Hi Jon – firstly, just outline for us the areas that you recruit within at Star OUTiCO.
I look after all the Medical Devices jobs across the east of the country, so the south east of the country, the north east and also Scotland.
The last year has been tricky for some industry roles. How have you helped your candidates prepare, and adapt to clients’ evolving requirements?
I think the last year has been tricky for all of us, hasn’t it? Both at work and in our personal lives. It’s been rather unprecedented, and I think the way I’ve dealt with my candidates is being honest.
It could be very easy to pretend that there are hundreds of jobs around the corner, but actually, we didn’t know, and haven’t known what’s coming. It’s been such an anomaly. So, what I have been saying to people is, look, we are here to support you and we’ll do whatever we can to do that, and hopefully things will pick up in due course.
It’s been rather frustrating having some really talented people on my books and not being able to give them the hope that there are some fantastic, exciting vacancies.
All we’ve been able to do is have that honesty and integrity with candidates, and to work with them to help upskill themselves in the meantime, such as embracing new technologies, helping them to understand the new environment around how the industry is engaging with the NHS – if they were out of work during that period – and just generally supporting them and helping them be ready for when things start to pick up, which thankfully now they have.
…what I have been saying to people is, look, we are here to support you and we’ll do whatever we can to do that, and hopefully things will pick up in due course.
What do you feel are your main strengths as a Recruiter?
I’ve mentioned honesty and integrity, and I think that is absolutely paramount. You can try and win a quick buck in recruitment by getting a deal over the line when it’s not in the best interests for all parties, but you’re judged long-term on your integrity and doing things properly, so honesty is important as well as doing the basics really well. As soon as you stop doing that, you miss something, or you make a mistake.
I’m particularly strong within proper candidate management. When I have a really good person engaged in the process, I’m skilled at helping people find their dream jobs.
…you’re judged long-term on your integrity and doing things properly, so honesty is important as well as doing the basics really well. As soon as you stop doing that, you miss something, or you make a mistake.
What for you is the most rewarding part of your job?
The most rewarding part of my role is when everyone wins.
I wouldn’t really thrive in other areas of recruitment – I’m passionate about healthcare and the sector that we work in, and essentially if I find the right candidate for a company that has a product, and they can get that product access to patients, it’s going to impact on those patients lives or maybe save a life. It’s a long way down the food chain, but that starts with us. I really believe that it is an important part of the journey.
It’s a long way down the food chain, but that starts with us. I really believe that it is an important part of the journey.
What do you like to get up to when you’re not working?
I promised the bosses that I wouldn’t mention the drinking and the gambling, but I’ve been asked the question and I’ve already said about my honesty and integrity, so I do enjoy a day at the races and a few beers!
My daughter is 10 years old and is learning to ride horses, so despite the expense the reward of her smiley face as she canters as past me is great. I’ve also started to learn the piano earlier this year, but that is definitely a work in progress!
…
Browse our latest vacancies here.
Connect with Jon on LinkedIn here.
Watch Jon’s video Q&A below.
