Recruiter Spotlight | Kyra Houston of u&u Recruitment Partners

Name: Kyra Houston 

Job Title: Specialist Business Support & Legal Support Recruitment

Company: u&u Recruitment Partners

Admin Avenues: Thank you for taking the time to chat with our admin community through our ‘Recruiter Spotlight’ series. 

Kyra Houston:  Thank you so much for having me!

AA: It was so great to connect in real life recently at the admin networking  event at your offices in Melbourne. For readers who might not have seen on our social channels, Admin Avenues and u&u Recruitment Partners co-hosted a network event where we discussed “The keys to future-proofing your career” in a dynamic round table discussion. It was such a lovely night and we’ve had so much lovely feedback from our community members who attended, so thank you again for hosting this event.

KH:  Thank you Candice! It’s a credit to you for being such an incredible co-host. The event was a great success and we can’t wait to host more events with our Admin community in the future. 

AA: It really was so much fun wasn’t it? Ok, let’s talk about YOU! How long have you worked in recruitment?

KH:  I have been in recruitment 2 years. I started in recruiting Office Support specialising in construction and property. When I joined u&u I started in a hybrid HR & Business Support desk. I now specialise in Business Support, including Legal Support. 

AA:  And you were an admin early in your career as a Medical Office Receptionist. Tell us a little about that and the skills it gave you for your future career.

KH:  Yes, I was a Receptionist of a busy multi-site sports chiropractic & podiatry clinic, this was my first “office job”.  Being an administrator and customer service specialist taught me resilience, confidence, stakeholder engagement and effective problem solving skills. It also cemented my belief that admins are the face and the backbone of every organisation and this should not be swept under the rug. 

AA:  Absolutely! And then you worked in Beauty with Mecca. What made you make the career jump from Beauty to Recruitment?

KH: Beauty & Make-up Artistry will always be a strong passion of mine. However, Covid-19 took a big impact on the retail industry in Melbourne,  at the time I worked as a Manager at Mecca.  Times were uncertain with the lengthy store closures, and the inability to practice services due to health risk concerns. Recruitment was an opportunity for me to step outside of my comfort zone and try my hand at a “9-5” in the city. 

AA: I ask this question to all recruiters because I like to hear each persons answer as it’s so personal. Why do you care so much about your candidate’s journey in finding a role that is right for them?

KH: I am often guilty as charged for making friends with all my candidates! I am a people person, I always have been. I truly care about impacting my candidates lives and I actively listen to what they are looking for and do my best to advise in the process. I am honest and transparent throughout the process, to ensure we are on the same page when searching for their dream role. 

AA: Oh love that. Tell us more about u&u Recruitment Partners’ approach to admin candidates.

KH:  u&u Recruitment Partners is a values driven agency. One of our values being “We appreciate your business”. Every person we engage with, we are grateful that they have chosen us to work with. When we place our candidates it doesn’t end there, I ensure to visit them on site and even send them a lovely gift on their first day to make them feel welcome and thank them for trusting me in their job search. 

AA: Awww that’s so lovely! What do you consider to be the most rewarding aspect of your job?

KH:  The most rewarding aspect of my job aligns with our purpose at u&u which is “Changing lives by connecting potential with opportunity.” 

I am an advocate for my candidates that can’t speak directly to the hiring manager’s, often getting lost in a pool of CV’s that are easily dismissed. It is exciting for me to assist people in finding their dream job when I see their potential throughout our interview process. 

AA: Amazing. So what is your “recruiter superpower”?

KH:  Negotiation, for sure. Outside of salary negotiation of course, I often find myself consulting my clients on why they should meet with my candidate. 

AA: Ooh not had that answer before. I like it! OK, what are 3 items you can’t work without?

KH:  A giant water bottle, yummy snacks and my laptop of course. If that laptop had eyes, it’s seen everything haha! 

AA: What do you consider to be the most difficult part of your job?

KH: Having to tell my incredible candidates that they have been unsuccessful in a process, it has to be the hardest part of my day every week. 

AA: Can you recommend any helpful books, programs, or podcasts that you love?

KH:  Ooh this is a tough one! I would have to say I do love the Rise & Conquer Podcast by Georgie Stevenson, a former lawyer who left her corporate career to pursue her passion. 

AA: Will have to check that one out. Do you have any tips that you would like to share?

KH:  I could go on for pages here but two of my favorite ones are: 

Confidence is key, always back yourself- In any aspect of life, not just in your job search. If you don’t already believe you can do it, you are halfway to failure. 

And on the topic of failure – 

Don’t let the fear of failure stop you from trying, because if you never try, you already failed anyway. 

AA: Love those tips! OK and what’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?

KH:  By all means this advice is subjective… but at the time, I was afraid of making a change in my career. It was such a bold and risky move in the middle of a pandemic and my dad told me: “Just jump out of the plane, build the parachute on the way down, I know you will land on your feet.” It gave me a boost of confidence that, it will all work itself out how it’s meant to be.  

AA: Great advice Dad. Look at Kyra now! And what advice would you give potential admin job seekers thinking about changing jobs?

KH:  If it’s not right for you, there is something that is right for you out there. There is no shame in no longer loving something or feeling you’re destined for something different. We spend so much of our lives at work, make sure you enjoy it! 

AA: Great advice. What are your top tips for keeping your resume up to date and job-ready?

KH:  Add to your resume and make changes as your position grows and changes, so that is is not as big of a task when you need it ready to go. 

Customise your CV to the job you are applying for, if you feel there are relevant responsibilities in your current role, outline them in your position duties. 

Although I love a creative resume, simple formatting is better. Believe it or not Aerial 11 font is your best friend, as Recruiters often have to reformat your CV to a plain format to remove unconscious biases when submitting your CV to a client. It also makes it clear and easy to read.

AA: Some great advice there. Thanks so much Kyra. Now how can our readers connect with you? 

KH:  Please feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn HERE. You can also phone (03) 9437 4817 or email me on [email protected] if I can ever help you.