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Harry Clarke

Photo of man in cream top against busy background

Recruitment Assistant

Cardiovascular Medicine

TELL US ABOUT YOUR ROLE.

I am the Recruitment Assistant in CVMed, working with the HR Manager. I carry out the full recruitment cycle, from initial advertising stage to issuing contracts, right up until a new starter's first day,

HOW DID YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?  PLEASE DESCRIBE YOUR CAREER PATH.

I left school and began sixth form for 1 year, after that I had decided that I would prefer to go straight into work. The best option for me at the time was an apprenticeship so that I could work and learn at the same time. I sat with my mum looking for jobs and she has suggested that the University of Oxford was a good work place having previously worked in one of the departments. I sent out a few applications for 2 or 3 apprenticeships and was selected for a HR apprenticeship in the Department of Earth Sciences. I worked there for 2 years and once completed began a maternity cover at the department of Cardiovascular Medicine as a Recruitment Assistant. The member of staff I was covering on Maternity then left and I was employed on a fixed term contract for 2 years. I am now permanent in the same position.

WHAT IS THE MOST MEANINGFUL OR REWARDING ASPECT OF YOUR WORK?

Members of staff thanking you for helping them complete tasks they need and ensuring a smooth run work place. Rewarding to know what I do, helps go towards a good and important cause.

ARE THERE CHALLENGES YOU WOULD YOU LIKE OTHERS TO KNOW ABOUT, IN YOUR CAREER PATH OR IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE, AND HOW HAVE YOU OVERCOME THESE?

Challenges are sudden scenarios that may occur which need immediate action and quick thinking such as salary issues and right to work checks. Need to make sure I am open with the team with good communication so we can overcome such situations with a steady head.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THINGS YOU’VE DONE, AND/OR CONTRIBUTED TO, THAT YOU’RE PROUD OF?

Completing my level 3 CIPD.

ARE THERE ANY PARTICULAR SKILLS OR BEHAVIOURS WHICH HAVE HELPED YOU GET TO YOUR CURRENT ROLE?

Remaining calm in the workplace and speaking to the team always help to make sure the pressure isn’t too high and can always get support from those around you.

ARE THERE ANY TIPS YOU WOULD GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS A CAREER IN YOUR FIELD?

Get as many qualifications you can early on in your development especially if on an apprenticeship. Check if you can be allocated study time.

Graphical image of career path - 2014-2015 began 6th form for 1 year - at 17 left school and started 17 apprenticeship with the University of Oxford Department of Earth Sciences - In the first year carried out level 2 Business administration at Abingdon and Witney college - alongside college course carried out level 3 CIPD - In 2016 received both level 2 business administration qualification and level 3 CIPD - 2017 finished level 3 business administration and completed apprenticeship - October 2017 - applied for maternity cover post as recruitment assistant in CVM and was successful - completed maternity cover post - 2018 appointed on fixed term contract in CVM - in 2022 I was made permanent.

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