Jodie has worked in recruitment for almost 5 years now and specialises in placing candidates in roles based in the science industry.
We caught up with Jodie to find out more about her role as a Recruitment Consultant at STEM Graduates. From what candidates can expect when applying for a role, her top tips for navigating the jobs market and what she loves most about her job.
Hi Jodie! We want to start by finding out a bit more about the type of roles or sectors you specialise in?
“I started out working on the IT desk here at STEM and then took over the Science desk. The majority of roles I work are typical graduate or entry-level opportunities for science candidates, but I do also work senior and headhunting type positions too! Typical roles I work on include laboratory technician openings, scientific sales, medical communications opportunities too!”
What made you choose to specialise in this field?
“I did a science degree at university so have always been interested in this field. I love that I can combine my science degree and really understand the nature of the roles I am working, and I enjoy speaking with candidates from a similar background. I particularly enjoy speaking to clients about their company and their research when discussing their openings.”
What does an average day look like on the recruitment team?
“The majority of my day is spent speaking with science-related candidates and screening them for live vacancies I am working on for our clients. These are clients we have worked with for a number of years and formed great relationships with, who trust us to introduce exceptional talent to them. A typical day can also include client calls to understand more detail about a scientific opening, setting up interviews, collecting feedback from candidates and generally guiding candidates through their application journey.”
How has the pandemic changed your role and have you had to overcome any challenges?
“Other than working from home which I am used to anyway, the only major change we have noticed is clients needing to conduct virtual interviews instead of in person. This sometimes actually makes the process more streamlined though as typically less notice is needed to set up these interviews!”
What do you love most about your job?
“It sounds cliché, but I really enjoy helping people, both the candidates we find jobs for and the clients we assist. For a lot of candidates, this will be their first proper job, which is definitely a big deal! I love that we are also assisting companies to expand and diversify their workforce, and making a positive contribution to their research is extremely rewarding.
“The best part about my job though is seeing the progress the candidates make in their new company, and often it has happened before that a few years down the line, those graduates have progressed enough to end up being the recruiting manager themselves!”
What can candidates expect when they apply for a role you are managing?
“Candidates can expect a detailed call about the role and company they have applied for if they have been shortlisted, as well as providing helpful tips on their CV and any advice I can offer in preparation for interviews. They can expect me to be fully involved in their application process, answering any questions they may have to make the journey as smooth as possible for them.”
