Congratulations to Felicity Woodbridge on her very well-deserved promotion to Principal Consultant. We heard from Felicity about her successful career with us.
What first drew you into recruitment at Venn Group?
I studied Law at University and went on to study my LPC, but I always knew my motivation was in people rather than Law itself. At the end of my LPC exam period, I got a call from one of our lovely internal recruiters and everything fell into place! This role allows me to utilise my studies while still primarily working with people, and I whole-heartedly recommend it to anyone.
What has been your proudest achievement?
The first time I ever found a candidate for the team who went on to start in a role; this candidate is still in the same role now years later and I still feel proud. Seeing how we as recruitment consultants can help real people to make positive changes in their lives is the main motivation for my job.
What do you enjoy the most about working with the Local Government Legal sector?
My favourite part about working within Public Sector Legal has to be the people; everyone is truly supportive of one another and our candidates. Working in a team-based environment means any promotions are testament to everyone I work with, my teammates, Manager, Senior Manager, Director and compliance support. This support spans across the Public Sector teams in all Venn Group offices which allows us to cultivate relationships with candidates by assisting them to achieve longer career goals throughout the years, no matter where in the country the right opportunity arises.
What key lessons have you learned from those who have managed you?
I have worked under some of the best recruiters out there, so I truly have learnt from the best. For most of my Venn Group career, I have had the privilege of being managed by Will Pardoe who has always taught me to look at the wider picture; it’s very easy to focus in on something small which is out of your control, but as long as you are trying your best, things will always come around!
What has been the biggest change you’ve noticed in your approach since you began recruitment?
When joining my role in recruitment I thought of it as a ‘sales’ role, since then I have realised it is much less a sales role as a match-making role! We are helping people to make big decisions in their lives, so instead of ‘selling’ jobs, we take the time to learn what people are looking for so that we are proactive when the right role comes around. Because this is our process, we can find people opportunities which they progress in, often staying there for many years and achieving their career goals.
What characteristics make a good recruiter into a great recruiter?
Going the extra mile; we are working with real people, so just thinking about what you would want if you were in their shoes. Whether that be considering wider factors of a role such as the location being near a family member, being considerate when life happens or just being there when a candidate or client needs advice! We speak with our candidates and clients every day, so it’s lovely to be able to consider a lot of them friends.
What would be your ideal Saturday?
At trip to the seaside with good friends, good food, good drinks, and letting our dogs run on the beach!
How do you make sure you continue to learn?
As Venn Group is team based, I have the privilege of working with excellent consultants across not only the Legal sector, but the wider business, meaning I am always learning new techniques and processes to improve in my role.
We also heard from Felicity’s management team who have supported her throughout her career:
“Felicity’s promotion to Principal Consultant evidences her absolute care and dedication to her clients, candidates and colleagues alike. It has been a pleasure to work closely with Felicity since she started with Venn Group, and I am proud to have seen her develop into the outstanding consultant she is today. Felicity has always prioritised a personable approach, and her ability to forge and nurture strong relationships with everyone she interacts with stands as testament to the outstanding results she consistently achieves. I have no doubt that Felicity’s passion, professionalism and expertise will continue to inspire and drive our team moving forward. Well done, Fliss!”
Will Pardoe, Manager