Recruitment Catch Up with Kelly

Meet Kelly Hill, another of our Learner Recruitment Officers, who reveals all about her role in the department and what qualities she thinks makes the most outstanding applicants.

Kelly has been with the company for 14 years, starting out in a nursery herself before moving though the ranks and now works with the Education and Training side of the company. As well as handling recruitment from the office, Kelly is keen to get out and meet as many of the potential learners as possible to encourage their interest in a childcare career - she regularly attends careers fairs and exhibitions to help raise awareness of the opportunities we have to offer.

What is a 'typical' day like for you?

One of the most important things is to check how many applicants have applied through our website for the school leaver programme. It's important that we make contact with each individual as soon as possible with regard to their application. This could be done through email or over the phone. When contacted over the phone we go through a series of interview questions and give further details about the role that they have applied for to make sure that this is something they want to proceed with. I make sure that I check my emails so I can deal with any queries that may come in or internal & external applications and get these processed. We also receive phone queries from potential applicants asking about the role, the process and entry requirements which are only more than happy to answer.

What are your day-to-day responsibilities?

My day to day role is to ensure that all new applicants that have applied for the school leaver programme are processed and contacted within a timely manner offering them support where necessary and answering any queries they may have.

We offer training to our internal nurseries and also a wide selection of external settings for staff that want to upskill and develop their knowledge within the sector that they are based in. My role is to support each individual in securing the correct apprenticeship for them and processing their application so that they can start their journey.
 
What do you enjoy about your role?

I really enjoy helping people secure an opportunity through Busy Bees and start a career in Childcare when they have started on the school leaver programme. Giving them the support, nurturing skills and building confidence in preparation for what could be their first interview.

I have been with the company since 2006 so have seen many success stories of staff that have started as either unqualified, or a school leaver programme, progress and develop within the company with the support of the training that is offered internally.
 
What challenges do you face in your job?

One of the hardest things would be having to give a candidate the news that they weren't successful. This could be due to a high volume of strong candidates that have applied. Where possible we give information, advice and guidance and also look for other opportunities at Busy Bees settings based close by.
 
What do you look for in a potential applicant?

I always think back to when I was nursery based and what we looked for in potential staff members. You need to be enthusiastic, warm and friendly, with a passion for childcare. It's important that you research the company and the individual setting in preparation for your interview.
 
What tips would you give someone looking to apply for an apprenticeship with us?

If childcare interests you apply. A career in childcare can be hard but is also one of the most rewarding careers around and no two days are the same. If you have any queries of reservations contact a member of the team and we can discuss everything with you, no matter how big or small.
 
How do you keep in touch with every applicant, and update them of their progress from initial contact to employment?

Everyone that applies has to complete some initial questions these can be completed over the phone or by email. We use these answers to create a shortlist of applicants to be put forward for face to face nursery interviews.  Once face to face interviews have been completed we aim to get feedback within 48 hours and will then inform the applicant of the outcome either way.
 
What changes would you like to see in the recruitment process in the future?

We have many changes that are taking place and being implemented at the moment. This will help us deal with all queries more efficiently, therefore, allowing us to spend more time on the phones getting to know each applicant and giving them the support they need for the next step in their journey.