During her interview, Charlotte Sparshatt-Worley, 27, was surprised when the hiring manager suggested she apply for the apprentice marketing role instead – a position she went on to successfully secure.
Charlotte, who had previously been working in an estate agency, said: “My sister works as a trainee sales manager for Vistry, so she suggested me for a sales position when I told her I was looking for something new.
“I’ve always been interested in marketing, as I’m a very creative person, but I didn’t think I would be hired as I don’t have the right qualifications.
“Luckily, the hiring team saw something in me that they liked during my interview for the sales position – I was very passionate about interior design, and I love the idea of building someone's dream home from scratch and going along the journey with them.”
Charlotte, who lives in Southampton, worked in the marine industry after leaving school, joining as a retail assistant and making her way to assistant manager over seven years. When she was furloughed alongside others during the pandemic, however, she decided it was time for a change.
She said: “I knew that it wouldn’t be my ‘forever job’ in the marine industry. A lot of my family works in the housing industry and spoke highly of it, so I thought this could be something I liked as well. I started out working in an estate agency as a negotiator for a year before my sister recommended me to Vistry.
“When I was furloughed, I realised that I wanted to work somewhere more stable, and there will always be a demand for housing. I don’t think it will ever go away, and it feels much more reassuring to me.”
After her interview, Charlotte met Lucinda Box, Vistry Southern’s marketing manager, to learn more about the apprentice marketing position.
Lucinda said: “We’re lucky to have Charlotte as part of the marketing team at Vistry, and I feel fortunate that the hiring team saw the potential in her, as she’s the perfect fit for the role. I look forward to seeing where her journey takes her, and I’m sure she’ll have a great future within the company.”
Charlotte started her new role in September 2022 and she’s due to formally start her apprenticeship training in January.
She said: “Vistry has been a lovely place to work. You find people in all walks of life, and it feels so welcoming and inviting. It doesn’t matter how high up anyone is in the company, they’ll always stop to say hello.
“I’m looking forward to progressing with my marketing role in Vistry. Looking back, it’s fun to think that applying for a sales role would lead me to the job I’ve always wanted to do.”
Vistry Group, which was formed in 2020, comprises Linden Homes, Bovis Homes and Vistry Partnerships. Vistry Southern is building new homes in Hampshire, West Sussex and Wiltshire. For more information, visit bovishomes.co.uk or lindenhomes.co.uk.