Welcome back to #WeAreGreenKey, where we shine a spotlight on our powerhouse recruiting team.
We had an awesome chat this week with Halle Sarfin, Recruiter on Green Key’s Professional Services team. After a couple years working in the entertainment industry, Halle came to Green Key to hone in and expand her interpersonal skills. Over the last year and a half, she has become an integral part of her team by building strong relationships, acquiring referrals, and maintaining consistent communication with her candidates.
Are there any major hiring trends in Professional Services right now?
This has been a temp-heavy year, whereas last year was an even split between temp and perm. Additionally, a lot of our clients are bringing employees back on-site. It’s been an interesting landscape to navigate, as many candidates want a remote or hybrid position. It’s also been a more targeted search year. Clients are more specific in what they are looking for, whether that’s previous experience in a specific industry or certain database/software knowledge. Clients were more flexible last year, but the market has certainly changed. It’s been challenging, yet fulfilling when we match up the right candidate to the right client. It’s more important than ever to keep in touch with candidates regarding their interview activity and updating each other on what’s going on in the hiring process.
What are some “green flags” you see in candidates?
I believe a great candidate has excellent follow-up skills and they’re quick to communicate their thoughts. Candidates should always perform their own research on clients ahead of time and have questions prepared prior to their interview. It emphasizes their interest in the position, as well as an eagerness in their job search.
How does prepping a candidate differ across industries?
Depending on the industry, such as finance, it’s important to dress business professionally for those interviews. Media and creative jobs have a different feel and look. Regardless of the industry, candidates should always have knowledge of the client ahead of time and be prepared to discuss relevant experience from the job description.
How does your team communicate in your flexible/hybrid environment?
There’s a lot of communication on our team, both in and out of the office. Everyone has their skills and strengths. Steph [Wetton] and Clare [Wright] are incredible managers and provide such a wealth of knowledge. They have taught and trained us on so many processes based on their years of experience. Our team supports one another through the ups and downs, while keeping consistent communication, especially when we’re not in the office.
How did you get your start in recruiting?
I used to work in TV production, but I always had more of an interest in working with people. As a certified health coach on the side, I’m always thinking of ways I can help people improve themselves. Recruiting seemed like a career path where I could utilize those communicative and interpersonal skills. I love speaking with new people and building relationships. It’s also fulfilling when people reach back out to me, whether I placed them or not. They come back around because they had a great experience and that is such a great feeling.
