Siobhan embarked on her journey with Abacus in March 2022. Her background includes a BSc degree in Marketing and prior work as an employment advisor, which has equipped her with extensive skills in relationship building, negotiation, and problem-solving.

“When I am not working, I love to travel and explore different countries and their cultures. Trying new cuisines, meeting new people, and admiring beautiful buildings and statues are all reasons why I love travelling.”

Siobhan is specialising in recruitment for:

• Financial Advisors (tied & untied)
• Mortgage Advisors
• Paraplanners
• Support Staff
• Commercial Account Executives
• Commercial Account Handlers
• Personal Lines Advisors
• Claims Handlers

Siobhan can also provide the following support to professionals:

• Career planning and employability advice
• Insight upon culture and environment within my client base
• Guidance on reward and benefit levels
• Information on market trends and key skills in demand
• Assistance with preparation for interview and assessment

Asked and Answered

1. Job hunting can be daunting for candidates. Could you offer three valuable pieces of advice to job seekers to increase their chances of landing their desired roles?

Tailor your CV and cover letter: When applying for a role, make sure your resume and cover letter are customised to match the specific requirements of the position and the company you’re applying to. Highlight relevant skills, experiences, and accomplishments that align with the job description. Demonstrate your knowledge of the financial industry and the particular aspects of the role you’re interested in.

Network effectively: Networking is crucial in the financial services industry. Leverage your existing connections and try to build new ones through networking events, professional platforms, and social media. Many job opportunities in financial services come through referrals and word-of-mouth, so expanding your network can lead to hidden job openings and increase your chances of being recommended for roles.

Prepare thoroughly for interviews: Successful interviews require thorough preparation. Research the company, its financial services offerings, and its recent performance. Familiarise yourself with the industry trends and challenges.

2. How do you maintain strong relationships with both clients and candidates?

Maintaining strong relationships with both clients and candidates is essential for building a successful and sustainable recruitment business. Here are some key strategies I implement to achieve this:

Effective Communication: Communication is the cornerstone of any successful relationship. I stay in regular contact with my clients and candidates throughout the recruitment process.

Understanding Needs and Expectations: I take the time to understand the needs and expectations of both clients and candidates. For clients, this means grasping their specific hiring requirements, company culture, and long-term goals. For candidates, it involves understanding their career aspirations, skills, and preferences.

Provide Value-Added Services: Go beyond basic recruiting services and offer value-added assistance to both clients and candidates. For clients, this might involve sharing market insights, salary benchmarks, or talent acquisition strategies. For candidates, I offer guidance on resume writing, interview preparation, and career coaching. Providing valuable information and support builds trust and strengthens relationships.

Most importantly being transparent and honest will allow them to trust you!

3. In your experience, what are the most common mistakes or misconceptions that candidates make during the job application process, and how can they avoid them?

I’ve come across several common mistakes and misconceptions that candidates make during the job application process. Here are some of them and tips on how to avoid them:

Sending generic applications: One of the most common mistakes is sending the same resume and cover letter to multiple job openings. To avoid this, tailor your application to each specific role and company. Highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Ignoring the job requirements: Applicants sometimes apply for positions they are not qualified for, which can be a waste of time for both the candidate and the recruiter. Read the job description carefully and ensure you meet the key requirements before applying.

Not preparing for interviews: Failing to prepare for interviews can be a significant mistake. Research common interview questions, practice your responses, and be ready to discuss your experiences and accomplishments confidently.

4. What’s your top piece of advice for candidates to leave a lasting impression during interviews and stand out from other applicants?

My top piece of advice for candidates to leave a lasting impression during interviews and stand out from other applicants is to demonstrate a combination of professionalism, authenticity, and enthusiasm. Here’s how to achieve this:

Thoroughly Prepare: Research the company, the role, and the industry before the interview. Understand the company’s values, culture, recent achievements, and challenges. Know the job description inside out and prepare thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. Being well-prepared shows your genuine interest and commitment to the position.

Highlight Your Unique Selling Points: Identify your key strengths, experiences, and achievements that set you apart from other candidates.

Be Authentic: Be yourself during the interview and let your personality shine through. Authenticity is valuable as it helps employers get a sense of your character and how you might fit into their team and culture.

Ask Thoughtful Questions: Towards the end of the interview, ask thoughtful questions that show your genuine interest in the company and the role. This also provides an opportunity to learn more about the company’s expectations and future plans.

If you have a query or would like some advice, please get in touch.  All communications are private and confidential.

Reach out to Siobhan on 028 9538 0972 or email [email protected].