Director, Jump Recruitment

By ANGELA McCARTHY

My Job

Name: Sophie Mills

Age: 29

Role: Director of Jump Recruitment, formerly Absolute Fitness Recruitment (specialising in sport and fitness industry). Also a personal trainer.

Working hours: Flexible. Approximately 30 to 50 hours a week when combining personal trainer and recruitment work. Because of the nature of the business, which involves getting in touch with people at an appropriate time for them, a lot of work is done early morning and late evening.

Average pay: Charge 8 per cent of annual wage for a placement (which has a six-week guarantee period).

Qualifications and institutions: Bachelor of Commerce Management with Marketing and HR major from Lincoln University. AUT Diploma in Fitness Training.

Career prospects: Jump has only existed four months, so consolidation and expansion.


Q: Describe what you do.

A: I recruit staff for every role in the health and fitness industry, from fitness instructors and personal trainers to sales, reception and management.

Part of this involves coaching and mentoring candidates into careers, as well as working with clients to establish the values and culture of their business.

This is important because there is much more specialisation and targeting of particular demographic groups now.

Q: Why did you choose this line of work?

A: After seven years of marketing and management I realised I wanted a career that involved helping people directly, keeping fit and being my own boss. So I did the personal fitness diploma, then set up as a personal trainer.

The recruitment company concept happened because I saw a gap in the market and saw that it would combine my marketing skills, knowledge of the fitness industry and my desire to help people.

Q: Why did you think a specialist recruitment agency would work?

A: The health and fitness industry is going through a growth phase but there is a high rate of employment churn that will eventually put long-term investment in the sector at risk if it isn't remedied.

Gyms face the continual challenge of keeping staff, and there is a lot of miscommunication about careers in the fitness industry which leads to disappointment for employer and employee. I was seeing individuals who have worked hard for qualifications let down by the lack of quality in jobs offered or, worse, misled by the nature of the jobs they've applied for.

Having experienced both sides I felt I could improve the employment situation by providing a "fit" that worked for both parties.

Staff are more likely to stay in an environment that suits their values and ambitions, and employers become more trusting if staff stay employed with a company longer.

Hopefully in the longer term this will begin to address the average wage rate issues as well.

Q: What sort of clients do you have?

A: Gym and fitness centres, from small boutique to large franchises.

What sort of training or experience do you need to do the job?

Knowledge of marketing helps with finding the right brand name and approach to selling the concept. HR experience is ideal but many people are starting to get into this industry without prior recruitment or a HR background.

However, it is imperative in any recruitment business to have experience in the area you're placing people, so it is really helpful that I still work part time as a personal trainer.

Q: What skills and qualities do you need?

A: People skills are vital, just as they are for anyone entering the fitness industry. You need to have a passion for helping people and be able to listen carefully to their needs.

You have to be able to build trust, particularly with employers who are not used to paying for recruitment help in this industry.

When starting a new business it is also important to have an understanding of the financial and management side of business.

Q: Most challenging part?

A: Growing a business in a completely new market and gaining recognition for a service that is new. It helps that Jump is supported by Fitness New Zealand and Registered Exercise Professionals, the two key governing bodies in the industry.

Q: Advice to someone wanting to do same thing?

A: Get experience in the industry to understand the gym environment and the difficulties facing gym managers.

Q: Best part of the job?

A: When a candidate accepts a placement and client and candidate are delighted.

Q: Career hopes for the future?

A: After becoming established in New Zealand, I hope to branch out overseas.