Case study: From stage to strategy … Why Corrie Smith believes in looking beyond the CV.

Background: Unconventional foundations

 

Recruitment is more than matching skills to job descriptions; it requires seeing beyond the CV and recognising untapped potential. Corrie Smith, Head of Business Support Recruitment at One Ten Associates, has over a decade of experience in the sector and successfully placed a candidate with a non-traditional background into a high-pressure corporate environment, securing a long-term career trajectory that might otherwise have been overlooked.

 

The candidate, referred to here as Sarah, had spent over ten years as a professional dancer and was used to the rigorous demands of rehearsals, performances and touring globally. Seeking an opportunity to transition into the corporate world, she sought a Personal Assistant (PA) role in a leading hedge fund. However, with little direct experience in business administration, securing such a role posed a challenge.

 

The challenge: Overcoming employer reservations

 

A prominent hedge fund firm known for its fast-paced, high-performance culture was hiring. Their ideal PA needed to operate efficiently under pressure, handle executives with high standards, and maintain composure in what could be a challenging environment. Sarah's lack of traditional corporate experience initially made her an unlikely candidate. The client expressed concerns that she might struggle to adapt to the structured, 'always on' nature of financial services. She did not fit the typical mould on paper, and the client hesitated to consider her application.

 

However, Corrie saw an opportunity. Through in-depth discussions with Sarah and the client, she recognised that while Sarah lacked conventional PA experience, she possessed critical skills and character attributes that directly aligned with the role's demands, skills that the client had yet to find in a candidate. Attributes that wouldn’t necessarily jump out from a CV or an algorithm

 

The solution: Recognising transferable skills and taking a calculated risk

 

Rather than focusing solely on traditional criteria, Corrie identified Sarah's key strengths:

 

- Resilience and discipline – Built over years of performing under intense scrutiny and adhering to exacting professional standards.

- Adaptability and time management – Coordinating international tours, rehearsals and last-minute changes are essential.

- Ability to handle direct, high-pressure feedback – A crucial attribute for a role supporting senior executives in a demanding environment.

 

With these attributes in mind, Corrie advocated for Sarah's inclusion in the recruitment process. She advised the client to consider a different perspective, positioning Sarah as a ‘wild card’ candidate.

 

"On paper, she's not what you would usually go for, but if you meet her, you'll see she's exactly what you need."

 

Despite initial hesitations, the client agreed to include Sarah in their shortlist of candidates.

 

The outcome: A high-performing candidate and long-term success

 

During the interview process, Sarah exceeded expectations. Her confidence, composure under pressure, and proactive approach set her apart. She secured the role and quickly adapted to the hedge fund's demanding environment, demonstrating her ability to thrive under pressure.

 

Sarah remained with the firm for over three years, becoming integral to the senior leadership team's support structure. Her performance led to further career progression, and today she serves as Executive Assistant to the CEO of a major financial institution, managing a team of support professionals.

 

Key takeaways: Strategic recruitment in action

 

Corrie's approach to this placement reinforces several essential principles in recruitment.

 

Transferable skills should not be overlooked

Candidates with unconventional backgrounds often bring valuable skills not immediately apparent on a CV. Employers benefit from assessing candidates holistically rather than focusing solely on sector-specific experience.

 

Diversity of experience strengthens teams

Bringing in candidates with different career experiences fosters innovation, fresh perspectives and adaptability – all key assets in high-performance environments.

 

Good recruitment requires both insight and judgement

While technology plays a vital role in modern hiring, the ability to assess human potential remains invaluable. Corrie's ability to recognise Sarah's strengths and confidently advocate for her placement was key to securing a successful outcome.

 

Identifying talent and delivering value

 

Skilled recruitment professionals are pivotal in shaping careers and delivering value to businesses. By looking beyond conventional hiring criteria and understanding a candidate's true capabilities, Corrie matched the right talent to the proper role and environment - proving that sometimes, the most successful placements come from taking a calculated risk on a 'wild card' candidate.

 

If you are seeking a role in Business Support, or searching for a new recruit in this field, contact Corrie at corrie@onetenassociates.com, or on LinkedIn.