Q&A with B&Q

Here we catch up with Rachel Mawes, HR Manager at B&Q, Sheffield on keeping ahead of the game in recruitment.

To the non DIY-ers among us, B&Q staff are always really well informed about DIY. How do you make that happen?
We work hard to embed that standard across the business. Our policy is to recruit 'friendly experts'. Our staff often come from a trades background and have the expert knowledge to help our customers. We also offer NVQ Level 2 and Home Improvement Knowledge qualifications to all employees. 

How do you find people with the experience you need?
We have an open recruitment policy: for example, we don't stop considering people because they are older, in fact for us, age brings with it invaluable experience. We've also started working with BEST as an avenue to find new recruits.

What's the best thing about taking on BEST customers?
We've worked with BEST for a few months now and in that time we have recruited three (soon to be five!) permanent members of staff via BEST. In those three people we have found some fantastic talent.

And the best thing about your job?
I get real satisfaction from seeing people through their career journey with us. It sounds corny but I love it!