Here's Why!

“It's great to work with an agency that values a proper relationship”

I have been working closely with Ann for over 8 years, since I first opened our UK office 12 years ago. I get numerous emails and random telephone calls from many recruitment agencies that don't really seem to understand our business, or haven't taken the trouble to research what we do and adapt their approach accordingly. My experience with Green Shoots has been pleasingly different. Ann knows me, the type of skills we need and, equally important, the culture that we have here. This means that Ann rarely sends me CV's that are not relevant to me at the time or potentially for the future, so I know when she calls to offer me a candidate that they will tick all the boxes. Ann has also been extremely helpful whenever I'm looking for market data and trends and provides this as part of the service.

As a result, I have been more than happy to give Green Shoots the first call as soon as I have any recruitment requirements.

It's great to work with an agency that values a proper relationship, rather than what appears to be a numbers game with many other agencies. 

— D.F.

“I would highly recommend Ann; she is amiable, knowledgeable and dedicated to achieving the very best outcome for everyone involved. ”
— A.B.
"A polished and personal service" 

Ann is everything a recruiter should be and sets a benchmark for the sector; friendly and people-focused with an extensive knowledge of the skills and experience needed for each role in the creative, marketing and digital industries. Green Shoots is an agency that goes the extra mile and it shows in every aspect of the process, from taking the time to analyse my CV and the employer’s job description, to interview coaching and client / candidate liaison; every step was well-informed and smoothly managed. A polished and personal service - as a candidate, I couldn’t have asked for more.

— N.W.

“You feel care and attention has been put into the selection process”

Finding someone a job is a difficult task. Finding someone their ''ideal job'' is nigh on impossible. So, I never envy a person in recruitment, especially one servicing the creative industry. It must take a character of strong will and compassion to balance that tightrope between corporate client and prissy, designer type. Me? I'm the prissy one - and Ann Downs? She's the former. A person who is calming, professional and most of all - ensures you never feel under pressure and genuinely wants the best for you.

Ann's character is personable, professional and caring - I can't really say that of other recruiters I have encountered in my career. Granted, they tick the professional box with aplomb, but Ann adds a personal touch that allows you to feel that if this wasn't the right role for you - you wouldn't be sitting in that interview chair. You feel care and attention has been put into the selection process for both you and the client.

In my dealings with Ann over the last few years, I have noticed the differences between her agency and many of her competitors. She must have something special. I sometimes notice our telephone conversations about any particular job last longer than 15 minutes - this is no cash grab, she really cares. She wants to understand how you feel, is the job right for you and always tries to balance out the options which best suit all parties concerned. You could never say you were shortchanged.

To summarise, Ann is the epitome of professionalism, support and care. Traits that are so rare when dealing with something as important as your next scary career move. Thanks Ann!  

— M.S.

Ann delivered to us a first class support when we recently recruited with her. Working clearly out of a desire for a best fit for both us, the employer, and the employee, we got just that, with little fuss and much success. Working in such a personable way, we always felt safe in Ann’s hands, and confident of a positive result. This confidence was not misplaced!

— S.D.

 

“Thorough, reliable and easy to work with.”

Because placing ads in targeted press to recruit staff was hit and miss, and expensive I looked for a recruitment agency with the skills and where-with-all to identify likely candidates. Ann proved to be thorough, reliable and easy to work with.

— M.B.

“Simply takes away my problem.”

I've always found working with Ann to be an absolute pleasure - her knowledge of the creative recruitment industry is second to none - she simply takes away my problem and always provides the right 

— S.M.

 

“Insight into Midlands marketing is second-to-none.”

Ann's breadth of experience and knowledge in the marketing sector is amazing. Long-term relationships built over a number of years means Ann's insight into Midlands marketing is second-to-none. Personable, professional and able to identify future opportunities is Ann's great strength. A joy to work with. 

— R.L.

“By far and away the best person I have ever dealt with in her fields!”

Ann is fantastic, knowledgeable and highly committed to each individuals cause and prospects. By far and away the best person I have ever dealt with in her field. If I ever need such help/advice again in the future, she will be the first person I will call. 

— M.D.

 
“I would recommend Green Shoots for recruitment due to the real personal care and attention by Ann. You are definitely not a number or a search on a database but treated as an individual with a long term view to place you with the right company to ensure your next role is part of your career path not an interim steeping stone. Ann kept me informed of the process throughout and the role materialised due to her insight on her client base and understanding of their business and its growing needs. It’s unusual to deal with someone with this foresight and ability to truly make a match that is best for all involved. I’m delighted to have contacted Ann and had such a positive experience”
— L.M.
“As a client of Green Shoots for a couple of years now, we have always found Ann Downs of Green Shoots to be approachable, accessible and understanding of the needs of what type of candidate we have been looking for to fill marketing roles we had available. We have always found Ann adaptable and it is refreshing as a business to know who we are dealing with every time we make contact. We are made to feel special and she has always endeavoured to find us high calibre, quality candidates in a very aggressive marketplace. We are always dealt with in a very professional manner and nothing is too much trouble and we enjoy the fact that we are using a local agency who give us such a good service”
— D.S.

"Breath of Fresh air in the Recruitment Industry"

Ann is a breath of fresh air in the recruitment industry. Although she is a thorough professional, Ann also brings a real sense of warmth to her role as a specialist recruiter. She delves deep into what a candidate is actually looking for, not just salary etc but how the role will fit with lifestyle and aimed-for achievements.

Ann's approach is solid, with a long-term, rather than 'quick-fix' view, that surely benefits candidates and employers alike. This, combined with her personal touch is reflected in Ann's track record of recruiters and jobseekers returning each time they consider a new role.

- C.B.

"Perfect Match"

I have worked with Ann on a number of assignments over the years. She is professional, personable and friendly and a pleasure to work with. In the projects that she has worked on for me, Ann has proved to be extremely knowledgeable of the market, very thorough and totally reliable. As an independent recruiter and unlike her major competitors, Ann is able to offer a personal service, taking the time necessary to thoroughly understand both the client's and candidate's requirements in order to affect a perfect match. I would recommend Ann to any client or candidate alike.

- S.W.

“The main thing that stood out for me, is that Ann was always genuinely interested in how each of my interviews went, and giving tips on how to prepare and improve for next time. She always made me see the bright side of things, even though the interview may not have gone so well. Other agencies try and give minimum help and then forget about contacting you when new opportunities arise (that was my experience anyway). Not Ann, we were always in contact talking about work and non-work related things which made things very casual and comfortable.

My current employment is all thanks to Ann, if it wasn’t for her I may still have the stress of finding work over my head. Although she has completed her service, I feel I can talk to her even now regarding any issues I have and be safe in knowing that if I go back into unemployment she will be around with a helping hand”
— A.S.

"Dotting the 'I's and crossing the 't's"

The major difference between Ann at Green Shoots and other recruitment agencies is quite simple – personal service and attention to detail.

There doesn't appear to be many agencies these days who actually interview candidates and match them to a job that is suitable for their experience, skill set and financial aspirations! A lot other recruitment agencies seem to have an 'Out the door' and 'Off my desk' mentally to be honest!

This is not the case with Ann at all – she carefully matches candidates to suitable positions, offers advice and keeps everyone in the process informed and up to date – plus I really like the way she feeds back both from the candidates point of view and also the prospective employer – dotting the 'I's and crossing the 't's.

- Marketing Agency

“I consider Green Shoots as a friend who really get to know you, putting your interests first and are always at hand to help and advise in an unbiased way. Regardless of the rapport I have with Green Shoots they always maintain their professionalism”
— R.G.
“I have known Ann professionally for many years, and have always found her a pleasure to work alongside. she is very personable and friendly with a very positive outlook. ”
— E.R.
“I’ve known Ann for over 7 years and she has recommended me for a number of freelance and permanent roles before. With her cheery nature, she is always eager to help, easy to talk to, professional, and above all, a friendly and honest person to work for. Thank you Ann!”
— C.L.
“Green Shoots provided me with personalised, friendly and practical support during my job search, above and beyond the standard for recruitment agencies. I would like to thank you for your proactive support and would highly recommend you to job seekers and employers alike”
— Z.P.
“I’ve known Ann for a few years while working in the design industry and I’ve found her to be very helpful, friendly, down to earth, knowledgeable and totally understanding of any recruiting requirements I have had”
— R.H.
“I’ve worked with Ann for over 10 years on and off and she endeavours to work hard on my behalf, always notifying me of any applicable roles as soon as they happen. Her friendly, knowledgeable and professional manner makes having a catch up discussion something to look forward to! ”
— W.F.

"Reliable and trustworthy"

I have seen Ann on various occasions about specific roles and always found her to be reliable and trustworthy, not always two words that can be used when describing recruitment consultants.

I would not hesitate to recommend using Ann from a personal or corporate perspective. Easy to work with.

- R.B.