Candidate Journeys: Building Confidence Through Supportive Recruitment

"In my experience, VWA's recruiters truly value their candidates and go above and beyond to help - you're never just another number in their database."

Welcome to the third instalment of our Candidate Journeys series, where we shine a light on the experiences of individuals we’ve had the pleasure of supporting on their career paths. In this edition, we hear from a candidate who has navigated both temporary and contract opportunities through VWA. Their story offers an honest and insightful look into the value of personalised support, open communication, and feeling genuinely valued throughout the recruitment process.

Could you tell us a bit about your career background and the role you were seeking when you connected with VWA?

Before joining VWA, I had worked in front-of-house positions that included administrative support. I decided to focus on administrative support and VWA helped me explore opportunities in this field.

What initially attracted you to VWA, and why did you decide to use a recruitment consultancy in your job search?

From my initial conversation with one of the Consultants, Samantha, she immediately understood what I was looking for. She devoted substantial time to interview preparation, provided detailed feedback after each stage and encouraged me to voice any concerns after meeting potential employers. In my experience, VWA's recruiters truly value their candidates and go above and beyond to help - you're never just another number in their database.

How would you describe your experience working with the VWA team? Was there anything in particular that stood out to you?

I've had the wonderful opportunity to work with many recruiters across both the temp/contract and permanent teams. Everyone readily provides market insights and career guidance. There's never any judgment when you express interest in a posted role - they genuinely want to help. The team not only advises on career paths but also offers specific feedback to help you stand out from other candidates, which is incredibly valuable. This level of personal attention isn't common among recruiters - as I mentioned, you're truly more than just a number.

Did VWA support you in identifying roles you hadn’t previously considered, or help clarify the type of position that suited you best?

Yes, they have. Most recently, I was placed in a contract role. Although the firm I was placed in had internal opportunities I could have pursued, and I had conversations with my recruiter at VWA, I ultimately felt these might not be the best fit for me personally. However, it was refreshing to have those conversations and gain a fresh perspective on what opportunities are out there for me to consider. Ultimately, I feel conversations like these can go one of two ways - either the recruiter could view you as a lost cause and ghost you (which, believe me, has happened), or they could take the opportunity to understand your needs and requirements, using that assessment to recommend what's best for you next. I think for me after those conversations, I really felt valued by the team. I had temped and covered for VWA, so I do consider myself as part of their team!

How did the VWA team help you through the recruitment process, from application to interview preparation?

I believe they conducted a phenomenal job! From the write-up, brief and notes on whom you would be meeting to a short description of them—it's all very valuable. Going as far as giving a call the day before an interview to understand any last-minute thoughts you might have or hesitations is greatly appreciated by me, and I'm sure many others feel the same. You'll never be going in blind with VWA.

What aspects of VWA’s approach did you find most helpful, and how did it differ from other recruitment experiences you may have had?

Communication stands out to me as their greatest strength. The consistency is incredibly reassuring - while many recruiters may lose touch, VWA maintains constant contact. They keep you thoroughly updated with everything from catch-up emails about your search to role updates, and they follow through from first interview to offer stage. This level of communication has been particularly valuable for me as someone with high anxiety, which I often mask well. Working with a team that prioritises keeping candidates informed helps ease my mind. For someone like me who experiences anxiety, it's wonderful that the team recognises this and adapts their communication style accordingly.

How has your career progressed since securing your role through VWA, and what impact has the role had on your professional development?

While my job search continues, I've gained valuable perspective on what truly matters in my career journey. Through my experience with VWA, I've clarified my priorities: finding a role within an organisation that values inclusivity and fosters positive culture. As a young professional early in my career, I bring enthusiasm and dedication to make meaningful contributions. My ultimate goal is straightforward -to find fulfilment in an environment where I can grow professionally while maintaining work-life balance. This thoughtful approach to my search has helped me stay focused on finding the right fit rather than just any position.

Although I haven't secured the role I'm waiting for, I have no doubt that VWA will assist me in this journey. I've had the fantastic opportunity to cover some truly amazing roles on the temp and contract team, from Office Manager to PA at C-suite level. These roles have added exceptional value to my overall professional experience and, on a personal level, have boosted my confidence to consider opportunities that I might not have believed I could pursue. And for that, I'm thankful! Thank you, team!

Would you recommend VWA to other job seekers, and if so, what would you say to them about working with VWA?

Absolutely! That's all I do when I know of someone who is looking for new opportunities. What would I say to them? That's simple: Take a look at their website & LinkedIn or give then a call. This is a recruitment agency that has character and personality. Their recruiters are dedicated and are at the top of their field.

Looking for your next opportunity? We’d love to help. Get in touch with the VWA team today or explore our live jobs board to find a role that matches your skills and aspirations.

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