In this spotlight, we're delighted to introduce Joanne, a dedicated and dynamic member of our team with over 18 years’ experience in recruitment. With a career journey that spans from Graduate Recruitment Consultant to Recruitment Manager, Joanne has played an instrumental role in establishing our Dublin office and shaping the vibrant culture at Matrix. Join us as we explore Joanne’s career background, daily role, passions outside of work, and insights into what it takes to succeed in recruitment.
1. What is your background?
I hold a Joint Honours Degree in International Business with French and Spanish from DCU and a Master’s in Business in Management and Organisation Studies from UCD Smurfit School of Business. I joined Matrix as a Graduate Recruitment Consultant in 2006, specialising in Engineering and Quality/Lab Recruitment, and progressed from there to establish our Dublin operation in 2013. My current role as Recruitment Manager is a strategic one, and I focus on managing multiple projects, as well as being responsible for business development, executive-level recruitment, and training and development.
2. Can you describe your current role – what’s your typical day-to-day?
My day-to-day role is very busy, with lots of meetings, both virtual and in-person, as I collaborate with various stakeholders on different projects across the business. To keep on top of the various projects, my role also involves a lot of planning and organising. Recruitment as an industry is evolving at a rapid pace, so I also have to ensure that I’m keeping up to date with what is happening in the marketplace.
3. What do you enjoy most about your job?
I enjoy how varied every day is. I’ve never heard a recruiter complain of boredom! As an industry, things can change very quickly, so you must be very adaptable and agile in your approach. I have recently returned from an extended maternity leave, and I was blown away by how much had changed in just under two years. My current role is project-based, so I really enjoy getting stuck into a new project, doing research, analysing data, planning and organising, and liaising with different team members to implement new and improved ways of working.
4. You’ve been part of the Matrix Recruitment team for 18 years now. What is your favourite thing about the team, and what are the key reasons you’ve stayed with the company?
My favourite thing about working at Matrix Recruitment is the company culture. Everyone is encouraged to put their ideas and thoughts forward, which results in a vibrant and dynamic workplace. Also, as I have progressed in life from graduate to working mum of two, the flexibility afforded to me has been outstanding and has allowed me to enjoy career fulfilment with less of the “mum guilt!”
5. What are the 3 key skills you need to excel as a good Recruitment Manager?
Strategic thinking and planning
Leadership and team management
Data-driven decision-making
6. What would you regard as your greatest achievement to date?
Aside from my children, my greatest achievement is setting up our Dublin office. In 2013, I was promoted to Recruitment Manager and was responsible for sourcing the premises, getting it fitted out, hiring the new team, and, most importantly, making it a viable operation. I’ll never forget my first day as manager: sitting on a box making calls to prospective clients, with cables still hanging from the ceiling and workmen scurrying about! Fast forward a few months, and we had a fully operational office, with a fantastic team who were busy making placements!
7. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“What someone else thinks of you is none of your business.” Sage advice from my dad. (Though I think Eleanor Roosevelt may have said it first.)
8. What hobbies/interests do you have outside of work?
I completed my Erasmus year in Madrid and have had an interest in Spanish language and culture ever since. I try to read books and watch TV series in Spanish to keep my fluency, and I have taken Flamenco dancing lessons. I am an avid swimmer and a qualified lifeguard. I am excited to share my love of dance and swimming with my kids and enjoy bringing them to their ballet and swimming lessons.
9. What are you watching/reading at the moment?
I’m bingeing Yellowstone, and I’m obsessed. Kevin Costner’s great-great-grandfather hailed from my hometown of Graiguenamanagh. I am reading Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors.
10. If you had one superpower, what would it be?
To pause time. For those old enough to remember, they used to do this in Sabrina the Teenage Witch. I remember thinking how useful this would be as a child, but as an adult, it would be invaluable.
Joanne exemplifies the commitment, adaptability, and enthusiasm that drive our company forward.
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