We’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and positive workplace. Our teams are reflective of the communities in which we operate, and we value the unique contribution each member makes to PERSOLKELLY.
Clint Dixon is our Recruitment Consultant, based in Western Australia. This is his story.
What has been your path to PERSOLKELLY?
I know it’s such a cliché, but I sort of became a recruiter by chance, and was not something I intended to do as a career. I completed a degree in Commerce (HR Management) from Murdoch University, and my intention had originally been to build a career in HR. After taking some time to travel abroad and then some other corporate work, I was offered a role working for an ASX listed recruitment company in Perth. At the time, I saw working in recruitment as a good foot in the door to a career into a more broader HR role. However, when I started in recruitment, something unexpected happened – I really enjoyed it! No one day was the same. Every day you meet new people, visit new companies, and help people with their careers. To this day, I still get a massive rush when I tell someone they have been successful for a role.
How long have you worked in the recruitment industry and why?
I’ve worked in the recruitment industry in WA since 2008, in white-collar recruitment for Western Australia’s utilities, government and private sectors. Working in recruitment has given me so many things in life that I am very thankful for. I have been able to meet so many great people over the years. People who started out as colleagues, managers, clients and candidates are now lifelong friends.
What roles have you held at PERSOLKELLY?
I work for PERSOLKELLY’S Burswood offices in WA, as a Recruitment Consultant with our STEM team, focusing on Engineering and Technical staff placements. I recruit for a variety of industries, such as the mining sector, private sector, government and utilities.
Did you learn different skills?
Yes, absolutely. Although I already came from a recruitment background prior to joining PERSOLKELLY, I am still learning new skills all the time. When I first started, I went through a thorough learning and development program that all new hires are given. I also started recruiting for companies I’d never worked with before and learnt about what they do, their hiring processes and what sort of staff they need.
I have also been given the opportunity to recruit internally, for our partner company Programmed. I’d never done “internal” recruitment before, and I found that really satisfying.
Biggest lessons learnt in your career?
I think the biggest lesson is not to worry about things that you can’t control. Working in recruitment, you can be extremely thorough in your approach and in your processes, you can tick every box, and do everything right. And sometimes, you still won’t get the outcome you want, because you are dealing with people, and not a product.
Best advice you were given?
I’ve received some great advice over my career. From colleagues and from managers. The ones that stick out are all customer service focused. “Treat people as you want to be treated”. “For a candidate, no news is news”. “Make sure you are giving the client an update, before they come to you for an update”. These all seem like obvious things to remember but are all so important in being successful as a recruiter.
Why do you love working at PERSOLKELLY?
Honestly, there are many reasons. The opportunity to supply staff to some of the biggest companies within Western Australia. The opportunity to recruit for our partner company, Programmed. The extensive training, learning and development offered. I love that PERSOLKELLY and our partner, Programmed, sponsor the Fremantle Dockers and the Western Force, and I’ve been able to attend matches with our clients in our corporate box.
Most of all though, I love the people here. Everyone gets along, works cohesively, is helpful, and works together as a team in order to succeed. I love that everyone comes from different backgrounds, experiences and interests. One day you can be talking to your colleagues about your favourite sports team (Collingwood!), the next day what music you’re listening to, and the next day what restaurants you are hitting up on the weekend. Everyone’s opinion is valued and respected.
Why others will love working with us?
You will love it here too! The first thing you’ll notice is how welcoming everyone is. It may come as a surprise, given I had worked in recruitment for 12 years already, seeing people secure new jobs on a daily basis, but I was actually incredibly nervous starting a new job myself! I was made to feel really welcome, had one on one meetings with all new colleagues and management to get to know them, and was fully supported, to make sure I settled in really well. And I wasn’t alone – everyone who has started since has been treated the same, and you will be too. Working here, you’ll feel respected, supported and professionally challenged, by both your colleagues and management, and you’ll want to stay too.
Oh, and you’ll love our “Friday spritz” – where we take it in turns preparing food for the team. Think your family Sunday dinners, PERSOLKELLY style.
Why do you love working in the recruitment industry?
I still love helping people with their careers, and helping organisations find the best staff. For me, I find it incredibly satisfying seeing people you have placed into jobs grow their careers. There’s often occasions where people you have placed into jobs become hiring managers themselves and will come back to you to find staff for their team.
What you love about our offices?
Our location in Burswood, WA, is great. 10 minutes to the city centre, without the hassle of driving into the city every day. Free parking within 5 minutes of our office. A bus service that stops right near the office. Right near some awesome coffee shops and restaurants in Burswood and Vic Park. One of my favourite things is that we are walking distance to the Perth Stadium, so I’ll walk during my lunch break along the river and around the Stadium.
How do you feel PERSOLKELLY provides you with flexibility and work/life balance.
I think PERSOLKELLY recognises that we all have lives outside of work. For me, the most important thing in life is my family, and being there to see my kids grow up. That means attending school assemblies, doing school pick ups from time to time, and occasionally working from home if the kids have a day off. PERSOLKELLY is fully supportive of this. I feel like I am able to be there for my family, and that is so important to me.
We’re always on the hunt for great people to join our team. If you’re confident and caring, proactive and passionate, smart and resourceful, and want to kick-start or continue your career in helping others achieve their career goals, then we’d love to hear from you.
To register your interest in a future with PERSOLKELLY, visit our careers page.
