Celebrating 1 Year with Alice Connors!
This month, we’re delighted to celebrate Alice Connors, HR Recruitment Consultant, as she marks her one-year anniversary with us here at Ashley Kate. Over the past 12 months, Alice has built strong relationships with HR professionals and employers alike, taking the time to understand what matters most to each individual and helping create successful, long-term matches. Her approachable nature, commitment to delivering an exceptional recruitment experience, and passion for supporting careers have made her a valued member of the team.
To celebrate this milestone, we caught up with Alice to reflect on her first year, the experiences that have shaped her journey, and what she’s looking forward to as she continues to grow her career with Ashley Kate.
Looking back on your first year, what moment has given you the greatest sense of achievement?
Looking back on my first year, one of my biggest achievements was joining the HR team and hitting my six-month target within my first three months at Ashley Kate HR. It was a busy and fast-paced period, but I had the opportunity to build relationships with new clients and successfully place some fantastic candidates. Seeing those placements come together and making an impact so early on gave me a real sense of achievement.
The HR profession continues to evolve. What trends have you noticed first-hand, and how have they influenced the conversations you’re having with clients and candidates?
One of the biggest changes I’ve noticed is that conversations have become much more focused on long-term fit rather than just filling a vacancy. Clients are looking for adaptable people who can grow with the business, while candidates are placing more importance on flexibility, culture, and career development
How do you think you’ve made a positive impact on the people and businesses you’ve worked with over the past 12 months?
Over the past 12 months, I’ve received some really positive feedback from both clients and candidates, which is always appreciated and gives me a boost on the tougher days.
I think being personable and taking the time to understand both my clients’ needs and candidates’ goals has had the biggest impact. I enjoy getting a clear understanding of a brief and presenting candidates who not only have the right skills but are also a good fit for the team and business.
What’s one piece of advice you’ve found yourself giving to HR professionals regularly this year?
The advice I give most often varies depending on the person and the role, but I particularly enjoy supporting candidates who are stepping into a more progressive role. Sometimes they don’t fully recognise their own skills or the value they can bring, so it’s about giving them the confidence to back themselves. It’s always really rewarding to help someone see their potential and support them through that next step in their career.
As you head into year two, what opportunities in the HR recruitment market are you most excited about?
As I head into year two, I’m excited to continue building strong relationships with both clients and candidates and becoming even more involved in supporting businesses as they grow. The HR market is constantly evolving, and I enjoy partnering with organisations to find the right people while helping candidates take the next step in their careers. Seeing those successful matches and long-term outcomes is what I find most rewarding.
Congratulations to Alice on reaching her one-year anniversary with us. Her dedication to supporting clients and candidates, combined with her enthusiasm for learning and developing within the HR recruitment sector, has made a positive impact throughout her first year. We’re proud to have Alice as part of the team and look forward to seeing her continue to build strong partnerships and achieve even more in the years ahead.
