Every year on International Women's Day, we celebrate by reflecting on some of the achievements of the incredible women within our team. This year, we talk to Laura Collins, who joined our team in 2024, in the newly created role of Talent Acquisition Manager. Laura's impact is already being felt across the firm, with recent new members of our team confirming the positive impact she on on the onboarding process. So, let's here more from Laura, and from our team.
"Hey! I’m Laura, I’m a wife and mum to two young children (5 and 2 years old) and I joined Shorts in November 2024!"
Laura's story
I was given the opportunity to join Shorts, and they have been fundamental in allowing me to maintain a positive work-life balance. Shorts truly embraces the idea that our personal and home life matters, which enables me to pursue my career aspirations while also being present as a mum and wife. They support and value me as both a professional and a parent, making them a modern-day employer that aligns perfectly with the spirit of International Women’s Day.
I joined Shorts in November 2024 as the Talent Acquisition Manager, a role created as part of the firm’s five-year growth plan. With the firm looking to expand its departments, my role focuses on recruitment strategy and attracting top talent. Being new to the firm myself, I bring a unique perspective—I not only support new hires but can also share first-hand insights into what it’s like to join Shorts.
My process involves working closely with partners and hiring managers to understand exactly what they’re looking for in a candidate. Since I work at Shorts and know the people and culture, I can provide a genuine insight into our values, vision, and work environment. I love being able to tell candidates what life at Shorts is really like—from career progression opportunities to what the team is like (even down to what they have for lunch!).
When working on a role, I take a brief from the hiring manager, advertise the position, and actively connect with potential candidates via LinkedIn. I also welcome candidates reaching out to me directly. I believe in building long-term relationships—if we don’t have the right role now, we may in the future, so I always encourage people to stay in touch.
Once I connect with a candidate, I arrange an informal call to get to know them, discuss their experience, and see if our paths align. If we move forward, I present their CV to the hiring manager and coordinate the interview process. I support candidates every step of the way, keeping them informed and ensuring they feel comfortable and prepared. If you’re successful, my involvement doesn’t stop there—I stay in touch right up to your first day in the office, making sure you have everything you need (including a lunch date with your new team!). 😊
What some of our recent hires think about Laura's approach
Speaking from personal experience the recruitment process for most jobs’ seekers can be somewhat frustrating and disheartening. From getting ghosted by some recruiters to constant application rejections with little to no feedback. And then I got a call from Laura…… I wanted to express my gratitude for Laura Collins’s seamless effort throughout the
recruitment process. She checked in daily before joining and was always proactive and human in keeping informed, even if it was just to have a quick chat on how I’m doing and how my week is going. During the screening process and interview stage her friendly and approachable manner made the experience incredibly smooth and positive. She made me feel that she wanted me to succeed not just because it was her job. Her professionalism and warmth truly stood out from the very first call. I think I speak on behalf of the SHORTS family that Laura is a true asset to the company." Belle Hassan - Senior Administrator"Laura was amazing to work with when I applied for a vacancy at Shorts. She was helpful, answered my questions, made me feel very supported through the process. It was one of the best experiences I have had interviewing for a company. Unfortunately, IU was unsuccessful the first time, but Laura supported me again when I applied for another vacancy that opened up. Second time lucky!" Theresa Cox - Receptionist / Administrator
"I’m so grateful Laura saw me as a ‘Shorts person’ and did all that she did to facilitate my becoming a member of the team. I received messages updating me throughout, a couple of check in phone calls, and even some texts just to say hi. Laura arranged informal meetups with new colleagues. A team I felt a part of before I’d even entered the office on my first day, with messages counting down to my start date, and words of excitement from everyone." Andy Liversidge - Marketing and Business Development Administrator
