In this panel session, recruiters and hiring managers will share what really drives their decisions when choosing candidates. They’ll discuss what really makes candidates stand out – from the qualities that signal potential and the red flags that can hold you back, to how employers value different types of work experience, whether it’s a part-time job, volunteering, or society leadership.

This is your chance to hear directly from the people who decide who makes it to the next stage and who gets the job. Gain practical insights that can give you an edge when you step into the placement and graduate job market.

Meet our panellists:

David Felton – HR Business Partner, Wunderkind and Lead Consultant, Different Partners. David completed his Level 5 and MSc (both in HRM) at MMU and has spent 9 years in the profession. Today he partners with C-Level executives in a global MarTech company, setting people strategy for 200+ professionals in 6 countries while supporting across the whole population (500+). David is also the director of a HR Consultancy specialising in OD, data-driven transformation, M&A, performance cultures and reward. Outside of HR, David is a school governor, Director of a charity supporting European migrants and a father too! 

Louise Portman – Louise is Director of Legal Services at National Highways and a member of its Senior Leadership Team, overseeing a 60-strong in-house legal department that supports delivery of the Government’s Road Investment Strategy. Her remit spans health and safety, coronial law, digital security, information rights, public law, and governance. A graduate of Manchester Metropolitan University Law School (1994–1996), Louise has built a varied career across private practice, local government, and central government organisations.

Rocio Quiroz – Core Tech Recruitment. Rocio currently works as a HR & Operations Manager for an SAP recruitment company, specialised in resourcing SAP professionals across the DACH region, with previous experience in the Hospitality Industry and Public Sector Resourcing.

Accessibility: We are committed to making this event as inclusive as possible. Find out more about the building and room on the Building Access Map. If you need any additional adjustments or further confirmation of the setup, please contact buslawcareers@mmu.ac.uk at least 24 hours before the event. We will also do our best to accommodate any requests made on the day of the event, so speak to a member of staff if there is anything we can do to support your participation.

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