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What it’s like to work at My Choice Children's Homes – An Interview with Steve Williams

Written by: My Choice Children's Homes
Published on: 7 Oct 2016

What it’s like to work at My Choice Children's Homes – An Interview with Steve Williams

“My Choice currently have 8 homes across Sussex and Surrey and due to continued growth they are opening a 9th home later this year. Steve Williams, Head of Recruitment at My Choice is currently recruiting staff to work in this home, he is looking for Residential support workers and Seniors, ideally candidates have worked in children’s homes previously or have worked in the care sector.   If you wish to be part of a growing company that provides its staff with excellent training and benefits, then apply for one of these exciting roles.”

What is your role at My Choice Children's Homes and how long have you been in your position?

I am the Recruitment Manager at My Choice Children’s Homes and I have over 15 years’ experience of working within Human Resources, Recruitment and Selection. Training within a variety of work settings from Recruitment within the Not for Profit sector, Media and Professional Services. I have been with My Choice since April 2014 and I’m based at the Head Office. I manage all aspects of the recruitment and selection process of our staff, from initial advertising, search and selection through to offer stage and ensure that the candidate has a positive experience throughout this process.

What attracted you to working at My Choice Children's Homes?

Having worked in professional services for a number of years, I was looking for a change, as I’m not a corporate man and didn’t enjoy the stuffiness of such work environments. I had been talking to a recruitment agency who advised that they had a contract role for a HR Manager to cover a colleagues maternity leave. I came for the interview and instantly liked the environment, people, atmosphere and the work that the company does. I secured the contract and worked for 6 months as HR Manager.  Coincidently, the Recruitment Manager who had been with the company for about 4 years was leaving to move into the professional services industry. It was a natural fit for me to move in to the role of Recruitment Manager, having carried out recruitment work/projects in various roles throughout my career. This is a role in which I get a lot of pleasure and satisfaction and enjoy immensely.          

What do you love about working at My Choice Children's Homes?

I really enjoy the atmosphere and environment of working at My Choice Children’s Homes. Everyone from the Directors to the Administration and Residential staff are really great and friendly. One of the highlights of the role for me is meeting many different types of people that come for interview from all walks of life. I also enjoy the freedom to get on with my role and provide the company with great people to work for it.

What is your one top tip for people looking for work?

My top tip is when attending interview with a company, do your homework and find out about the company. It’s very easy to find out about companies now, it takes moments to Google company details. This is always my biggest irritation with candidates, when you ask them what they know about the company and they seem to know very little, which demonstrates a possible lack of interest.

What is your one top tip for an interview?

Arrive in plenty of time, however not two hours early as one candidate did! Work out where you are going, find out about who you are going to meet and how to get there in plenty of time!

What has been your career highlight?

I was fortunate to work for the BBC for a number of years and met lots of celebrities in the course of my HR work, some difficult, but many were great. As anyone who knows me will tell you I am a huge fan of Dame Shirley Bassey. One day whilst walking around Television Centre, I thought I could see Dame Shirley walking towards me, however as the person got closer it turned out to be Moira Stewart! (not as exciting, but still a lovely lady).

How would you describe your time so far at My Choice Children's Homes?

Thoroughly enjoyable, really happy I moved away from the corporate world.  My Choice Children’s Homes is a great place to work and continues to expand, develop and recruit great people.   

Would you recommend My Choice Children's Homes to your friends/family as a great place to work? Why?

Yes, I would definitely recommend My Choice Children’s Homes to family and friends. The company provides lots of support, training and development to its staff. It is a company that is developing and expanding.  The service it provides to looked after children is excellent and the service is in high demand which is down to the dedicated staff teams in all of the Homes. Anyone looking to work in this sector could not choose a better place to work.
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