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A Day in the Life of a BrightSpark Recruiter: Sarah Malcolm

​Sarah is a seasoned recruiter with over 8 years’ experience, she joined us after hitting it off with Lisa at a recruiter event and seizing the chance to work alongside her at Brightspark, starting with the team after finishing Maternity leave. Balancing motherhood and her career, Sarah continues to excel in her role. Here’s how she makes it all work.

How Do You Start Your Day?

Sarah’s day starts early—very early—thanks to a toddler who’s eager to know which Ninja Turtle is her favourite. After answering its the purple one they are off for the day, navigating the morning routine before heading out for daycare drop-off.

Once the drop-off is complete, Sarah has a moment to herself during her commute to work. Like many, Sarah uses her time to dive into a true crime podcast, indulging in the twists and turns of criminal investigations.

What Sets You Apart From Other Recruiters?

In a world that’s constantly evolving, Sarah finds her edge in sticking to the good old fashioned basics. Her recruitment process is built on a foundation of proactive outreach, consistent communication, and, most importantly, honesty. She’s not about flashy gimmicks; instead, she relies on tried-and-true methods that prioritize genuine connections with candidates.

Sarah’s approach is straightforward—she reaches out to candidates, makes calls, meets people face-to-face, and stays true to her word. This simplicity in her process, combined with a strong work ethic, is what sets her apart. By focusing on building trust and maintaining transparency, she ensures that both clients and candidates feel valued and understood throughout the recruitment journey.

What Are the Most Challenging Aspects of Your Job?

Recruitment is a field where change is the only constant, and Sarah knows this all too well. The industry can shift in an instant, from a skill shortage one day to a recession the next. For Sarah, the challenge lies in adapting to these fluctuations while staying grounded in her core values.

Each interaction she has, whether with a client or a candidate, is guided by a deep understanding that she’s dealing with individuals—each with their own unique needs, goals, and pressures. Balancing these dynamics in a rapidly changing market requires a keen sense of adaptability and a commitment to the people she serves.

What’s Your Favourite Part About Working for BrightSpark?

Ask Sarah what she loves most about working for BrightSpark, and her answer is: the team. It might sound cheesy, but for her, the camaraderie and support she experiences at work are unparalleled.

Being guided by two industry leaders Guy Davidson and Lisa Cooley, Sarah and her colleagues are given the trust and autonomy to manage their own desks. This empowerment fosters a culture of collaboration, where everyone has each other’s back, and the laughs are plenty. It’s this sense of community and the shared successes that make the daily grind not just bearable but truly enjoyable.

What’s Your Favourite Lunch Meal?

When lunchtime rolls around, Sarah has a clear favourite: Eden Noodles’ dumplings in spicy sauce. If she could, she’d eat them every day. However, practicality often wins out, and she typically opts for sushi or something quick and cheap from New World.

What Sparks You Up When You Aren’t Recruiting?

When Sarah’s not immersed in the world of recruitment, she finds joy in a few favourite pastimes. You might find her at the zoo with her toddler, Mason, enjoying the animals. Other times, she’s relaxing at a bar with a cold Heineken in hand, catching up with friends.

And then there are the moments of dedication at the gym, where she tackles the Stairmaster, all while catching up on episodes of One Piece. These diverse interests keep her balanced, ensuring she’s always recharged and ready for whatever comes next.