What do you do at MRG?
I am a Business Sector Director at MRG and have 3 key areas of responsibility: Student Accommodation, Schools and Hospitality & Commercial Services.
What are you most proud about that you have achieved in your career to date?
This is a really difficult one, I think it would be my successful transition into recruitment at a later stage. I first started work in the sports and education development arena, it wasn’t until I was in my late 20’s that I moved into recruitment. I have always been proud of how quickly I progressed in my new career, the number of new and exciting campaigns I have worked on and the sheer quantity of great people I have been able to work with.
How did you get into recruitment, and why?
I really got into recruitment by chance. I had put my CV on a job board and was phoned by one of their team who were doing a big internal recruitment drive for people with sports/leisure experience, and they saw potential in me as I was so chatty and easy to talk to. I did a year there, where I learnt the basics and focussed on fast-paced interim roles.
When the opportunity at MRG came up 7 years ago, it just seemed like the perfect match… I had always worked with schools and universities in my previous career, and my dad worked in the maintenance sector, so it just seemed like the right fit.
What energises you about working in this sector?
The different types of people that you meet. More often than not we’re moving people from outside sector, in. So, it’s all about showcasing that. The people that we’re working with, on both the candidate and client sides, have a real passion for what they’re doing.
What’s the biggest thing that’s changed in recruitment since you started?
The last 2 years have seen the biggest changes, especially in moving away from face-to-face interviews/ briefs. Teams has been a revelation; it allows people to be a lot more flexible and means people don’t need to take as much time out of their day to have a conversation with you. Although, I do miss campus tours and meeting people in person, so I’m hoping for more of a blended way of work as we move out of the pandemic.
More specifically for MRG, I’d also have to say a big change is in office location. They were based in Twickenham when I first joined, which was a 5-minute journey for me. I’d never thought I’d journey into London for work, although the people I work with make the journey worthwhile.
What do you think the biggest misconception people have about you is?
I’m quite hyper so people sometimes assume that I’m a bit scatty, I’m actually super organised!
What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?
I completed the London marathon in 2013 with no training, brand new trainers on and perhaps a tipple or two beforehand. I managed to raise £6,000 for the Injured Players Foundation at the RFU as a result.
What’s the best advice anyone has every given you?
‘Opportunities don’t just happen, you create them.’
What three words would your colleagues use to describe you?
Depends what day of the week it is. I’d probably say though positive, happy, and energetic
And finally, who would play you in the movie about your life?
It’s got to be Renée Zellweger
Get in touch with Hayley for an informal chat about how she can help you and your recruitment needs.