Realworldmagazine.com

Turning the tables...

Ever wanted to know what makes graduate recruiters tick? Jackie McClintock, Resourcing Manager at Sellafield, shares with us their invaluable words of wisdom and her most prized possessions...

1. What was your first job?

Working in the Learning and Development Department supporting Training and Development activities

2. What is your current role and what do you enjoy most about it?

My current role is Resourcing Manager for Sellafield Ltd. I love the variety of work, the challenge of recruiting a diverse workforce. One day I'm asked to recruit a process worker, the next a senior functional specialist. It's so diverse and incredibly interesting.

3. What do you do on a typical day?

There's no such thing! Some of the more routine things include the usual challenges that come with running a team; I have regular meetings with the HR Business Partners to understand what is going on in the business and what is likely to be heading my way. There are lots of discussions with line mangers on ways to fill vacancies. In addition to this, I also produce a range of management information, monitor costs and demonstrate to the business that the Resourcing Service I provide is value for money!

4. What key things do you look for when hiring graduates?

We look for someone who has a strong technical ability in their specialist fields that is combined with energy and ambition and a real hunger for learning. We also look for someone who wants to make a difference, and take responsibility for their own career progression.

5. How can graduates improve their chances of being hired by a company like yours?

We look initially for someone who has a good technical degree supported by good interpersonal skills. If you think you tick both of these boxes then you should apply.

Practical experience is also very useful, whether undertaken from a year out, or summer vacation work. During the selection process we would expect that you have done some research about the industry and during the assessment process we want you to be relaxed and be yourself. You will then stand a good chance of being successful.

6. What are the biggest mistakes students make when filling out application forms?

Applications form tends to ask for some specific information, if you believe that you have a particular valuable skill or experience that isn't asked for, add this information! If might make the difference between selection for interview or not.

7. What advice do you have for students who have interviews lined up?

Before the interview: Do your research on the company. Think through you major achievements, and strengths and be able to provide back up examples.

At the interview: Arrive in good time, so you have chance to ensure you are calm and collected.

During the interview: Listen attentively to questions and give clear and concise answers. Don't deviates from the truth, a good interviewer will see right through you! Ensure you use the opportunity at the end of the interview to get across any relevant points that haven't come out during the interview.

8. What does Sellafield Ltd offer graduates that other companies don't?

It's the synergy of the overall package that makes Fusion attractive to Graduates. Competitive pay, a great training scheme to get you chartered lots of support through the buddying scheme, mentoring and the Graduate Development Scheme, location package. Best of all, the great locations at Risley (near Manchester) and Sellafield (West Cumbria)

9. What is the best piece of careers advice you have ever been given?

I recall one very senior manager telling me that a career was backward facing word that covers a number of jobs that taken him to where he was today! Some of these jobs were in areas that he had chosen to work in, and others he had been moved into for reason or another. All of which had given him a breadth and depth of experience. So, although this was never advice as such, the learning for me was to take any work opportunity that was presented to me and use this to get as much experience as I could. Sellafield Ltd is a large organisation of 10,000 plus employees, so the opportunities to move and do different things are second to none!

And finally...

10. If your house were burning down what would be the one (inanimate) object you'd save?

My handbag! Which like most others, contains my most 'valuable possessions' such as make-up, mobile phone, and credit cards. All of which would be required to pick myself back up and move forward

Click here to find out more about Sellafield Ltd.

Add to

Send to a friend

To:
Recipient email:
From:
Your name::
Your email:
Your message:
Please enter the characters above:

Related tags: Advice, Case study, Sellafield, Engineering