Each member of Team Halo plays a pivotal role in our collective success, but who are these recruitment heroes and what secrets are they hiding? There must be something more to them than just talent acquisition! Let’s find out as we put them through an exclusive tell-all interview!
Here Amanda shares her insights, experiences, and a few behind-the-scenes anecdotes that make ‘Squeaks’ 🤭, who she is….
What nicknames do you go by?
People call me Mandy, also Mouse and Squeaks!
Where are you from?
I moved to MK in 2002, to buy a house – we had family up here, but I was originally born in Northampton and moved to London when I was 6 months old and then moved back to MK when I was 21.
What do you love about where you live?
The amount there is to do! The outdoor walks and open space and the amount there is for the kiddies – everything from rock climbing and ice skating to bowling, MK seems to have it all.
Tell us three things that motivate you.
My children, Winning (If I can’t win I won’t play) and time in the sunshine.
What did you always want to be and how have you come to work in Recruitment?
I wanted to be a Pilot but I’m scared of heights. Then I wanted to be a teacher but I don’t like kids (I tolerate my own), then I liked the idea of being a supermodel but I thought I was probably too ugly! I fell into recruitment and just absolutely love people, and helping people to better themselves or make themselves more happy.
Is it true you started Halo Resourcing, from your kitchen table?
YES! We started the agency with just an idea and about £45 in my bank account, whilst on maternity leave with my 3rd child. Bella was around 3 months old at the time. There were many long nights in my kitchen with the children running feral. The lady I started it with then fell pregnant and left, to be honest, I nearly gave up, but I am not the sort of person to walk away from something easily… the next thing I know, I meet Arran, who I’d kind of known of for a long time through mutual friends. We went out for wine, we talked and Horner Gray as it was then was rebranded and Halo was born!
What do you most like about your job?
The freedom in working hours, early morning starts, late night finishes, The feeling of satisfaction and the buzz of a new placement! I love talking to people – everyone is so different and I am quite fascinated by people and all the weird and worldly things that make us all so different. Every day is different and there is no opportunity for complacency or boredom. I also love the fact that every day is a school day – A new tech role? Hit me up, I will learn it and find that person, I will be an absolute tech GEEK until I knowledge up to a standard where I can converse with a candidate on ‘their’ level – whatever level that might be.
In your experience, what would you say are some of the biggest challenges you face with working life in 2024?
I mean kids, right? Who’d have them!? I’ve made no secret of the fact that the work/life balance for me is a struggle, I’m passionate and driven about work and sometimes I feel like I am failing on all levels – Not enough time at work/not enough time being a mum/friend/daughter/partner. The ‘guilt’ of a job which consumes so much of your time does not leave you, but I have learnt that I can’t be everything to everyone all of the time. So I suppose, I’d say I struggle with myself, and the fact there are not enough hours in the day to be perfect in every aspect of my life. I am a perfectionist, and it doesn’t do me any favours!
How do you deal with work stress?
One answer? Wine. I like to just switch everything off and spend time with the people that make me smile. That makes it all worthwhile.
What do you think is a really important piece of advice for a client going through the hiring process?
Look at your onboarding process. From start to finish it needs to be clear, concise, explained to a candidate at each stage, and quick! Move quickly if you want to secure that superstar, because superstars get snapped up! It’s a very candidate-driven market, so look at the perks and the pros of working for you and detail them. Detail them and reiterate them again and again. Not everyone cares about free parking, instead talk about ethos, attitudes, working environments and culture. Talk about training and progression and why you are better than your competitors – This is the key to hiring and retention.
What is a great interview question that you think employers should ask a candidate?
If you had a time machine, would you check out the future or the past and why?
What does your average weekend look like?
65 hours minimum, early mornings, late nights, lots of laughing, crying and everything in between!
What’s a fun fact about you that many people may not know?
I LOVE Hedgehogs! I really do. I’m utterly obsessed.
Where’s your favourite place in the world and why?
Byron Bay in Australia. I went there with my Dad and it was the most magical week of my life.
What is the one thing, you can’t live without and why?
The children. Those little creatures, Oh – and Picked Onions!
If you could only eat one condiment for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Pickled Onions! Does that count? If not, I’d go for Chilli Sauce every time.
We hope you enjoyed finding out more about Amanda. If you have a vacancy to fill or you just need some pointers on the best place for hedgehog-related content, Amanda can help! Get in touch on 01908 229589, email recruitment@halo-resourcing.co.uk or connect with her on LinkedIn.