Meet the Team: Hannah

Continuing our Meet the VWA Team series, it’s time for us to hear from Research Manager Hannah...

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

I am the Research Manager and have been at VWA for almost 7 years!

Can you please briefly describe a day in the life of a Research Manager?

My role is primarily candidate-focused; you’ll usually find me on the phone talking to people about their career history and aspirations! I love this part of the job as each conversation is different, and it’s all about understanding someone’s values and drivers as well as their skills and relevant experience. Through these in-depth conversations, we aim to understand candidates more fully and how they could potentially match with our clients… and hopefully help initiate some successful partnerships!

What is your favourite thing about your job?

I absolutely love the fact we’re in a position to help people achieve their career goals, or can introduce them to companies where they can be happy, successful and just generally thrive. I recently worked with a candidate who wanted to get into HR – though they didn’t have any previous experience, they thoroughly impressed during the interviews and were offered the role! They are now 3 months into their HR career and I find it personally satisfying to have played a small part of their journey so far... and hugely excited to see how their career develops from here!

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

Sharing disappointing news and having to decline candidates from a role can be tough! This is particularly true if they’ve reached the final stage interview and were just pipped to the post by someone else. We appreciate that candidates put a lot of time, energy and focus into interviewing, and it’s a shame when the outcome is not the desired one!

What were you doing before you joined VWA?

Enjoying the Australian sunshine during my post-university Gap Year!

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?

I have many! Honourable mentions would be Bone Daddies for their Spicy Miso Ramen, and for something a bit more ‘up-market’, Parsons (seafood) or Café Murano (Italian).

Can you please describe your perfect Sunday?

It starts with my favourite weights class at my (over-priced) gym, a long walk with my Labrador, a delicious roast or BBQ and a glass of red… it’s all about balance!

Which is your favourite season and why?

I’ll have to say Winter – more specifically, the run up to Christmas! People are in a festive mood and I much prefer my winter wardrobe.

Dog? Cat? Neither?

Referring back to my black Labrador, Darcy – she is the apple of my eye.

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

It would be somewhere in Italy and I’d start with a plate of cacio e pepe when I got there!

Do you have any special talents?

I’m a little unpracticed but I was a classically trained singer for about 10 years, until I graduated from university.

What is your favourite cocktail/mocktail?

It’s got to be a spicy marg!

Do you have a favourite movie?

Depends on my mood and time of year… The Holiday is a classic for getting me in the Christmas spirit, but I also really like The Incredibles (I only recently watched the 2nd one!) and all the Harry Potter films of course.

Do you have any hobbies?

I guess you could call me a ‘foodie’ in that I love going out to restaurants and exploring new places, but I’m a fairly competent cook as well!

What was the last TV box set you binged on?

Succession – I recommend it to everyone. There are a few shows I can (and have!) rewatch multiple times as well, including Modern Family.

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

I’m so impressed by people who speak multiple languages and would love to speak Italian – it’s such a beautiful language and country.

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

I don’t think I’m known for being an adrenaline-junkie, but I did bungy jump 134 metres off a ledge just outside of Queenstown in New Zealand!