At Shortlist, we love building and growing our team as much as we love building yours. In this edition of our Shortlister Spotlight series, (a Q&A series to get to know more of our team members), meet Grace Wanjiru, Recruitment Associate at Shortlist. She has recently made a career transition from being a customer service professional to becoming a stellar recruiter in our global recruitment team.
1. Tell us about what you do at Shortlist
I am a Recruitment Associate in our global recruitment team. My role entails recruiting entry-level candidates for the Off-Grid Talent initiative program.
2. You joined Shortlist as an Intern and have since transitioned into roles within different functions (customer service and now recruitment) What advice would you give to someone looking to transition into a different career path? What should they be on the lookout for and how can they ensure they make a successful transition?
My advice would be: be curious and open to learning what other colleagues do.
Take any opportunity to volunteer and sharpen your skills while at it. The challenges that come with volunteering or learning a new skill will always make you a better version of yourself and would definitely help with a successful transition.
3. For entry-level professionals looking to get ahead of their careers, what’s one takeaway you have learnt that you can share with them?
Take any opportunities that you have/get and use them until you get to where you want. Always raise your hand when in doubt, be curious and always affirm yourself it is all worth it.
4. How has your transition across different roles been like for you? What has been different across the different roles you have held?
My transition has been adventure-filled with many opportunities to learn. I joined Shortlist without a recruitment background but I was curious to learn what happens at the back end as I was always on the candidate side applying for roles. As an intern, I built my communication skills and had to adapt to being in a fast-paced environment. After a few months, I was confirmed to join the team and had to own my tasks fully. A year and a half down the line, I joined the recruitment team. This was a major shift from my previous role. I had to stretch my imagination and I am now growing my project management skills. It definitely has not been easy but it has been worth it. I am a great believer that life is about expansion and not creating many stumbling blocks; you just have to keep moving forward.
5. What is your professional background, and what were you looking for in your next career step when you found Shortlist?
I studied International Business Administration and started off in administrative volunteer roles. When I found Shortlist, I was eagerly looking for a new challenge and it was exactly what I got. I am very excited and honoured to be part of such a dynamic team.
6. What’s your professional superpower?
Empathy – I was a candidate before joining Shortlist so I know what it’s like to apply for jobs on the platform. Keeping this in mind helps me put myself in a candidate’s shoes when helping them go through the application process.
7. What keeps you motivated and focused on most days both professionally and personally?
Operating from a place of purpose, whereby I utilize what I have and where I am in life.
8. What’s your favourite Shortlist value and why?
Own it – Being part of a talented team, I am motivated to be the best I can and deliver the best results.
9. What are three words or phrases you would use to describe team Shortlist?
Talented, happy to help and dedicated.
10. Why is the Shortlist mission important to you and what makes Shortlist different from other organizations?
We are a team of driven individuals offering high-quality standards in every project we do. With that in mind, I always strive to offer my best to maintain the Shortlist quality standards.
11. If you had to eat one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Chicken.
12. Career transitions aside, when you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A dentist
13. If you were to swap places with one person for a day, who would it be and why?
It would have definitely been Mother Teresa – I always look out for opportunities for giving and serving people as much as I can.
14. Best career lesson/advice you’ve received/ learnt so far?
- Be courageous enough to take all opportunities that come your way.
- Have a purpose and let it give you direction to your goals.
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Stay tuned for our next Shortlister spotlight feature to read more about the amazing team at Shortlist. Join the Shortlist community to stay up to date with opportunities available, within Shortlist as well as our partner organizations.
Have you had the opportunity to take on a role outside your field of study? Please share some of your key learnings with us in the comment section.
If you’re in the process of building your team, talk to us about your requirements for a tailored recruitment solution to suit your business needs.
