Spotlight on Lindsay Mitchell as she reaches landmark work anniversary

Lindsay Mitchell is this month celebrating 10 years since she struck out alone, ultimately becoming a Director of Xpert Recruitment in 2017.

During those years, and in her previous jobs in recruitment, Lindsay has helped hundreds of people to find new job opportunities. She now has responsibility for the seven-strong team at Xpert Recruitment.

The company, based at Trent House, Fenton, works across all commercial and industrial sectors.

To mark a decade of self-employment, Lindsay is sharing insight in how she’s survived and thrived in business.

Know your subject

I started as an apprentice, studying business administration while working with a recruitment company in Stoke-on-Trent. The term lifelong education is apt, we are all always learning, and being in recruitment, it’s important to review and update your CV, regularly adding knowledge, experience, continued learning, and expertise to your CV.

The world of business and recruitment is constantly evolving & so are Xpert. We have a real passion for people and are proud to be growing our own talent. We took on our first apprentice Chloe Clewlow earlier this year and we have plans to add to this next year across our divisions.

Be yourself

We’re all different and that affects the way you do business. Be honest, transparent, and true to yourself.

Forge partnerships

At Xpert, we have worked hard to ensure we partner with the right people. The city of Stoke-on-Trent has a Latin motto which translates to united strength is stronger, a wise maxim to follow. As a company, we choose to partner with a select groupof companies. The goal is always to become an extension of their team, working closely with staff members responsible for HR and recruitment.

We know where and when they need staff and can be proactive, matching the right recruit to the right opportunity. To use an analogy we are all too familiar with, it’s not just about filling potholes.

Respect the individual

Over many years, in the private sector, and as a former employment broker at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, I’ve been able to help many people who perhaps don’t realise they have the transferable skills to move forward.

Their CVs often don’t reflect their full worth and show how their previous experiences can support them into a job in a sector they haven’t worked in previously. We all have transferable skills, but it can sometimes be hard to see that for ourselves.

At Xpert, before we put anyone forward for an interview, we work with them. This can include interview skills, freshening up CVs, and generally helping people to present themselves.

That doesn’t stop when a candidate gets a job, we will work to ensure a smooth transition into a new role.

Network

Since leaving the city council a decade ago, I have cultivated a strong network. We all need people to bounce ideas off, question us, and champion our efforts.

Bring your personality to work

People really do buy from people. For example, having a rugby mad son, I have spent a lot of time standing on the sidelines in muddy fields and that led me to become Chair of the Minis and Juniors at Longton Rugby Club.  Alex, my husband and business partner,  also works hard for the rugby club and has a passion for taking the sport into local schools, working with PE teachers.

We have a family dog, and we love our holidays.

All these things define us as much as work .

And finally

When asked what makes Xpert different, Lindsay said: ”We have an experienced team, for example, Shellie Phillips, our branch manager, has over 17 years in recruitment and I have 27 years.  But the one thing I have built Xpert on is that it’s all about people, not about targets.  We don’t try to win business at all costs and recognise that not every business is right for us to work with.

If we can’t help someone looking for that particular job they want, we will always do our best to try to signpost them to someone who can.