Women in Recruitment
As Managing Director for not just one successful recruitment agency, but three, Michelle Merritt has worked within Berry Recruitment Group to build businesses focused on lasting relationships and real results. With over twenty years of experience working with Wild Recruitment, Wild Berry Associates and First Recruitment Services, she’s seen just about everything the recruitment industry can throw at you - and still loves the work.
In celebration of International Women’s Day, Michelle gives her thoughts on leadership, career advice, and what she’s learned from working in recruitment.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to people looking to grow in their careers?
Always reflect on the decisions you have made but never change what is important to you. Your values and gut instinct are the two most important things in business.
What advice would you give to other women aspiring to step into leadership roles?
Keep your vision clear, being a leader takes hard work, resilience and tenacity. Always expect setbacks, but it's how we deal with the solution that is important. Remember you have the ability to change lives as a leader, this is a very important part of being a leader, it can bring you great joy seeing someone you have worked with and mentored grow before you.
What’s the most rewarding part of working in recruitment?
How we can be such an integral part of our clients business, the work we do by finding them the right people can be instrumental in them achieving their goals for their business. It is also rewarding to see how we can change our candidates' lives by finding them a role they are passionate about and in some cases would not achieve without our guidance and knowledge.
What advice would you give to someone looking to start a career in recruitment?
It's tough!! It always has been and will always be a rollercoaster. I still feel this after 27 years in the industry, however if this is the job for you, the highs outweigh the lows. You have to love people, if you don’t, this is not the job for you!
What do you think makes a great recruiter, and what skills are essential for success?
Resilience, tenacity and a really great sense of humour!
If you're interested in finding out more about how we work, or you're looking for support with your next hire or career move, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with the team today, we’re always happy to help.