In December 2019 I received a message, a little out of the blue from Chris to enquire if I had a new role to return to post maternity leave. Now at that time, I was in the process of interviewing for a great business and really all my eggs were in that basket but my youngest daughter Tiegan, was only 6 months old and I wasn’t sure when the best time to return would be and was worried around committing to working such long hours. However, Chris’ message sparked my interest and I agreed to meet.

Now if I was being 100% honest then, I was probably going to the meeting prepared to say no to what Chris was going to suggest. My experience of agency recruitment had not been the highlight of my career and in fairness probably not something I had wanted to return to. But Chris is someone I have known personally and professionally for some time, so I have to admit I was intrigued.

I left our meeting, and my head was in a little spin - I could think of nothing else but the conversation we'd had. The opportunity to have something that I could take ownership for, and I could develop with full understanding/flexibility around being a mother to two young daughters was more than I could have expected. It was an easy, but apprehensive yes. And things just started rolling forward!

Come February 3^rd I started at Think Specialist Recruitment in a part time capacity. The team instantly welcomed me, and I never felt like the “newbie”. Chris manages his team with mutual respect, and he allows me autonomy to drive Think A&F forward, trusting in my work ethic and determination to succeed. He is on hand for advice, guidance and to rein me in sometimes, but I always have his backing.

Think Accountancy got off to a fantastic start, jobs registered in week 1, jobs filled week 2 and it was a very exciting time. The obvious then happened in March and Think A&F took a knock which is to be expected. My fears around being the newest A&F division locally came to fruition, we didn’t have the relationships other agencies had established over many years, so how would we get the roles on? It was a daunting time, but I stuck to what I know and having great colleagues around allowed my determination to set in! We established new clients who were also exclusive clients, we were given opportunities by great contacts and there was still movement in the market, albeit slower, it was there. There was highs and lows during the first lockdown which was to be expected and experienced across my competitors as well.

Due to the success of Think A&F even in the tough year we had, I was able to expand the division with a new consultant who would look after the temporary and contract opportunities for our clients. Craig Collis joined the team in August, just 6 months after I launched the division, and he was the perfect ying to my yang. He joined at a really tough period, but Craig is tenacious and worked hard – I am delighted to see that work paying off!

Think A&F had back-to-back record months in October and November and although there will be bumps in the road with uncertainty on the market, I think come this time next year, I will be able to write that year two was outstanding and who knows if the team will have grown again!

Think A&F prides itself on working with a transparent, honest and meticulous approach. We do not rush our shortlists and we do not send irrelevant CVs but we are also willing to challenge job specifications because we know our candidates! If you would like to register as a candidate or seek our support in finding the next person for your team then please get in touch for an open conversation.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Think SR team for their support and guidance and in particular to Chris for his belief in my capabilities.

Contact Clare on [email protected] or on 01442 600 100 

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