In honour of International Women’s Day, this article highlights the female recruiters of BWP and their invaluable contributions to the company. Through their hard work and dedication, they have overcome challenges and achieved success in the competitive world of recruitment. From sharing their personal stories to offering advice for women just starting in the industry, these trailblazers provide insight into their experiences and offer inspiration to others. Join us as we celebrate their achievements and recognise the importance of empowering women in the workplace.
Who is the woman that has inspired you the most?
Florence: I find inspiration in the women around me, including those who are in the public eye, those who have passed away, my friends, family, and colleagues.
At the moment, I am particularly moved by the courageous women who are driving significant social changes in their nation. They are fearlessly advocating for their rights and taking bold steps toward achieving equality.
Jenny: Florence Nagy. Over the years, I have learned so much from her. She has taught me to be self-reliant, trust myself, and support other women on the team. She has also shown me what true friendship and leadership look like.
Sarah: I would have to say that my younger sister has been a tremendous source of inspiration for me. Despite her youth, she exudes a level of wisdom and dedication that I find remarkable. Having lived in both Paris and Chicago before the age of 21, she has a worldly perspective that informs her approach to life. Her unwavering commitment to her studies and pursuits motivates me to strive for excellence in all aspects of my own life.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you, and how do you celebrate it?
Florence: International Women’s Day holds a deep significance for me as it represents the progress and growth of women’s empowerment on a global scale. It is a day to recognise the achievements of women, acknowledge the challenges they have faced, and celebrate their contributions to society.
Jenny: International Women’s Day brings back memories of my mom and grandma who used to celebrate it. It serves as a mental reminder of women’s importance and growing significance in society. I use this day to reflect on and have more respect for the incredible women in my life who have inspired me.
Sarah: To me, International Women’s Day represents an important occasion to acknowledge the remarkable achievements of women around the world in breaking barriers and striving for gender equality. I typically observe this day by reading about inspiring women who have made significant contributions to society, as well as by expressing gratitude to the women in my life who have supported me throughout my journey, such as my friends and family.
How has your journey with BWP been so far, and what has been your proudest moment?
Florence: I have been a part of BWP for over eight years now, and it has been a fulfilling journey so far. The fact that I have been associated with the company for such a long time is a testament to my belief in our brand, our values, and the way we do business.
My proudest moment with BWP was during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic when we took over the company. Despite the unprecedented circumstances, we managed to steer the ship in the right direction and achieved significant success in the years that followed. It was a moment that truly highlighted our team’s resilience, determination, and ability to adapt to change while continuing to deliver exceptional results.
Jenny: I have been with BWP for over 18 months now, and it has flown by. I still consider myself to be on a learning journey. My proudest moment so far has been having the confidence to place a very strategic role for our biggest client in the real estate sector, which also happened to be my quickest placement with the biggest fee.
Sarah: Although I am a recent addition to the BWP team, I have had an incredibly positive experience thus far. The team has been exceptionally supportive and has made the transition a smooth and enjoyable one. My proudest moment to date has been assisting candidates in finding roles that not only match their experience but also align with their goals and aspirations. It is incredibly fulfilling to be a part of helping individuals advance their careers and achieve their professional objectives.
What motivated you to become a recruiter, and how did you get started in this field?
Florence: I began my journey in recruitment through work experience after completing university. Working alongside inspiring individuals with similar mindsets encouraged me to continue in this industry. I love working with diverse people daily, helping candidates advance their careers, and making a positive impact on our client projects.
Jenny: My background in real estate sales provided me with the ability to listen and emphasise the small details of what is important to people. I wanted to explore that further, which led me to become a recruiter. I knew Florence before I joined, and I knew my real estate background could be of added value to her real estate team.
Sarah: My interest in recruitment was piqued by my enjoyment of interacting with new individuals and my belief that each conversation presents an opportunity to learn something new. Helping people secure job opportunities that are well-suited to their skills and aspirations is highly rewarding to me. While I am new to the recruitment team at BWP, I have a solid background in sales that shares some similarities with recruitment in terms of skill sets.
In your experience, what unique challenges do women face when applying for jobs, and how can these be addressed?
Florence: Although some industries and roles still carry stigmas for women, I have also observed positive changes in companies actively seeking diversity and equality by appointing female leaders. It is important for women to not be hindered by these stigmas and pursue their aspirations.
Jenny: Women often face the challenge of juggling multiple priorities, and it can be challenging to let go of the guilt associated with not being able to do everything. As a result, they may struggle with facing rejection, feeling underskilled, or being perceived as too soft. Additionally, when a woman has a family, people may assume that she has other priorities. To address these challenges, it is important for women to be honest and avoid over-promising. It is crucial for women not to let others’ judgments affect them or make them feel guilty for prioritising their family responsibilities.
As a woman in real estate sales in London, I was often the only female in a room of 30 men. However, I did not let assumptions about gender and age hold me back and quickly became the top salesperson, winning awards and incentives. It is crucial to eliminate assumptions and biases that may hold women back from applying and excelling in their chosen fields.
Sarah: From my experience, women can encounter obstacles in the recruitment process due to potential conflicts like maternity leave or childcare requirements. Unfortunately, some employers may view these as drawbacks and limit opportunities for women. A possible solution would be for employers to adopt a more compassionate attitude and consider women’s current circumstances when assessing their job applications, prioritising skills over potential future requirements.
What advice would you give to women just starting their careers in the recruitment industry?
Florence: My advice to anyone starting in recruitment would be to work hard, maintain high ethical standards, and most importantly, stay true to yourself.
Jenny: My advice would be to remain patient, keep an open mind to learning and feedback, and most importantly, have confidence in yourself. Remember that you are on equal footing with men and possess just as much to offer. Continue to work hard to enhance your skills and knowledge, and never lose sight of your aspirations.
Sarah: My advice would be to utilise questioning as much as possible. Asking questions will aid in gaining insights into the roles and sectors you are recruiting for, as well as provide an opportunity to establish a strong rapport with candidates and clients.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we want to acknowledge and celebrate the incredible women of BWP. From the dedicated recruiters Florence, Jenny, and Sarah, who positively impact lives every day, to Yehani, who leads our business support activities behind the scenes, these trailblazers inspire and empower us all. Their hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence serve as a testament to the power of equal opportunities. We are honoured to recognise the women of BWP and all the women globally making a positive impact in their industries and communities.