Testimonial

An interview with a Partner from a major UK firm who we recently placed with one of our long standing clients:

What was your situation when you first came into contact with Jepson Holt?

I had been at my firm for a very long time. I was looking round for something that would be different and I saw this opportunity on totally legal.

I think because I had been in my current situation so long, and was working at a very large firm, I felt I wanted to do something at a smaller firm, with more direct involvement in terms of strategy and the future of the firm. It was the direct involvement that I was looking for, really.

What challenges were associated with embarking on a move?

The fact that I had in mind that I wanted to move to a smaller firm meant that I wasn’t expecting to take a load of clients with me, which can affect your marketability. I wasn’t desperate to move. I was keen to find something different, something to take me forward in my career, but I was really looking for the right opportunity. I wanted to pursue an actual role rather than call an agent and have my CV touted about.

How did you find working with Jepson Holt?

Absolutely great. I dealt mainly with Phil, even in setting up meetings and smaller details. My initial call was with David Jepson, and he was very helpful in getting back to me quickly. I was quite impressed when Phil phoned back as they’d obviously looked me up and found out about me.

It was a really personal service. We’d had quite a long face to face meeting initially, so I felt that when Phil was speaking about me [to a firm], he’d have quite a good measure of me. It’s a long time since I’ve had any kind of interview so rather than me thinking ‘Oh, I hope that went well’, he’d always get back to me quickly with feedback. He’d always keep me updated and up to speed. He knew what he was doing, and he knew the firm I was going to very well. He was really nice to deal, and very professional.  I don’t think he could have been better.

What was your previous experience of recruiters and recruitment?

I did contact other recruiters where there were opportunities. What I really did with them was pursued an opportunity and then ruled it out. Because I didn’t want my CV put about there was no real follow up, but I don’t think there needed to be. Phil was the person who ‘got’ me the most and understood my position. He said if this particular opportunity didn’t work out, there would be others – and I was happy to work on that with him.

How were we different?

It was the time spent to assist me through the process. After 3 meetings with the firm, I’d had 2 with Phil, and he would call me quite late in the evening just to let me know he’d had some feedback from someone at the firm. He was very mindful of the insecurities you have going through this process. He knew it can be awful waiting [to hear something], even if you know it’s gone well. It’s very personal and it felt as though Phil could put himself in my shoes and understand my situation. That was what made the difference. It was a great service and I was really looked after.

How did you find the process?

It was smooth. Phil knew the places that were good to meet at, so that you wouldn’t bump into a whole host of people that you work with. I worked open plan and there were limitations on the conversations I could have, so working round that with out of hours calls, texts and emails worked well for me.

I would certainly recommend the firm, absolutely without hesitation. I’d use them as a recruiter, and I’d recommend them to someone who was being recruited. I would be happy knowing that Jepson Holt wouldn’t put forward the wrong person just to get the numbers up.

Sum up Jepson Holt in three words…

Professional, personable, successful.