We try not to pigeonhole people…

In our countryside location, we are surrounded by our feathered friends – constantly competing, ever seeking out what’s new, jealously guarding their home territories and conscious of where they truly belong - a picture of rural tranquillity…

On the other hand, depending upon one’s perspective, life in the skies above Hambleden can be brutal – whether the peril comes from a speeding motorist, or being caught in the midst of a sports field, or even a superior feathered foe swooping down to capture a tasty snack! 

Musing upon these divergent views, I realised how easy it is to assume (and this seems to have very much become the dominant variant - no, not that one!) that having “like for like” experience is the only determining factor within recruitment.

Candidates often complain of being pigeonholed, which consequently limits their application possibilities, notwithstanding the transferable skills and opportunity to add value that accrue from their previous professional career disciplines.

Understandable though this may be, at least to a degree, in the current commercial environment, I do regard this as a most unfortunate trend.

As our Watch and Jewellery markets re-open, and opportunities become increasingly visible, let’s instead embrace the talent that flies in, from no matter which direction.

For my part, I shall continue boldly exercising my inner resolve to step outside the easier convention from time to time, and do what JML is renowned for within our marketplace: making time for talent, and having the confidence, based on lengthy experience, to put forward the candidates whom we believe to be the best suited to each placement.

We may not be pigeonhole free, but we do have the openness of mind to welcome and carefully consider all comers…