Meet Hannah, a Talent Acquisition Advisor at G4S. She provides an inside look at security industry talent acquisition, highlighting the fulfilling aspects of her work, such as collaborating with stakeholders, connecting with candidates, and enhancing recruitment processes. Additionally, she offers valuable tips for candidates who would like to join G4S.
Inside G4S Recruitment with Talent Advisor Hannah
Could you walk us through your career path in recruitment? What drew you to this field initially?
I've been with G4S for approximately two years as a Talent Acquisition Advisor, currently recruiting for the Courts and Community Services portfolio. Prior to this, I spent six years as a Disability Recruitment Consultant, starting in Shepparton (my hometown) and later relocating to Melbourne. While I found the work fulfilling, I was seeking a change of pace within a larger organisation, a faster paced work environment with a stronger emphasis on stakeholder management.
G4S is known for its diverse range of roles. Which specific roles do you primarily focus on recruiting for, and what are the main locations of these positions?
I primarily focus on recruiting for Court Security Officers, Residential Support Officers, Security Officers at Youth Justice Centres, and Security Officers at Long Bay Forensic Hospital. Occasionally, I also assist with recruiting Security Managers. The majority of these roles are located in Victoria, and some are in New South Wales.
What aspects of talent acquisition do you find most rewarding?
I truly enjoy the dynamic nature of stakeholder management, collaborating with diverse hiring managers, and offering insights on best practices to continually refine our processes. Engaging in conversations with a wide range of candidates across various roles is consistently stimulating and keeps me on my toes.
What do you enjoy about working at G4S?
I appreciate the flexibility of our hybrid work model and the company's strong reputation within the security industry. It's fulfilling to contribute to an organisation that's well-respected in the market. Additionally, the team camaraderie is fantastic, with regular social events to connect outside of work.
Could you give us an overview of a typical week in your role as a Talent Acquisition Advisor?
A typical week involves prioritising roles that need to be filled urgently. I dedicate time to meeting with hiring managers to discuss their open vacancies. This is followed by posting job advertisements, conducting initial phone screenings with potential candidates, and scheduling interviews for those who align with the requirements.
Additionally, I'm actively involved in process improvement projects, such as developing standardised interview guides, streamlining phone screening templates, and optimising onboarding workflows.
Could you share a couple of career highlights since you started at G4S?
Absolutely! Two highlights come to mind:
A Swift Success Story: I recently hired a female candidate for a casual Security Officer position. She proactively reached out about the role, demonstrating initiative and enthusiasm. I was impressed by her qualifications, so I fast-tracked her interview. She secured the position within the week and is already on track to become a Supervisor.
Certificate 2 Security Pathway Program: I played a key role in our Cert 2 Security Pathway program, which sponsors aspiring security professionals to obtain their licences and launch careers with us as Court Security Officers.It was fulfilling to see a diverse group of candidates with strong customer service backgrounds succeed in this program.
For candidates interested in applying for a role with G4S, particularly through you, what advice would you offer to help them make a strong impression?
Here are a few tips to help candidates put their best foot forward:
Craft a Quality Resume: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your relevant experience with start and end dates, highlighting transferable skills that align with the role. Please apply even if you're new to the security industry, demonstrate a genuine interest in this field.
Security Licence: It's essential to have your security licence before applying for relevant positions. This demonstrates your commitment and readiness to work in the security sector.
Interview Preparation: Take advantage of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) sheet provided. Reviewing this resource beforehand can help you anticipate potential questions and prepare thoughtful responses.
Professional Presentation: First impressions matter. Arrive at the interview well-presented, polite, and enthusiastic.
Skills: While prior security experience is beneficial, we also value transferable skills. Strong customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills are highly regarded.
Clear Availability: Be upfront and precise about your availability. Use the provided availability form to communicate your preferred working hours accurately.