Samantha Cartman is a consultant at Morson Group, and recently completed her Level 4 Diploma in Recruitment Management. Samantha let’s us in on what it’s like studying for this advanced qualification while working full time in our busy industry.
Why did you choose the Level 4 Diploma in Recruitment Management?
I had been wanting to do a professional qualification for a while so when I sat down with my manager and our HR Manager and looked at the options, we decided that the Level 4 was going to be the most beneficial to me and my level of experience. I’ve been in recruitment for nearly ten years and I wanted something that was going to challenge me but that also pushed me to learn things that were perhaps outside of the things I do on a day-to- day basis.
What was the most challenging part of the qualification?
Two modules in particular stand out here – the module surrounding the legal and ethical requirements within recruitment, and also the module surrounding all the different types of recruitment contracts.
The legal and ethical requirements within recruitment are something that all recruiters need to have a good knowledge of and this module, whilst probably the most information laden, is also one of the most useful and informative.
The Contracts module is quite a revelation in that, as recruiters, we use various different contracts every day but this delves into things that we maybe don’t necessarily think about as much as we should, such as the ramifications different types of client and candidate contracts have for us as a business and for the contractor as an individual.
What was the most useful unit?
Along with the two mentioned above, probably the module surrounding people management. This was so useful because it delved into the best way to manage a whole range of people, including your own staff, candidates and clients. It looked at different personality types, how to spot them and then how best to manage relationships with that person. Managing relationships is a massive part of recruitment and a subject I think everyone needs to be constantly learning and evolving in, so I took a lot away from this particular module.
How did you find studying while working full time?
It is difficult, I don’t think anyone would ever say otherwise. Sometimes after nine hours at work, the last thing you want to do is go home and spend another two studying, but the reward and the sense of achievement, not only at the end when you receive your full Diploma, but after every exam and every successful results day, is so worth it.
I haven’t studied for nearly ten years, since I was at university, but I think once you get back into the mindset it becomes a little easier. My study notes went everywhere with me, including to Rome on holiday, and reading them, however quickly, as often as I could worked well for me. A lot of it is about finding what works for you and then sticking to it. It is quite nice to be able to watch TV now without feeling guilty that I don’t have a course book open on my lap.
How will you use the DipRM day to day?
There are so many different aspects of this qualification that I will use on a day to day basis, ranging from management techniques through to making sure I’m following the correct legal and ethical processes in regards to compliance.
Would you recommend the DipRM to others?
Yes, absolutely, I can’t recommend this enough to anyone in recruitment looking to further their knowledge with an official qualification.
How has 2017 been for you so far?
2017 has been great so far, very varied which is always a good thing. I deal with a lot of different roles for the clients I look after and I really enjoy the diversity. I’ve taken on a number of new clients as well as increasing business with existing ones which is something I am looking to continue into 2018.
What do you love most about working in recruitment?
Everything, from the vast array of people I get to deal with every day, to the rush of having an offer come in, especially on the harder to fill roles. Morson International is also a fantastic company to work for, it is a privately owned business with an £800 million turnover which, at the same time, has a great family feeling. They offer fantastic incentives and benefits, including a full health and well-being programme. They make the utmost effort to give back to their staff wherever they can.
What’s the best experience you’ve had with a candidate?
I’ve had so many great experiences with candidates over my ten years in recruitment that it’s hard to pick just one. The best thing for me is working in partnership with people to find them their ideal role and knowing that I played a part in securing it for them.
What would you tell yourself on your very first day in the industry?
It’s ok to cry in the toilets occasionally! In all seriousness, don’t get too disheartened by the lows, because the highs will always outweigh them. Get to know your sector, get to know the candidates that operate in that sector and the rest will follow.
Do you like the sound of the Level 4 Diploma in Recruitment Management? Find out more about the qualification.
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