Sometimes life throws you off course. Whether it’s personal challenges, burnout, or simply losing your confidence after years in the same role, the idea of taking the next step in your career can feel overwhelming.
We recently worked with a candidate who perfectly embodied this situation. They’d been with the same company for over a decade, diligently working in a middle-management role with a wealth of experience across various areas. But after handing in their notice and fulfilling it with care, they found themselves adrift.
They weren’t sure what they wanted next. They knew temporary work could bridge the gap, but the appetite for a new permanent role just wasn’t there. That’s where we came in.
The Candidate’s Journey: A Person-Centred Approach
Recruitment isn’t just about matching skills to job descriptions—it’s about understanding people. Here’s how we worked with this candidate to help them rediscover their confidence, map out their next steps, and ultimately find the right opportunity.
- Talking at Length
We took the time to really get to know them. This wasn’t a rushed conversation about skills and experience, it was a deep dive into who they are as a person:
• Personality: Are they someone who thrives on challenges, or do they prefer knowing exactly what to expect?
• Comfort Zones: What environments make them feel confident and capable?
• Work History: What were their most enjoyable work periods? What did their best days on the job look like? - Understanding Their Life Beyond Work
Work is just one part of life, so we discussed:
• Commitments: Family, hobbies, and other non-negotiables that might shape their working patterns.
• Ambitions: Not just career goals, but personal aspirations that may have been lost in recent years. - Building Confidence
Years in the same role can sometimes make people lose sight of their value. We worked with the candidate to:
• Highlight their transferable skills that could open doors in different industries.
• Identify roles where their experience could shine, even in areas they hadn’t considered before.
By the end of these conversations, they weren’t just another candidate—they were a confident professional ready to take the next step.
The Recruiter’s Role: From Understanding to Action
A solid recruiter does more than just “find jobs.” Here’s what we did to ensure this candidate had the best opportunities:
- Create a Strong Profile
After thoroughly understanding the candidate, we crafted a tailored profile that captured their strengths, ambitions, and personality. This wasn’t just a CV—it was a roadmap for employers to see why this candidate was the right fit. - Target Specific SMEs
We didn’t just throw their application into a pile. Instead, we:
• Used our existing relationships with SMEs to find potential matches. Sometimes, the perfect role is waiting, even if it hasn’t been advertised yet.
• Approached businesses with targeted, personalized pitches based on the candidate’s strengths and fit for the company’s culture. - Leverage Open and Hidden Opportunities
Whether it was a publicly advertised role or one quietly hiring behind the scenes, we left no stone unturned. This ensured the candidate had access to the very best opportunities.
The SME Perspective: Why This Process Matters
For SMEs, receiving a candidate who has been through this kind of tailored process is a game-changer. Instead of generic applications, businesses get:
• Pre-screened talent: No surprises. The recruiter has already done the homework, so the candidate is ready to hit the ground running.
• A perfect fit: This isn’t just about skills—it’s about alignment with the company’s culture, values, and goals.
• Clear expectations: The candidate knows what to expect and is prepared for the role, reducing the risk of turnover.
A Win-Win for Candidates and Businesses
Recruitment isn’t just about filling roles—it’s about building confidence, fostering connections, and creating opportunities. Whether you’re a candidate feeling lost after a long career or an SME searching for the perfect hire, a recruitment expert can make all the difference.
For the candidate we worked with, this process didn’t just lead to a new job—it reignited their confidence and reminded them of their value. For the SME that hired them, it was a seamless match that brought a dedicated, experienced professional into their team.
Ready for Your Next Step?
Whether you’re a candidate unsure of what’s next or an SME looking for a perfect hire, we’re here to help. At Jiggle, we take a person-centred approach to recruitment, ensuring every candidate and business gets the tailored support they deserve.
Let’s have a chat about how we can help you find the right match—because everyone deserves the chance to thrive.
