Chantelle is 23 years old and a director of her own recruitment company. Find out how she got where she is today in such a short space of time and read her advice for women working in recruitment in our first career profile.
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Name: Chantelle Jones
Job Title: Director
Company: Prince Associates
So Chantelle, what does an average day look like for you?
I spend the first hour of my day by managing my content strategy, using social media tools like Hootsuite to share valuable blogs, industry articles and ideas with my network. I then read for 30 – 45 minutes, I made a goal to read a certain amount of books this year and by setting time aside each day, will help me achieve that goal.
The rest of the morning is sourcing the best candidates for my clients and booking skype interviews with both candidates and clients.
The afternoon is usually spent working on side projects such as creating and delivering workshops, guest blogging and online businesses. This is the time where I let my creativity flow!
Early evening is spent responding to all emails (I have a rule to only reply to non urgent emails in the evening so I’m not distracted throughout the day). I also hold Skype interviews, format CVs and send them off to my clients.
Tell us a bit about what led you to be director of Prince Associates
I’ve spent roughly five years in recruitment, starting from resourcer to team leader. I took a senior position in London and in the first four months I had billed £50,000 in revenue. Things had started off great but unfortunately I had a serious back/hip injury that is still ongoing now. My employer at the time was brilliant and supportive (in fact we’re still in touch now!) but I needed to resign so I could focus on getting better.
During that time I didn’t want to just ‘stand still’ so I decided to set up my own business where I could focus on my health, valuable relationships and great service.
What drew you to a career in recruitment?
I actually ‘fell’ into recruitment, I knew I loved working with people and I’ve always been competitive. It seemed like a natural fit. And I haven’t looked back!
How come you didn’t go to university?
I didn’t go to university for many reasons but have always continued my development through reading books and blogs, online certification courses and asking others for their viewpoints and thought process.
“I am a big believer in constantly pushing yourself. In this competitive world, you need to stand out!”
What are your plans for the next five years, both career and personal?
I don’t generally make plans but do create goals for myself. This is something I do on a yearly basis.
In terms of the bigger picture for my career, I would like to be running large successful workshops for businesses who want to improve their online branding, grow Prince Associates to a team of seven and be seen as a leader in the industry.
My personal plan for the next five years is to grow my business, explore the world by travelling and complete a degree.
Tell us more about Prince Associates
Prince Associates is a bootstrap start up founded by myself and my partner. We are a digital recruitment agency that specialises in helping marketing agencies and start-ups find the right sales and marketing professionals.
We also provide lots of advice on employer branding, social recruitment and candidate attraction.
What advice would you give to other women wanting to work in recruitment?
The best thing I have mastered, and this is relevant for any person across any industry is detaching yourself from the situation.
“If you can learn to detach yourself, you can hurdle any objection or challenge in your way.”
Did you have a role model whilst growing up?
I was fortunate to have lots of role models when growing up, the biggest influence was my nan.
What’s your favourite way to wind down after a hard day at work?
Depending on the day, I finish working between 7pm – 9 pm. After the long day, I like to cook a delicious dinner or hit the gym for a spin class!
What’s the biggest challenge you face in your job and how do you overcome it?
Recruitment is a people based business, and you can’t control people. The trick is to listen to all parties and meet everyone’s expectations (this is easier said than done!)
What are the highlights of your career so far?
- Approached for a joint venture from a £90 million turnover recruitment firm
- Was hand picked for the first Hamilton Bradshaw Future Leaders Programme
- Have been nominated as one of the top 5 most engaging and influential women in recruitment by LinkedIn
- Blogs featured in Undercover Recruiter, Recruiter Buzz and UK Recruiter
If you won the jackpot playing the lottery what would you do?
- I’d buy my partner and I a house – still in Kent but probably closer to London
- Invest in a young, inspiring entrepreneur
- I’d buy my family a house and save a pot for my younger sister
- Start a charity focusing on helping the homeless and unemployed back into work
- I’d travel the world
- And…..invest further money into my business and other projects
Where in the world would you most like to visit?
Peru!
You can find Chantelle on:
[gdlr_icon type=”icon-linkedin” size=”36px” color=”#333333″] https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantellejones
[gdlr_icon type=”icon-twitter” size=”36px” color=”#333333″] @JChantelle
[gdlr_icon type=”icon-globe” size=”36px” color=”#333333″] http://www.chantellejones.com/
