From banking to IT recruitment

Andrea made the move into recruitment from a front office banking role in 2015. She talks about how her skills were transferable, what she enjoys about her new career recruiting within the IT sector and the culture in our Manila office.

What interested you in recruitment?

“I was ready for a change and wanted to move from banking into a role that was more sales focused. After speaking with a recruitment consultant, I discovered that a career in recruitment offered that opportunity, in a role where I could use my previous experience. 

How were your skills transferable?

I found that my client management skills were highly transferable. In my previous role within consumer lending, I was already having regular client calls and was involved with business development. That experience made for a smooth transition into recruitment.

Moving into IT recruitment

Moving to IT recruitment from the banking sector proved to be a great learning opportunity for me. This was mainly because I gained a chance to learn about a whole new industry, under the tutelage of senior staff within our business. 

What do you enjoy about your current role? 

I’ve really enjoyed gaining a deeper understanding of the IT industry through working with some of the best IT candidates on the market. Since joining this division, I’ve had the opportunity to learn about complex processes such as app creation and software development. Apps in particular, are such a big part of everyday life, that it’s fascinating to understand how they’re made.

Describe a day in the office

Each morning starts with a business review. The rest of the day is made up of various activities such as candidate management and interviews etc. We also make a point to track our business development chart daily, where we note the progress we’ve made with both existing and potential clients.

What are the best things about working for Robert Walters?

I would have to say it’s how Robert Walters develops its people. I wouldn’t have been able to succeed in my role if not for the training I’ve received. The organisation’s culture offers fantastic development opportunities and internal mobility - something I value greatly. You’re given very clear goals in order to progress within the company. In fact, career growth is one of the reasons I’ve stayed for so long.

Describe the culture in the Manila office

It’s a fun and supportive working environment and there are great perks. For instance, the company organises events such as a Global Charity Day, staff birthday lunches, Christmas parties etc. This really helps us to bond as a team. In the Manila office, we’re like a big family and it’s a highly social office. We are incredibly supportive of each other and there is a strong sense of team spirit.

What’s been your biggest achievement since you joined the company?

That would have to be qualifying for our annual incentive trip to Thailand. Not only was that great because I got to take part in a really fun trip, but I was also extremely proud to be recognised for my hard work and ability to deliver results.

What skills do you need in recruitment?

Being able to converse with people, both clients and candidates, is the key to success in this role. Having the ability to listen to people and to build solid relationships is really important – it helps to be a people person and to have a genuine interest in meeting new people.”

You’re given very clear goals in order to progress. In fact, career growth is one of the reasons I’ve stayed for so long.

Want to know more about our current opportunities? Send your updated CV through to seainternalrecruitment@robertwalters.com.