Nominate Recruitment is a Northern Ireland based, independent recruitment agency specialising in business support roles across temporary, contract, and permanent positions. With over 20 years of industry experience, the company has built a strong reputation for delivering tailored recruitment solutions by working closely with both clients and candidates. In this Q&A, founder Fiona McClean shares insights into the agency’s journey, what sets it apart in a competitive market, and her expert advice for candidates looking to stand out in today’s job market.
Q: Can you tell us about Nominate Recruitment and its journey so far?
A: Nominate Recruitment is a recruitment agency specialising in business support roles, including sales, marketing, administration, HR, and accountancy. We’ve been established for five years, and we recently celebrated our 5-year anniversary.
Q: What makes Nominate Recruitment different from others in the market?
A: One of the key things that sets Nominate Recruitment apart is the level of accountability we offer. Whether you’re a client looking to hire or a candidate searching for your next role, you deal directly with me and only me.
Q: What do you enjoy most about running your business?
A: There are a few aspects I truly love. One is the flexibility it offers. As a parent of three children, I’m able to balance my family life while also running a successful business.
But beyond that, it’s the accountability that I enjoy most.
Q: What are your top tips for creating a strong CV that stands out?
A: A significant part of my day involves reviewing CVs—typically around 20 to 30 each day.
There are several key elements that candidates should focus on:
- Start with a strong profile:
A short summary around four or five lines is ideal. It should clearly explain what you’ve done, what you’re good at, and what type of role you’re looking for. - Have a strong layout:
Make sure it’s clear and concise. - List your employment history correctly:
Always present your experience in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent role and working backwards. Recruiters want to see your latest experience first. - Include up-to-date contact details:
It may sound simple, but many candidates forget to include essential information like their phone number or email address. - Highlight your achievements:
Don’t just list your responsibilities, show what you’ve accomplished. Whether it’s hitting sales targets, improving processes, or delivering results in HR or administration, your achievements help demonstrate your value.
