STAFF PROFILE
JENNI NELSON – Recruitment Manager
“Never be afraid to follow up on your application. I like proactive candidates who demonstrate their enthusiasm for the role. Also, be aware that you are being assessed throughout the recruitment process, not just during interviews.”
What is your background? How did you get into IT?
I had many part time jobs during university, but my first real job was as a Resume Writer for a recruitment agency. I helped candidates rewrite their resumes to best highlight their strengths and skill sets.
We specialised in IT Recruitment and I progressed to become a Recruitment Consultant. Since then I have held other recruitment roles and it has almost always been IT related. I enjoy talking with people and making sure we attract candidates who are the best fit not just technically, but also culturally.
What is the most challenging aspect of your role?
We cannot hire everyone who applies for a role. An everyday aspect of my role is telling someone they have not been successful. It isn’t really challenging, but there are times when I really feel for the person, particularly when it has been a close call between two candidates.
I do keep record of such candidates and always go back to them if some other opportunity opens up in the future.
What characteristic or trait do you most admire in your colleagues?
The culture we have here at blueAPACHE is one of ‘roll up your sleeves and get on with it’. People usually go above and beyond what their role requires and it is great to work with such passionate people. We have a lot of really smart, committed people who are also fun to work with.
What advice do you have for prospective blueAPACHE candidates?
Don’t be afraid to follow up your application. I work part-time and am not always able to get through everything during the week. I like proactive candidates who demonstrate their enthusiasm for the role. It sets you apart from others and I always make time to speak with you.
Also, be aware that you are being assessed throughout the recruitment process, not just during interviews. It is important to be on time, return phone calls and maintain a professional conduct throughout the process.
Tell us a little about your family.
I’m married with two teenage daughters. We also have two cocker spaniels (Lenny and Milo) and two pet rats (Marcel and Louis). The rats were for my daughter, but she has lost interest. So I look after them and yes, they smell.
What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
I knit, sew, crochet, embroider, bead – pretty much anything to do with yarn and fabric. At the moment I am in a knitting frenzy. I just finished a cashmere scarf which is one of the most beautiful things I have made. The yarn is just so luxurious. I am also finishing a jumper.
What are your best and / or worst attributes?
My best attribute is also my worst – I always speak my mind.
Sometimes this can be really good because people know exactly where I stand on issues. But other times, I think I could be a little more diplomatic in my approach.
What was the last book you read?
I’ve been reading my daughter’s year 12 English books. The most recent one was Stasiland by Anna Funder.
Funder tells true stories of how people lived under the oppressive East German regime before the wall came down. The ‘stasi’ or secret police completely infiltrated every aspect of people’s lives, by monitoring all communication and activities, even personal relationships.
My daughter was very happy that I read it because it meant I could answer all her homework questions for her. She hadn’t read it when the assignment was due (sigh!).
Fill in the blank: If you really knew me, you’d know_____
That I can sing. I am a high soprano, and I love to sing harmonies.
To discuss your suitability for roles within blueAPACHE, Jenni can be reached through our Melbourne office.