attract top-tier talent, ensuring alignment with the intricate demands of our organisation. Ultimately, my varied experiences have prepared me to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities in my role at BA
Recruiting diverse talent and prioritising candidate experience.
Currently, I oversee technical recruitment at British Airways. My role involves collaborating with department heads to understand talent needs, creating sourcing strategies, conducting assessments for technical and cultural fit, and ensuring seamless on-boarding. Additionally, I champion Inclusion & Diversity, collaborating with various advertising channels and community platforms. My team has implemented new tools, products, and ways of working to drive continuous improvement across the company. We actively participate in career shows and strategically targeted conferences to showcase our operation and promote interest. Moreover, I stay updated on industry trends to enhance our recruitment practices and maintain British Airways' reputation as an employer of choice.
I enjoy refining processes and advancing careers.
I thrive on initiating positive change, aiding hiring managers with innovative strategies and introducing new tools to enhance our processes and expedite hiring. I'm dedicated to delivering an exceptional recruitment journey and on-boarding experience for applicants, ensuring their support throughout and welcoming them to a world of opportunity. I also take pride in supporting internal candidates in their career progression, providing interview coaching, skills enhancement, and guidance to help them achieve their goals. It's gratifying to contribute to their growth and success within the organisation, creating a culture of continuous development and progression.
A recruiters advice for your application
As a recruiter, I would advise potential candidates to focus on showcasing their unique strengths and experiences authentically. Tailoring resumes to highlight relevant skills and accomplishments is crucial, as is researching the company and role thoroughly to demonstrate genuine interest and alignment. Additionally, I encourage candidates to leverage networking opportunities and reach out to professionals in their desired field for advice and support. During interviews, it's essential to articulate one's passion for the role, ask thoughtful questions, and demonstrate a growth mindset by being open to feedback and learning opportunities. Lastly, maintaining a positive attitude and perseverance in the face of challenges can make a significant difference in the job search journey. Remember, each interaction is a chance to learn and grow, so stay proactive, adaptable, and confident in your abilities.
Improved time to hire and ongoing positive feedback.
Working closely with hiring managers, we pioneered the development of a revolutionary recruitment and technical testing process. By incorporating state-of-the-art tools and adhering to strict timelines, we successfully reduced the hiring period from 80 to just 18 days. While such significant progress isn't always achievable, this initiative showcases the effectiveness of streamlining processes and embracing innovation to expedite outcomes. It highlights the importance of collaborative efforts, strategic planning, and unwavering dedication to efficiency in delivering impactful results within tight schedules.
Another source of renewed pride for me is receiving positive feedback from both applicants and hiring managers, which brings me immense happiness. This feedback reaffirms my passion for my work and strengthens my commitment to making a positive difference in people's lives.