Spotlight: what it's really like to secure and start a new role during lockdown. We speak to Nicole Chapman, HR Assistant, Fladgate LLP

Although the London jobs market has been severely impacted by the pandemic, there have been positive outcomes for many professionals within the legal industry. Nicole was one of the lucky ones; successfully securing and starting a new role during lockdown. We spoke to Nicole about the challenges in her job search, tips for others, the unconventional interview process (actually meeting in a park during lockdown), and her experience of starting a new role remotely.

Nicole, you have been in your new role HR role at Fladgate for just over a month. What was it like starting a new role during lockdown and in the comfort of your own home?

It was interesting! The Fladgate team very kindly sent me a laptop prior to my start date and the set up was very easy with the support from the IT team. The HR team have been absolutely wonderful and I have felt a lot more connected and supported than I anticipated as we’re not in the office. I have had all of my induction sessions through video conference including IT and systems based training. We’ve also had regular team catch ups and are in constant contact through WhatsApp. I’ve really enjoyed my first month at the firm and am looking forward to developing relationships with the team and wider business.

You started your career as an HR Apprentice in 2016 at a UK law firm. You moved to Australia in 2019. Tell us a little about your story and what brought you back to London.

I fell into the HR profession, as I think a lot of us do! I started working in a law firm by handing out the post to everyone in the office, which gave me a great way to get to know everybody. The HR team were lovely and I would enjoy chatting to them when dropping off their mail, so when the HR Apprenticeship vacancy arose, I was very interested.

After completing my Apprenticeship, I took some time out to travel, before undertaking roles as an HR Assistant, and then travelling to Australia where I spent six months as a HR and Recruitment Advisor. This was my first real exposure to ER/IR matters and where I felt I really had an impact on the business. My manager and Business Partner were incredible mentors and I miss them a lot. I had to leave because of my visa restrictions and when countries started to close their borders, I made the decision to move back to the UK due to the uncertainty of the future of travel.

I’m now back living with my parents which has been lovely (for the most part!). Whilst I was job-hunting I made the decision to utilise my free time and start my level 5 diploma in HR online. This was a big step as I left school at 16 and did my apprenticeship when I was 18, but was definitely the right choice for me as I’ve loved it so far!

The London jobs market has been severely impacted during these unprecedented times. What were your thoughts/concerns/experience about finding a new role within the current situation?

I found it really difficult to stay motivated when applying for roles as there obviously weren’t many advertised and due to many people in a difficult situation, I would think that each role would have loads of applicants. I have friends in similar positions who felt the same; a bit disheartened. I also weighed up applying for roles outside the HR profession as I contemplated whether it was more important to be working or to be in a job that aligned with my career aspirations. When Mark Neal from RedLaw reached out to me about the HR role at Fladgate, I was over the moon. Not only was it a needle in a haystack role, but it was in an industry that I was familiar and comfortable with.

The lockdown has meant a very different look to the usual interview and recruitment processes. How were your interviews conducted? Were there any challenges you had to overcome, or were there any parts of the ‘unusual’ process you particularly enjoyed?

I was really fortunate in the sense that I was able to meet almost all of the HR team at the interview stage. I had a first round video interview with the HR Manager and Senior HR Manager where we spoke about the upcoming projects within the team which was really exciting. I then met the HR Advisor through a video conference for a more informal chat, which was great as I got more of an understanding of how the team worked together. I then had a final video interview with the Head of HR. I felt really comfortable with the video interviews and there wasn’t much difference to having an in-person conversation. The only minor challenge was the slight delay between people talking so I would find myself accidently talking over some people! The final stage of the interview process was meeting the Head of HR in person. With distancing measures in place, we were only really able to do this by meeting in an open space, so I had a literal walk in the park interview. I really enjoyed it, it was a great way to get some fresh air and exercise whilst getting to know more about the company, team, and work. I hope that with agile working and wellbeing becoming more prevalent, companies will start to implement these “walkie talkie” meetings more.

Many law firms are still working fully remotely and therefore new joiners, like yourself, are being on-boarded remotely. How was the remote first day experience for you?

My onboarding was incredibly smooth, I received my laptop and induction schedule prior to my first day and had a member of the IT team call me just before starting to set up the laptop and ensure that all of my log in details worked. I had a welcome meeting with some of the team via video conference and then had different induction sessions and IT training all from the comfort of my own home! Throughout my first day I received emails and texts from different members of the team welcoming me to the firm and asking if I needed anything. I felt like a part of something special really quickly.

What has been the biggest thing you have missed most from this unconventional first day with your new employer?

I think just spending time with my colleagues in person, getting to know them on a more personal level. However, since my first day we have had many team meetings, including Friday night drinks, where I’ve been able to chat to the team.

Why Fladgate? What sold the firm to you?

I began my HR career in a small firm with a small HR team and was looking for my next position to be in a similar environment. Fladgate are a very established firm with a strong history and impressive clients. The culture isn’t hierarchical, they’re known for being friendly and approachable. From my interviews with the team, I got a real sense of collaboration and pride in their work, which is really important to me. The HR team also have a real impact on the business and are respected within the firm; they’ve worked hard to become trusted business partners and I knew that this was the team that I wanted to work with.

What advice or tips would you offer to others searching for their next role during this current climate?

Try not to be disheartened! It’s ridiculously hard at the moment and getting rejections may not be a reflection on your employability, it’s just so competitive. Use this time to upskill, look into qualifications that you can undertake to give yourself an edge in the market. Listen to professional podcasts, take time to read up on areas of your profession you may not be familiar with, catch up with ex-colleagues and get their opinions on your development areas.

Name the biggest positive you will take away from lockdown.

Being able to work in leggings! In all honesty, probably spending time with my family after not being able to see them for so long. We all have a lot more time for one another; I’ll make dinner for everyone and we’ll eat together, watch movies together, have wild Friday nights in Asda dancing in the aisles whilst getting our weekly food shop, and play endless amounts of Monopoly together. I’ll miss this quality time with them when our busy lives go back to normal.

If you had to pick one thing, a hobby, book, podcast or Netflix series which you’ve picked up over lockdown which has been your ‘saviour’, what would it be?

I recently binge watched the whole three seasons of Killing Eve in a few days… I know I’m a bit behind everyone else but I loved it. I also love a podcast called “Best Practices in Human Resources” on Spotify. It is American so not all of the legislation mentioned is relative to the UK, but most of the principles are applicable.

The RedLaw team is sharing a motivational track at 2pm each day to keep connected and boost morale. What uplifting, feel good song could you suggest we add to our playlist?

It’s got to be Lizzo’s Good as Hell!