In Conversation with Rhiannon Mehta

Rhiannon joined the U's in Summer 2020 right in the middle of the global COVID-19 pandemic. 

With over three years' experience in recruiting for the not-for-profit sector, she came on board as our Head of Fundraising Recruitment, within our specialist Charity Division.

We caught up with her to see how she's been getting on over the last months and what it was like starting a new job in such a tumultuous time. 

What was your career journey before joining Understanding Recruitment?

I started off working in the hospitality industry before getting into recruitment. Before joining UR, I was working for a recruitment agency based in central London where I supported the market research industry before moving into fundraising recruitment within the not-for-profit sector.

Having supported charities and higher education organisations for the last three years, I was looking for the next step in my career that would give me more autonomy. I was also planning to relocate to St. Albans, Hertfordshire and that's when I came across Understanding Recruitment who were looking for someone to head up their fundraising team. I applied, had some virtual interviews with the internal recruiter, hiring manager and the directors. Then the stars just aligned and I got the job!

Why did you choose a career in recruitment?

I've always loved forming relationships and listening to others, offering help where I can. Recruitment offered me the chance to do this, whilst having the variety to support a range of people and work on different projects each day.

How did you find joining a new company during a pandemic?

It was definitely a different experience, but surprisingly seamless! Everyone was very welcoming, and I was lucky enough to spend my first few weeks working in the office and meeting people in person while the Government was advising people to go back to the office. 

When we went back into lockdown we all worked from home and kept in touch virtually. 

What do you like best about working for Understanding Recruitment?

Everyone is very supportive, and you get given the freedom to develop your desk as much as you want. They also provide the key resources needed to do this and always provide constructive advice when wanted.

What would your advice be to recruiters thinking about moving to a different company/different industry?

Make sure you do your due diligence. Always research the market or company first to ensure they match your own ambitions and will support you with these.

How would you describe the culture?

Everyone is really friendly at UR and always happy to help in any way they can when needed. There is a real feel of everyone wanting to see you succeed and supporting you to do so.

There's also a great open-door policy and I always feel I can speak to anyone when I need to.  

What would your advice be to your younger self? 

Find a job that you enjoy where you get to work with people you like and who will continue to teach you new things!