Debbie - the Age-friendly Recruiter
Debbie
Current role: Clinical Delivery Manager - Clinical Recruitment
Age at time of interview: 58
Length of time at IAS: 10 years
Debbie’s not afraid of change and she’s all for mature workers adopting her ‘glass half full’ approach. Having left a successful retail career at the age of 36 to retrain as a nurse, she knows how rewarding a bold move can be. Now, in her recruitment role, she encourages others to do work they enjoy.
IAS is a great place to work, with wonderful, supportive colleagues. I love the buzz of the recruitment process, especially when I see successful candidates being taken on and progressing through the company.
In my current job, I look after the governance and quality side of our recruitment process, ensuring candidates meet our minimum criteria and that they have all the necessary qualifications and experience. I review the quality of their applications and give feedback on their potential future training needs. I also oversee the quality of interviewers, ensuring governance around the whole recruitment process.
Fulfilling a life-long ambition
I originally started off in retail, working for Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury’s and large department stores, but decided to change direction at the age of 36 when my children hit their teenage years.
I qualified as a nurse in 2000, which was something I’d always wanted to do. I worked on a cardiology/respiratory/general medical ward for six years, then decided to diversify into nursing recruitment.
About 10 years ago, I joined Atos, came to work for IAS and have been here ever since.
Getting mature workers on board
I really appreciate the way that IAS is so open to employing mature workers. The organisation acknowledges that people over the age of 45 bring a wealth of experience and clinical knowledge to the workplace. They also often have greater resilience, which is vital in many lines of work, including ours.
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The challenges of job hunting at 45+
There’s no doubt that age discrimination is still a problem for many mature workers who are looking for employment. They might find that their IT skills need to be updated and they may lack confidence in their ability to come across confidently in an interview situation. When people have been in the same job for a while and suddenly have to change, the interview process can be intimidating.
Be bold and search out work you love
Despite these challenges, I think it’s important to be bold, accept challenges and aim to do work that you love. Sometimes you need to get out of your comfort zone and be open to doing something different. When I went back to study nursing at the age of 36, it was a big step, but it’s worked out really well for me and has led to a whole new career.
I always tell people to go for it and not to let age be a barrier. You don’t know what you can do until you try.
What we’re looking for
In my particular area at IAS, we’re looking for people who have two years’ broad-based nursing experience, good communication skills and basic IT skills. It’s important to be able to take feedback and de-escalate a situation, to be resilient and to apply critical reasoning.
How we support mature employees
IAS is very fair in the way it encourages development across the board, no matter the age of the employee. We offer a good, supportive atmosphere and an excellent work/life balance. Plus, when people join us, we provide help with IT skills and access to online learning.
A future in steampunk crafts and cruises
In 10 years’ time, I hope I’ll still be working at IAS and enjoying my role.
I’d also like to develop my craft business. In my spare time, I design and make craft items with a steampunk theme and sell my creations in shops and at craft fairs. Plus, I’d love to travel the world and go on lots more cruises!
What's Great About IAS?
We welcome the experience that comes with age
As an age-friendly organisation, IAS acknowledges the fact that the older generation have a lot of experience that they can bring to their roles. It might be working skills they’ve gathered over the years or life skills in dealing with challenging situations. All those kinds of skills are really useful in our work here, and they’re hugely valued by everyone here at IAS.
We support work/life balance
IAS offers its employees a very good work/life balance. We work Mondays to Fridays and there’s no shift work, which helps people who have caring responsibilities. This is a benefit for the many mature workers who spend time looking after grandchildren or caring for elderly parents.
We offer variety
When you work at IAS, there’s constant variety. You never stand still and you’re always learning. There’s always a new challenge on the horizon, new training and development on offer, or new opportunities opening up. All you have to do is say yes.
“Go for it. You don’t know what you can do until you try - and don’t let age be a barrier”
Debbie
Clinical Delivery Manager - Clinical Recruitment, IAS
Debbie's career journey
Debbie's advice to others
Never stop learning!
It’s very important for mature workers to keep on learning. We work in a very fast-paced environment in IAS, so people need to keep on top of their clinical skills and related areas, because that’s what makes a good healthcare professional.
Resilience is crucial
At IAS, we need people with really good clinical experience. However, we also need people who are resilient and can cope with setbacks and challenges. If you combine the two – clinical experience and resilience – you should definitely apply!
Be open-minded
Mature workers may need to adjust their expectations when they’re applying for a new role. Things may have changed considerably since the last time they applied for a job, from the interview process to the perks (e.g. flexible working). I suggest being open-minded in your job search. You might end up surprising yourself and finding that you’re capable of more than you’d previously thought possible.
Producing arts and crafts, especially steampunk items which are sold in shops around the UK.
Just one of Debbie’s interests and side hustles