In this piece we are speaking with Founder and Managing Director, Anna Maher to learn more about why she set up the agency and what makes Anna Maher Recruitment (AMR) different to other recruitment specialists.
- When and why did you set up (AMR)?
I set up AMR in 2009. I’d worked for an established brand for so long and it was time for a change and a time to be my own boss. I was fed up of getting head hunted by Rec 2 Rec’s and being offeredopportunites when they didn’t even know who I was. They were all from London which just seemed so impersonal. So what I decided to do was to set up a Rec 2 Rec arm of my business. My Rec2Rec business was to be more considerate to the fact that just because you are a Recruiter, doesn’t mean that you are going to fit into every single different recruitment agency. Every recruitment business is different and every recruiter is different and because I ran a commercial business support branch, we always go out and visit the client and meet the candidate and I adapted the same model with my Rec2Rec model. So I started ringing up Recruitment Agencies in Sheffield and building up a great network of clients. And then I started meeting Recruiter’s face to face. And more often than not, a Recruiter would come to me and straight away I’d know where they’d fit in. And I think that’s what makes us stand out from many Rec2Rec businesses trying to do things remotely.
- How has the business developed over the years?
There’s a skills shortage at the minute of candidates wanting to move into new recruitment roles. However, companies are now open to taking on people with transferable skills which has widened the scope for us. Our business is growing in the right direction and more and more agencies are ringing us to find good recruiters, from all over the UK. But I like to focus on my local City and market because to me, face to face is so important.
- Tell us what makes AMR different to other agencies, in particular around Rec2Rec?
We are an owner led local family business and with AMR you get a boutique bespoke tailered personal service. You deal only with Anna and you won’t be passed around because Anna will see it through from the beginning to end, with the help of her niece, Rachel.
- Can you explain what Rec2Rec means in more detail?
We offer Recruitment Solutions to Recruitment Agencies, so we place recruitment talent into roles within Recruitment Agencies. Recruitment companies haven’t got time to be looking for their own talent when they are busy running their own companies, so they give this job to people like myself because we go out and headhunt. The people that we find are usually people that aren’t looking and it’s our job to go out their and sell them new opportunities.
- How does your candidate process work?
For the Rec 2 Rec arm of the business, it’s all about Linkedin and our social media presence. And writing good blogs and adverts that attract recruiters to engage with us. We get a lot of repeat business and we have a great network of clients and candidates within the sector. And once we place a candidate, sometimes they then become a client! I meet the candidate and work with them through the interview process explaining the company culture and giving them hints and tips on what to prepare for. Many candidates have become my good friends!
- Why should candidates register with an agency?
Candidates are usually busy doing their job and do not have time to job search. If you’re a candidate looking for a new job, it’s better to go to a trusted third party to do the leg work for you. That’s why working with a Recruiter is so important if you are looking for your next role.
- How does a recruitment agency work for clients, why should they register with AMR?
Again, clients are busy running their businesses and managing staff and they haven’t got time to sift through loads of CVs. So it’s much better to pay a fee to an agency who will do all the CV searching and will only present 3 or 4 of the best candidates for you to interview. Working with companies is not only just about the good times, but supporting them through the more challenging times too, giving them advice and an ear to listen to.
- What is the future of Rec2Rec
It does feel like the next generation are not seeing the role of a Recruiter as an appealing career. I have a University degree and started my recruitment career in 1995 which has been a financially and professionally rewarding career. It’s very understated and it’s a very rewarding role to find candidates their ideal job. And in a climate that we are living in now, where unemployment is on the rise, it’s a really exciting thing to find someone a job. You’re working with companies, candidates and we’re part of the common good. There’s been a bit more demand for flexible and hybrid working which has widened the scope for candidate attraction. However, there’s nothing better than a buzzy, vibrant office and forming relationships with your colleagues at work who can end up becoming your best friends!
- Where do you see AMR in 10 years time?
Hopefully still working with the best businesses in town and finding top talent. I’m pretty old skool if I’m honest. As long as I’ve got a voice and I’ve got a good eye for talent whilst forming great relationships, then in my eyes this is all you need!
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For more information on Rec2Rec, and how the team at AMR can support you with your next career move within recruitment, get in touch.