Zac joined the Syntech family as a Trainee Recruitment Consultant in June 2019. Having previously worked in kitchens as a chef, he has taken to recruitment like a duck to water – or a candidate to a job! We sat down with him for a cup of tea (milk, no sugar for Zac) and a chat to see how our bright eyed, bushy tailed newbie is getting on.
How have you found your first few months here at Syntech? Any surprises?
It has been an interesting and steep learning curve. Getting used to an office environment is completely new to me but I’ve enjoyed not having to get up at 5am anymore! It’s been a roller coaster but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Have you found that there are transferable skills from your previous culinary experience into your new role?
Yes, for sure! Particularly with regards to targets. In the kitchen, if you have to cook dinner for sixty people you just have to do it! And it’s the same if a client calls late on a Friday wanting two temps to start on Monday- you just knuckle down and get it done. The long hours in the kitchen have prepared me for the sometimes unpredictable hours in recruitment too.
What do you find the most challenging aspect of your role?
This was a totally foreign industry to me so it’s been quite tough learning the details about all the roles that we recruit for. Also learning and understanding each of our clients’ individual needs. I want to be thorough.
How would you like to see your career develop at Syntech?
I want to get my head down and become the best that I can be. I’d like to work my way up the career ladder. There’s plenty of room for growth and potential within the company, I just have to work hard.
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of making a career change?
Do it! Just do it! It will seem daunting at first but if it’s what you really want to do, just stick to your guns and give it a go. The worst that can happen is that it goes wrong. You can always go back to what you did before.
What has been your Syntech highlight so far?
I placed three candidates in their perfect roles, my probation was signed off early and I had a change in job title all in one week! It really felt like all of my hard work came to fruition that week. I was elated. But I also know that this is only the beginning of all the hard work yet to come!
And just for fun….
When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A pilot. But I have bad eyesight and I’m not good at maths!
What is your “speciality” dish that you enjoy making?
Steak. With tenderstem broccoli and I actually like mashed potato with my steak. And either a peppercorn or béarnaise sauce.
What is your pet hate?
People who are impolite. It’s not hard to say please or thank you.
Would you rather be stranded in the jungle or in the dessert?
Jungle.
How would you like to be remembered?
As someone who put 100% into everything they did. Someone who is fun but also knows when to be serious. And I also want a brass statue of me in Camberley town centre. I don’t know what I’d be wearing yet… But I would like a statue.
A note from the MD: Zac has quickly made himself a highly valued member of our recruiting team and has adapted to life in recruitment exceptionally well. We look forward to his continued development and journey. Great job Zac!
