Meet the Team: Elena

As Recruitment Consultants, the VWA team spend A LOT of time asking other people questions. We are naturally curious beings and this is why we love that we do!

We use our honed interview techniques to really get to know our clients’ companies, cultures and ethos and we listen carefully to our candidates so we can advise and match the right talent with the right companies.

We thought it might be time we flipped things around a bit and asked the team some questions for a change! Kicking off our Meet the VWA Team series, let’s find out more about Consultants, Elena.

What is your role at VWA and how long have you been part of this awesome team?

I am a Trainee Consultant based on the temporary side of the business. I joined VWA in October 2021, so have nearly been part of the team for a year and a half!

Can you please briefly describe a day in the life of a Trainee Consultant?

It is super varied, but typical duties involve:

Screening CVs and talking to candidates about their current situation and assessing whether VWA will be the right fit to be able to assist with their search.

I also complete competency based interviews that are around 30-45 minutes each and allow candidates to get to know VWA and VWA to get to know the candidate and what they are looking for.

Then as temporary jobs come on, I speak to clients and understand what the role requires and then reach out to temps we have registered, to gauge their interest and availability and send those that it would be a good match to the client.

What is your favourite thing about your job?

I really enjoy getting to speak to so many different people and hearing about their career to date. However, as cringey as it sounds the thing I enjoy the most is helping people find roles that are right for them.

My motivation for studying psychology at university was to be able to have a job that enables me to help people and although this isn’t how I envisioned the help to look like, it remains very rewarding.

What is your least favourite thing about your job? Careful ha ha!

That it is impossible to eat healthy as there are always sooo many biscuits in the office.

What were you doing before you joined VWA?

Prior to joining the VWA team I was a student at the University of Exeter where I was studying BSc Psychology. Post graduating, I took a little break to travel and relax before applying for roles, moving to London, and then starting at VWA.

That’s enough of the work questions. Let’s find out more about the non-working you!

Do you have a favourite restaurant in London?

Hmmm… there are so many to choose from and so many on my bucket list to try but Sticks ‘n’ Sushi and Poppy’s Thai are definitely up there with one of my favourites.

Can you please describe your perfect Sunday?

A lie in, a run and then a Sunday roast at Aragon House on Parsons Green followed by watching some trashy TV with my housemate.

Which is your favourite season and why?

Summer always! The evenings getting lighter makes me so happy, I cannot wait until the sun sets at 9pm.

Dog? Cat? Neither?

I looove both and the best office days are when Flick brings in her dog Simba, however, I have grown up with cats and although it is controversial, would probably have to pick cats as I get far too excited when I get to visit my parents and see my babies (Dobby and Binky!).

If you could jump on a plane to anywhere in the world today, where would you go?

Hmm I have two answers… right now I would definitely say Tignes to go skiing, but in summer my answer will always be the Greek or Sicilian islands!

Do you have any special talents?

None that are very useful… I am pretty good at headstands…

What is your favourite cocktail/mocktail?

A Mojito is always my go to.

Do you have a favourite movie?

The Holiday, it is such a classic and I typically get impatient and watch it in November and then probably twice again in December.

Do you have any hobbies?

I have a bit of a ‘love hate’ relationship with running, I never fancy going but I always feel amazing after a run. Not sure I would say it is a hobby, but I am definitely growing to enjoy a run along the river.

What was the last TV box set you binged on?

I recently watched all three seasons of Happy Valley, although it is not the most relaxing watch, I was completely hooked and would definitely recommended.

Do you have anything you’d like to learn? For example DJ’ing or a musical instrument? Karate? Line-dancing?!

I absolutely love skiing but have never tried snowboarding so this is definitely something I would love to give a go.

Finally, do you have a fun fact that might surprise us about you?

I went to a wedding in Jordan with 50 Cent and Dannii Minogue.