Meet people2people: Elizabeth Punshon

Today in our Meet people2people series, we chat with Manager of Specialist Temporary Recruitment in our Melbourne office, Elizabeth Punshon After completing her BA (Psych and HR Management) in 2007, Elizabeth commenced her professional career through people2people's Graduate Programme. She was awarded Para Consultant of the Year in 2008 after successfully supporting a senior recruitment consultant. From 2009, as a recruitment consultant, Elizabeth has been responsible for managing her own busy portfolio in the contracting market. In 2013, Elizabeth was promoted to the position of Manager of the Temporary Business Support Services team, which she has been a member of since 2008. In 2015, Elizabeth joined the Melbourne team to lead the temp business.

How did you start working in recruitment?

After completing my degree, like many HR uni graduates, I was finding it hard to secure a HR role. I stumbled upon people2people's graduate recruitment program on Seek, not knowing what recruitment agency work was, but I soon discovered this was the challenging and rewarding job I was looking for. Eight years on, I still love it!

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I still get a buzz out of a client calling me with a last minute temp role and being able to quickly turn around their request.

What's your most valuable interview tip?

Provide as much detail as possible. You cannot rely on the fact that the hiring manager has read your resume back to front. You want to be able to confidently discuss your background in person and highlight skills and experience relevant to the role you are applying for. Another tip I like to mention to my candidates is to remain standing while you are waiting in reception – it shows confidence, and you avoid an awkward fumbling out of your seat introduction.

Coffee or tea?

Although it is a cardinal sin not to be a coffee drinker in Melbourne, I enjoy a hot chocolate or juice instead.

What's your favourite spot in Melbourne?

Having lived in Melbourne for less than a year, I am yet to experience some of Melbourne's best attractions. My boss will tease me if I say Flemington Racecourse (I do love the races), but I have thoroughly enjoyed the Australian Open! Melbourne Park is a fantastic facility in such a central location, and the free festival at Birramung Marr is a must for anyone in Melbourne during the Open.

If you are looking for work or would like to hire staff, get in touch with Elizabeth by calling 03 9098 7423, emailing elizabeth@people2people.com.au , or connecting with her on Twitter.