Case Studies

A Candidate Experience

Candidate: David James
Position Experience: Project Controls and Commercial Management
Role type: Open to permanent or contract
Date: September 2019

Securing your ideal role within the mining, energy and infrastructure sectors can be challenging. Competition is high and referrals play a big part in the process. The experience can be particularly tough for those who do not have a strong network, have been out of the local industry for an extended period or whose skills are highly specialised.

David James is a candidate who faced all three obstacles. Here he shares his experience of engaging with Concentis to beat out the competition and confirm a great role.

After 14 years with the same employer and with over 35 years of frontline experience in project controls and commercial management, David recently found himself adrift in the job market. He had moved his family home to Australia after working on overseas assignments for many years. Despite a wealth of experience in the energy and construction sectors, he quickly discovered his experience did not correlate directly with local projects and he struggled to gain traction without any significant contacts in the local industry. 

“  I was typical of many candidates who find themselves coming back to secure the right opportunity locally. It was a difficult process and I felt there was some degree of push back due to perceptions around my age and perceived over-experience,” he says.

”It took many months of focused effort to secure a role.”

Engaging with Concentis

David realised he needed help to get his foot in the door. Access to someone who understood the value his skillset offered and who could then communicate that value to a network of the right companies. He found that match working with Darcy Richardson at Concentis.

“  Right from our initial conversation, Darcy was different to most consultants I was dealing with. He was refreshing in his approach, which was based on mutual respect and open, responsive communication. He was interested in building a long-term relationship that could benefit both me and his client. Darcy demonstrated a comprehensive knowledge of the industry, his client and priorities for the specific role” says David.

Thinking outside the box

David secured a contract role with a top-tier company several months after connecting with Darcy. He believes it was Concentis’ tailored approach to presenting each individual candidate that made the difference in his case.

“  They really understood the industry and how my experience could translate and add value in a local role. Darcy had the confidence to know he didn’t need to put me in front of a large number of clients.  It wasn’t about numbers. It was more about a targeted engagement for the right role with the right company. Working with Concentis has been a refreshing experience,” he says.

David continues to enjoy his role and the ongoing opportunities to make a positive contribution to the company. He is also settling back into everyday life in Queensland.