19 April 2022

Careers with us: Thania Kristiansen

We’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and positive workplace. Our teams are reflective of the communities in which we operate, and we value the unique contribution each member makes to PERSOLKELLY.

Thania Kristiansen is our Senior Recruitment Consultant, based in Auckland. This is her story.

What has been your path to PERSOLKELLY?

I started my career in recruitment working for South America’s largest oil and gas corporation. At the time, they were implementing a gas pipeline and needed someone to recruit and manage the HR side. After the project ended, I asked myself what am I doing next? Back then, Emirates Airlines were conducting a recruitment campaign in Brazil, and I decided to apply. I secured the job and moved to Dubai where I had the opportunity to travel to over 160 countries and work with many different nationalities on board. Flying for Emirates gave me a unique perspective on life, and I loved it. After having a baby girl, I wanted to spend more time with family and managed to secure a position in Emirates’ internal HR Recruitment team solely headhunting pilots globally. It was an amazing experience and fascinating to learn how Emirates changed their recruitment strategies according to different countries and cultures. At the time, my kiwi husband got offered a job in New Zealand and we decided to relocate to Auckland. When I first arrived, I continued my recruitment career, however within the industrial sector, until I found PERSOLKELLY. I fell in love with the brand, the core values and the management style of the organisation, and have loved every day of my job ever since!

What roles have you held at PERSOLKELLY?

I currently work for PERSOLKELLY in Auckland, as a Senior Recruitment Consultant, focusing permanent positions across professional and industrial sectors, as well as temp and casual white-collar positions. I recruit for a wide range of sectors like government, facilities management, manufacturing, property services, marketing, retail, ICT.

Did you learn different skills?

Absolutely, I learn new things every day. I have the amazing opportunity to recruit for companies I’d never worked with before and learn about their business, their culture and what they look for in an individual. I also love to recruit for our internal team and help to build the organisational culture at PERSOLKELLY.

Biggest lessons learnt in your career?

To not take things personally. Sometimes you give your absolute best, but things don’t turn out the way you initially planned, it’s not your fault! Focus on aspects that are within your control, work with integrity and dedication, and strive to do your best every day!

Best advice you were given?

“People won’t remember what you said, but the way you treated them”. Often, we don’t remember exactly what people said, but we never forget how they made us feel, and this is very true in recruitment. We need clients and candidates to have a positive experience and it starts with us. We may not know all the answers, but it’s the way we conduct the interviews or client conversations that make people think of us whenever they have recruitment needs.

Why do you love working at PERSOLKELLY?

I love the people; they are my second family! I also love the positive energy and enthusiasm in the office and the organization. I love to recruit for our partner company Programmed and grow with them. I have the opportunity to recruit employees for some of the biggest companies in New Zealand, and that is very satisfying and rewarding.

Why will others love working with us?

We love to make people feel welcome and recognized! Working at PERSOLKELLY, you’ll feel respected, supported, and professionally challenged. I love the fact we work together as a team, bounce ideas off each other, and have sounding boards! Together, we can achieve even better results. We also have an excellent individual incentive structure! In the last 12 months, I’ve been promoted, received a salary increment in recognition of my effort, and I’ve been incentivized more than I could’ve imagined!

What you love about our offices?

We are in the heart of the Auckland CBD, with an incredible view of the Auckland Harbour Bridge, waterfront and 360-degree views. We’re close to motorway exits, Britomart, and bus-stops. We’re very lucky to be surrounded by amazing cafes, restaurants, bars, and several retail shops. Our offices are modern, filled with natural light and a lovely set up, with break out areas too.

How do you feel PERSOLKELLY provides you with flexibility and work/life balance?

Wellbeing inside and outside of work is very important to PERSOLKELLY, and they believe in supporting people, whether that is working from home or occasionally leaving early to pick up your kids from school. This is great because they recognize the importance that we all have lives outside of work and how that contributes to our happiness and performance.

We’re always on the hunt for great people to join our team. If you’re confident and caring, proactive and passionate, smart and resourceful, and want to kick-start or continue your career in helping others achieve their career goals, then we’d love to hear from you.

To register your interest in a future with PERSOLKELLY, visit our careers page.