HR Recruiter Shelya: Forging Connections and Friendships Worldwide

Humans of JC is a series of monthly interviews that provide a glimpse into the lives of the people at the heart of our executive search firm in Singapore and China.

In celebration of the HR Professional Day, which falls on the 26^th of this month, we’ve interviewed recruitment consultant Shelya, who leads our global HR practice dedicated to advancing the careers of HR professionals.

Q1: Why Did You Choose to Join the Recruitment Industry?

One of my most rewarding experiences back in university was interning as a recruiter at the Greater China headquarters of an MNC. My mentor at that time was a recruitment director with extensive headhunting experience. Under her guidance, I learnt how to actively manage candidate networks and systematically organise and process information.

She is an empathetic, dedicated HR professional who is focused and deeply committed to her craft. Her energy was evident in her approach to work, her genuine concern for her team, and her willingness to mentor others. It touched me deeply and inspired my career choice.

Q2: What Attracted You to Join JC Consulting?

I spent eight years at my first recruitment firm, where I experienced the ups and downs of economic cycles and witnessed the rise and fall of various industries. These shifts in global markets are constantly shaping the market’s talent needs. What attracted me to join JC Consulting was the team’s acute awareness of market dynamics and its ability to swiftly make the right decisions at crucial moments to seize market opportunities.

For instance, as opportunities in APAC markets grew, more companies started venturing abroad. The team quickly spotted these emerging needs and leveraged our unique position in Singapore — a gateway to Asia and a bridge between the East and West — to offer clients the recruitment and business services necessary for penetrating new markets.

As an HR recruiter, I had the privilege of playing a key role in clients’ early-stage business planning by recruiting for their HR function, which is the backbone of any organisation. Contributing by sourcing the right talent and then witnessing these companies grow and achieve stability was a deeply rewarding experience for me.

Q3: Was Your Experience as a Recruiter What You Expected?

Excelling in the recruitment industry requires more than just finding the right talent; we also need to have the strategic mindset of a consultant. This means thinking from the client’s perspective and being adept at identifying key issues, market trends, industry developments, and changes in supply and demand.

Beyond this, strong empathy and the grit to tackle pressing or complex problems as they arise are also crucial. This is especially true during times of uncertainty when keeping a cool head better equips us to find the best possible solution. Not only does this help our clients overcome obstacles, but it also contributes to our professional growth.

Q4: What is the Most Fulfilling Aspect of Your Work as an HR Recruiter?

As a recruiter for senior HR positions, I’ve had the privilege of interacting with professionals across industries and career stages. Connecting candidates with jobs contributes to my professional journey. But more importantly, I’m also participating in my candidates’ career transitions or professional advancements, which are key milestones in their career trajectory.

Witnessing their transformation and the positive impact on their lives is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work as a recruiter. I’m also grateful that many of my candidates eventually became my clients as well, with some even evolving beyond professional connections to become my friends.

Q5: How Have You Grown Professionally and Personally Since Joining the Team?

Image: Shelya’s appointment as the Associate Director of JC Consulting’s Global HR Practice

Since joining the team, I’ve had numerous opportunities to step outside my comfort zone and advance professionally. I began my career in a more conventional recruitment agency before joining JC Consulting as an Associate Director, where I now lead and grow the global HR practice. This experience has deepened my understanding of business movements across regions and the diverse talent needs in different markets.

Gaining this macro-level perspective has further polished my ability to help clients and professionals find the right work and cultural fit. It has also inspired me to explore additional ways to add value to clients beyond their recruitment needs. I appreciate how the company has continually kept me curious and eager to explore new possibilities in the industry.

Q6: What Advice Would You Give to Someone Joining the Recruitment Industry?

Never forget why you started: to help others achieve their career goals and witness their growth along the way.

Value-Add to Your Hiring Strategy with JC

If you’re looking to fill a mid-to-senior-level HR role or are an HR professional looking for new opportunities, reach out to our HR recruitment consultants at Shelya.zhou@jcconsulting.sg for a quick chat.

Our team is helmed by consultants with 10 or more years of experience in the APAC market. With executive search firms in Singapore and China as well as a strategic presence in Hong Kong, which are all key business hubs in APAC, you can rely on our connections and market knowledge to support your expansion or career move across regions.

For hiring needs beyond the HR function, our team also has dedicated desks across several industries, including:

• Life sciences recruitment
• Financial services recruitment
• Luxury & retail recruitment
• Legal recruitment
  
• Tech recruitment

Connect with us today to discuss your needs.