Rutherford Cross Consultant, Ally Deas, reflects on his role as a recruitment consultant one year on, providing advice for those embarking on a new role.
Time has flown by since writing my 3-month blog, but now here we are, already at the one-year milestone! I wanted to take the opportunity to reflect on my experiences in recruitment over the last 12 months, which will hopefully provide some insight to those who are in the process of starting a new role.
Very early on, I learned the value of working for an employee-owned business with shared values and purpose; our purpose being ‘we are here to advise and support people and organisations to realise their potential so that together we can impact lives and communities for the better.’
I am very fortunate to enjoy what I do at Rutherford Cross as I have the opportunity to add value to the people who interact with me, and I have listed some lessons that I have learned in my journey so far below.
Be adaptable
I came into the business to lead the part qualified offering, but my desk has changed a few times over the last 12 months; all of which has been beneficial to my knowledge and therefore ability to add value to candidates and clients who I speak with. I have filled part and fully qualified roles such as Management Accountants, Financial Accountants, Commercial Finance Analysts, Payroll, Tax, PL, Project Accountants and Deputy Financial Controllers; across sectors, including Construction, Insurance, FMCG, Facilities, Property, Defence, Charity and Logistics. My personal learning curve has been steep, but an incredibly enjoyable and fulfilling one!
I now recruit part and newly qualified accountants on a permanent basis in Glasgow and the West of Scotland.
Do what you say you are going to
As a recruitment consultant, it is crucial to be a trusted advisor to those I speak with. At Rutherford Cross, we take a long-term, value-add approach and that means putting the needs of our clients and candidates above our own. Keeping to my word, listening, advising, and doing the right thing are the cornerstones of building trust; and this is something that is shared across our business.
Be resilient
Almost every day that I have worked in the office, I have cycled into work in my shorts. Through the dark, wet winter months, this is particularly challenging but is something that starts my day off with a win before I start my work. Overcoming challenges is a big part of recruitment and I have faced a fair few, which I have learned a great deal from. The nature of working with people, in dynamic market conditions, means that there will always be ebbs and flows; I can only control what I put in.
‘Be passionate and determined’ is one of our values and is a pillar of what we do every day at Rutherford Cross. It is a fantastic reminder that when the going gets tough, we get going.
Get stuck in
A lesson that I learned very quickly was to throw myself in head first. On day 1, I had two jobs to fill and was on the phone talking to candidates, booking them in for a Teams call to offer them career advice. Fortunately, I had colleagues to hold my hand through these times; but nevertheless, ‘on the job’ training it certainly was! I have said yes to just about every opportunity offered to me and immersed myself in the culture of the business, including:
- Cycling from Edinburgh to Glasgow
- Climbing Ben A’an
- Jointly hosting a Glasgow fundraising quiz
- Supporting with the Project Present initiative
- Supporting with the Back to School pack project
- Attending 8 Rutherford Cross events
My time working at Rutherford Cross has positively impacted my life, both inside and outside of work, and I am looking forward to continuing to grow my network and add value to the people who engage with me. If you are a client looking to recruit or a candidate looking to take your next steps, please do not hesitate to reach out, I would love to chat more: [email protected] / 07535091141.
