In the five years that Chris Manlow has worked at Emerald Group, his approach to recruitment has made him indispensable for candidates, clients and colleagues. Working within the Life Actuarial team, he helps candidates make their next move, filling roles for life and pensions actuarial clients. We spoke to Chris about the skills and experience he brings to his work, and what drives him every day.
Chris, how did you get started in recruitment?
To be honest, when I started my working life, I was following a very different path. I studied forensic science, and was set on making that my career. The day-to-day reality was quite different from what I was expecting, though. I was progressing well but found the initial career stages of working in a laboratory far too predictable and not very fulfilling. I started to think about what else I could do and was inspired by a close friend who had just started working in recruitment. They loved it and thought I would too. I applied to Emerald Group and a whole new world opened up.
Forensic science to recruitment: that sounds like a huge change?
Definitely: it couldn’t be more different to where I started and it’s turned out to be exactly what I needed. I am very driven to keep growing my skills and I want to work in a stimulating environment. Actuarial recruitment at Emerald Group gives me that – it’s a challenging job to do, but as I’ve gained experience, I’ve found that I can do it my way and that’s very satisfying.
What does that mean when you’re working with candidates?
Honestly, I’m just myself. I’m definitely a people person, and I enjoy the conversations I have with candidates. I ask lots of questions and listen carefully to what people want and what they don’t want. Forensic science is all about being analytical, taking lots of information and thinking things through before you draw conclusions. Perhaps I’m bringing this to my recruitment work. I love the challenge of joining the dots between what people say they are looking for, the roles that are available and the companies that I know that will suit specific candidates. When you understand the full picture, things really come together to find the best role for each person.
What skills do you bring to your work with clients?
I’m very business-oriented, so I pay close attention to what my clients are looking for. I also have a very good memory and I can quickly recall details about candidates, which really helps when it comes to finding the right person for a role.
I can be very targeted when finding candidates that fit the requirements of a specific job, but I’m also able to spot people that I know will be an incredible match, even if they don’t quite tick all the boxes yet. Having a constructive and professional relationship with clients means that they will listen when I talk to them about a candidate that I feel they should meet. Knowing both sides really well can result in some exceptional placements.
What has been your biggest success at Emerald Group so far?
Can I have more than one?! I am genuinely thrilled every single time a candidate or a client gives me good feedback. It’s important to me that everyone has a good experience of the whole recruitment process, not just the job at the end, and when a client is pleased with the work I’ve done, or a candidate recommends me, I know I’m doing something right.
On a personal level, I had a goal to reach the level of Business Manager at Emerald Group. I’m really proud to have achieved this, and to know that my work with clients and candidates has been recognised by my colleagues.
What do you enjoy most about your current role?
Joining Emerald Group has been life changing. It’s given me the chance to progress in a career that I enjoy, with financial and personal stability. I’m constantly enthused by the role that I do. Every day is different mix of problem solving and dealing with the unexpected, spurred on by a little competitive interaction with my colleagues!
One last question, Chris – what do you want your colleagues to say about you when you’re not in the room?
That I’m a brilliant recruitment consultant, of course…either that, or how amazing I am at table tennis!
Emerald Group recruitment consultants use their marketing knowledge and experience to place the right candidates in the best roles. If you’re looking for a new job, a new team member or even a career in recruitment, Emerald Group can help. For the best recruitment solutions in the actuarial and financial services sectors, call us on +44 (0)207 283 2520.
The Emerald Group
Celebrating 25 Years of Industry Leading Recruitment Expertise
for the Actuarial and Financial Services Sector