Business First December 2017 December BF Digital | Page 48

IN CONVERSATION WITH
My side of the Executive Search
story…
According to Belfast-based 4c Executive, a strong focus on positive candidate experience is just as important as the
employer experience when it comes to finding the best person for senior business critical roles. Tanya Anderson was
recently appointed as Head of SME Development at the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce & Industry through
an executive search process delivered by 4c Executive. She gives her perspective…
Tell us about your role at the
Northern Ireland Chamber of
Commerce & Industry?
As Head of SME Development, I am
responsible for the delivery of the Northern
Ireland Chamber’s Scaling for Growth
initiative.
My principal remit is to provide hands­on
assistance to members to help them achieve
their growth strategy, through a targeted,
one­to­one consultancy, giving SMEs access
to market knowledge, finance partners and
connections identified as integral in capacity
building for their business.
Were you actively seeking a new
role when you were approached by
4c Executive?
When I was initially approached by 4c
Executive, I had been with my employer for
10 years and was keen to understand the
various options for the next stage in my
career.
4c were extremely helpful and practical in
identifying relevant roles and organisations
of interest and, ultimately, in recognising the
position within the Northern Ireland
Chamber as a ‘good fit’ for both parties.
How would you describe your
relationship with 4c throughout the
process?
I developed a valuable working relationship
with Gareth at 4c – we communicated
frequently and I always felt well­informed
throughout the process.
Gareth was constructive in sharing
information around the impetus for the role,
the culture of the Northern Ireland Chamber
and how the role fitted into the Northern
Ireland Chamber’s growth strategy – all of
which provided clear direction for my
preparation and assurance that the role was
appropriate for me.
The recruitment process itself was well
defined and methodical, with 4c ensuring that
I was informed with regard to the format of
each interview, the key areas of focus and
guidance on the attributes being sought. 4c
were completely accessible, which was of
huge support to me.
46 www.businessfirstonline.co.uk
On reflection do you think 4c
understood and accurately
conveyed the role at the Chamber?
4c provided me with a detailed brief, which
clearly defined the role and the culture in the
Northern Ireland Chamber. They very clearly
understood and conveyed the key elements of
the role, as well as the ethos of the Northern
Ireland Chamber.
Two months into my employment, I’m
thrilled to say that the reality of what my role
entails surpasses my initial expectations. I
am excited to be part of the Northern Ireland
Chamber team, and am grateful for the role
that 4c played in helping me to secure this
opportunity.
MOREINFORMATION
To find out more about 4c Executive,
whether you are an employer or a
potential candidate, please visit
www.4cexecutive.com
or call 028 9043 4343