We're proud of our team. Do you want to meet them? Our 'I AM CMcN' series puts the spotlight on our team at Collins McNicholas to allow you to get to know them more. In this interview, we introduce you to Caroline Macklin, Interim Manager, People Consulting.
Q.1 What is your job title, and what do you do from day to day in your job?
My current job title is Interim Manager, People Consulting, but I’ve worn a few hats in my 12 years at Collins McNicholas! I started as a Tech Eng Recruiter based in the Athlone office and have worked as an Occupational Psychology Consultant and HR Services Manager during my time here. I focus on outplacement, assessment and training in my current role.
Q.2 Why did you get into this line of work, and what brought you to work for Collins McNicholas?
I was working for a client of Collins McNicholas in a HR grad role and nearing the end of my contract. The HR Manager there set up a meeting with Antoinette O’Flaherty, and I went to a few interviews with other client companies in Athlone and Longford until Antoinette mentioned that the Athlone office was looking for an Administrator and a Recruitment Consultant. I didn’t know much about recruitment, but I soon figured it out!
Q.3 What is your favourite thing about working at Collins McNicholas?
You can be very independent in your role at Collins McNicholas, managing your own desk and taking responsibility for reaching your targets. I enjoy this way of working and really appreciate the level of trust shown by Management.
I wanted to be a Vet for most of my childhood. We had a farm and I spent a lot of time helping out, making pets of ewes and then waving them off to the factory!
Q.4 What did you want to grow up to be as a kid?
I wanted to be a Vet for most of my childhood. We had a farm, and I spent a lot of time helping out, making pets of ewes and then waving them off to the factory! As I got older, I wanted to be a Journalist and made “radio shows” on a Dictaphone with my best friend. I’d hate to hear the content now! Unsurprisingly, Occupational Psychology didn’t feature!
Q.5 What was your funniest/weirdest job?
I worked briefly as a Speech and Drama teacher – very different to my current role!
Q.6 What part of your job do you love the most?
I really enjoy working on outplacement projects, providing support to individuals as they are faced with redundancy and rejoining the jobs market or possibly making a career change. The variety of individuals' needs makes the role really interesting – developing CVs, sourcing training courses, doing mock interviews – and helping someone move smoothly and positively through a time that could potentially be a struggle is really fulfilling.
There was a real focus on the candidate experience and employer brand so we worked closely with the client to ensure candidate expectations were met and they were given a great insight into the company’s culture.I’m looking forward to completing similar projects this graduate recruitment cycle!
Q.8 Tell us about a project you worked on that you really enjoyed.
Recently, our People Consulting team completed a graduate recruitment and selection process for a leading global beverage company. Being part of the attraction campaign, through designing bespoke assessments and putting the assessment centre day in action, was really enjoyable. There was a real focus on the candidate experience and employer brand, so we worked closely with the client to ensure candidate expectations were met and they were given a great insight into the company’s culture. I’m looking forward to completing similar projects this graduate recruitment cycle!
Q.9 What's your favourite holiday destination to date?
Ballymahon! We had a fantastic time in Center Parcs there lately and, although I still can’t believe we holidayed in Longford, it was the most relaxing enjoyable holiday we’ve had.
Q.9 What was the last film you watched and/or book you read?
I went with a group of my friends to see Barbie – it was all we dreamed it would be and more!
If you're interested in working with Collins McNicholas, looking for a career in People Consulting like Caroline, or you might be interested in working with Caroline and the team on an upcoming project, then visit one of the links below. Feel free to contact your nearest office if you want to find out more.
Caroline Macklin
Interim Manager, People Consulting Team
caroline.macklin@collinsmcnicholas.ie
