What do you do at MRG?
I work in the Real Estate Advisory team, working with managing agents and property companies. I manage the search process for these placements, focussing on the delivery aspect of campaigns.
What are you most proud about that you have achieved in your career to date?
During my formative years in recruitment, I worked within a fast-paced high-pressure environment, but I had the opportunity to learn about all aspects of recruitment; how to grow and manage teams, and was able to get involved in different aspects of a growing business.
I was shortlisted for RICS temporary recruiter of the year, and achieved the top performer award 3 years’ running. Whilst these were brilliant tangible achievements, I would actually say I’m most proud of the journey I’ve been on since. My career has definitely had some highs and lows and there are things I’ve found challenging – what I’m most proud of now is the things I’ve learned along the way, and that I’ve come out the other end more knowledgeable and confident in my own strengths and weaknesses. There’s still a lot to learn but I feel strongly that MRG is the right environment to develop my skills further.
How did you get into search recruitment at MRG, and why?
In my early career, I started in interim recruitment, which was heavily focussed around building strong candidate networks, and understanding the market, however I wanted to diversify my skillset and develop new skills. The way in which MRG build their candidate and client relationships was really in line with what I’d been doing, and really appealed to me. Building strong networks, knowing your clients and candidates in the market, developing sound processes to support the recruitment journey – all things that I was doing within my previous market. I was really interested in both the alignment and differences between the two types of recruitment, and felt it was a good opportunity to build on my previous experience.
What energises you about working in this sector?
I really enjoy fact finding and relationship building. When things slot together and work in coherence it’s really satisfying. No two days are the same, and you speak to new people every day whilst building relationships with regular people in your market.
When you get to know your client and find them their ideal candidate it’s immensely satisfying to know you’re having a positive impact on their business.
What’s the biggest thing that’s changed in recruitment since you started?
When I started in recruitment there was a real “rise and grind” culture which, whilst really exciting and high energy, would often leave myself and colleagues feeling burnt out and exhausted. More recently, and particularly post-pandemic, I’ve noticed a massive shift towards recognising the importance of good mental health and having a good work-life balance.
I recently acquired my Mental Health First Aider qualification through MRG, as they’ve recognised the importance of championing good mental health practice and empowering staff. I don’t think this was something that was really talked about 10 years ago.
What do you think the biggest misconception people have about you is?
People who haven’t met me in real life don’t realise I’m only 5ft tall – I started at MRG in January 2021, during the winter lockdown, so all our team interactions were online. My colleagues were surprised when they met me in person!
What’s one thing that most people don’t know about you?
Every opportunity I have, I like to be out hiking. Prior to the pandemic, my last big hike was on the Annapurna trek, towards Everest Base Camp. My next goal is to do Kilimanjaro.
What’s the best advice anyone has every given you?
The energy you give is likely the energy you will receive.
What three words would your colleagues use to describe you?
Passionate, Organised and Considerate.
And finally, who would play you in the movie about your life?
I cannot necessarily think of someone who would play me in a movie about my life but my friends refer to me as Dobby and I’ve also been compared to Edna Mode from The Incredibles – mainly because she is a little bit sassy.
Get in touch with Emilia for an informal chat about how she can help you and your recruitment needs.