Cornerstone is the UK’s leading digital infrastructure services company, with approximately 15,500 sites across the UK. Cornerstone is focused on excellence and innovation and provides cutting-edge solutions for telecoms infrastructure deployment, driving the UK’s technological evolution and connecting communities nationwide.
Cornerstone needed to recruit a People Generalist for an 18M FTC maternity cover. The role required an expert in People data and systems who could provide comprehensive support to the People team through the co-ordination of key HR activities and projects.
Initially, the position was covered for two weeks by the onsite recruitment partner who specialises in high-volume recruitment within the delivery space of the telecommunications sector. However, this role needed a true hybrid professional, and ensuring the right cultural fit within the People Team was essential.
Throughout our consultation we established that finding someone with a real passion for data and reporting as well as being a hands-on HR generalist team player would be highly desirable. The team operates on a hybrid schedule, working three days a week in their head office in Theale which is a critical aspect of this role.
Consultation
Met with all Key Stakeholders which included the People Manager, Two People Partners & their existing search and recruitment partner. This was crucial to understand the business and company culture, the People team priorities and specific job requirement and take a detailed job brief. The level of client commitment upfront enabled this process to be swift and workable both sides.
Agree Milestones
Timescales were agreed before the search started around CV submission with feedback Teams calls were booked with the Head of people and dates were locked in for the interview process and ideal start dates.
Search Process
First port of call was to reach out to our internal HR Heads talent network whom we know and have met and qualified. We were able to find two candidates that were later interviewed – one of which has gone on to be the successful hire. Next, we market mapped local companies in the geography of Theale and used a targeted outreach approach within organisations of a similar size. Immediate advertisement of the opportunity using Vlogs on LinkedIn that has an audience of 40,262 HR Professionals as well as promoting through our paid LI Recruitment tool.
Screening Process
All candidates were met on Teams and interviewed with a consultant to establish their current situation, motivations, behaviours and attributes as well as a comprehensive discussion about their experience relevant to the position.
CV Presentation
A shortlist of candidates was sent over within 10 working days with detailed summaries about their experience, motivations and salary expectations.
Interviews & Feedback
Each round of interviews was followed by a phone call or MS Teams to capture feedback. These took place within 24 hours of the Interviews taking place. We received quality and personalised feedback for each candidate which helped ensure the candidate experience was the best it could be. The communication piece here was superb, and it really helped to position Cornerstone as an employer of choice. The feedback we received from our candidates was brilliant even when the decision was to not progress. We worked hard to pre close all candidates assuming on offer and when we did get an offer, we were able to place the best and most motivated candidate. The were both offered and accepted within 24 hours pleasing both the candidate and client. – not sure what this last sentence means when referring to both offered?
Aftercare
A face-to-face visit meeting and lunch is taking place at Cornerstones Head office to meet the full team, complete a de-brief of what went well and to deepen the partnership for hopefully future hires.
We were able to make a fast impact in finding Peter who was really well qualified by us and was a strong match aligning cultural with the People team and the values of Cornerstone.
Peter has settled into the team and role brilliantly and is delighted to be with the business.
Client Testimonial
It was fantastic to collaborate with HR Heads once more on sourcing a key role for our People Team. HR Heads put in significant effort to grasp our strategic business priorities, ambitions, and culture, ensuring they find the right candidate who fits perfectly with our team. Working with them is consistently seamless, with a meticulously prepared plan to guide candidates smoothly from qualification to becoming successful employees within our organisation, we look forward to continuing to work with the team in the future!
Candidate Testimonial
Kay was super communicative without being pushy, whilst maintaining a respectful and friendly manner. She took the time to talk over and understand my experience, skillset and what I was looking for in my next role. This latter point was something that she worked diligently on! Excellent, friendly and supportive service from Kay.
Peter Fry, People Generalist
