Rose Easter
Business Owner
“The culture of any business is led by the one person at the top.”
A common value that attracts people to recruitment is a wish to help people get jobs. That’s part of what this role is about. But more so, we introduce people to each other and represent their respective best interests.
The recruitment consultant you choose should be good at asking questions, passionate about what you do, and they should be ready to back the recommendations they make.
It is our job to minimise risk and to help everyone involved to make well-informed decisions.
When I opened Changing Jobs in 2011, I had already worked 10 years in two other recruitment agencies. Experience prior to this included years as a court registrar, sales and credit management. So, I came to this business attentive to detail and ready to propose solutions.
A glimpse into the life of a recruitment consultant
What do I enjoy most about recruitment?
I particularly enjoy assisting companies in their search for senior managers.
With the right leaders in place, good things happen; both in terms of the quality of work and the culture that they support.
With candidates, what better thing is there than to offer them the job they want – and to hear their excitement as they accept!
Being told by someone that their new job “changed my life”. That has happened. It’s good to know you can do something so worthwhile.
The worst part of recruitment?
Some people think the hardest part of recruitment is declining people. That can be tough when an applicant has their heart set on a role.
It’s much worse though, having to tell an employer that you haven’t found the right person for them yet – or vice versa, to a job applicant, that you don’t have a role that fits what they’re looking for.
It’s been said that good people are hard to find.
Still, it’s better to keep looking, than to set up meetings between people who aren’t right for each other.
It’s not a numbers game. That said, “It only takes one good one” (i.e. one right job, or one right job applicant – then, it’s voila!)
One memorable recruitment assignment?
Head hunting a young woman from a law firm in Auckland.
It came out in conversation that – although she wasn’t planning a move – if there was a Nissan Skyline in the package, she would consider it.
I told the employer this (you know, just in jest). Next thing, he’s emailed me a Trade Me link to the R32 model she craved!
She took a trip to the South Island to pick it up – and promptly changed jobs!
Our unique selling points?
We endeavour to work with employers who look after the people placed in their teams.
This is people’s lives we’re dealing with and we want people to be happy with the decisions they make.
In terms of process, there are a few things we do that I know differentiate us from other agencies – like the way we conduct reference checks.
As principal of this business and owner, I’m not going anywhere. So, you won’t have to keep repeating your story to a succession of employees.
As and when required, or if I see a need, I engage others to manage specific aspects of a role’s requirements, or for their expertise.
Hobbies away from work?
I recently settled on three priorities: my music, my animals and drinking wine with friends.
Our home is a lifestyle property, with plenty of chores that double as exercise.
I’m a singer/songwriter, with several songs released and I regularly share my originals at live events.
There are never enough hours in the day.
And as 50% of the population would agree, a woman’s work is never done!
Current mantra
If it’s difficult, you’re doing it wrong.