Best of both worlds: Scribes share their stories

Flexible work has certainly become the theme of the past few years, with more people seeking opportunities that provide a better work/life balance.

While flexibility in a full time role can be great, it isn’t for everyone – especially if you’re craving the type of flexibility where you can decide when and how you wish to work and essentially be your own boss.

Whether you’re in the middle of your career and ready for a change, or you have retired but aren’t quite ready to hang up your boots, scribing can be the perfect way to achieve the best of both worlds.

What it’s like to be a scribe

People choose to become a scribe for many reasons, and their experience in working as a scribe is equally different.

To delve deeper, we asked three HorizonOne scribes to share their stories and advice for anyone considering becoming a scribe…

Sharon Reece, former primary school teacher

To be honest, I didn’t really know what a scribe was or what they did before I became one. Melissa at HorizonOne outlined some aspects of the job and indicated teachers tend to transition nicely with the skills to talk to various stakeholders and write reports.

When I first started it was overwhelming, like any new job. But everyone was so helpful and guided me along the way. Melissa and Joanne were especially patient and always willing to answer my questions, share examples of what to do, or provide friendly advice.

I really enjoy being able to drive my own workflow. I can take on as much or as little as I want…although I am predominantly keen for any work and often take on last minute requests. At the same time, I can block out time that I am not available so I can attend appointments or go on holidays. I am pretty much my own boss, working independently between home and various agencies while being supported by the team at HQ when needed.

When scribing for interviews, I either meet face to face or through video conferencing with a vast range of people coming from different backgrounds, work experience, and knowledge. I work as part of the interview process, recording candidates’ and panel members’ dialogue. In my own time, I then write reports to reflect the candidates’ suitability for the role. I also make phone calls to the candidates’ referees and complete referee reports. It’s very interesting as it gives me the opportunity to speak with people from all over Australia.

When the written reports are complete, they are sent back to the panel and I move to the next job. I am never in one place for very long. I meet so many people and there is so much variety that there is never a chance to get bored.

Sometimes it’s challenging when a report takes longer than it should, or a client cancels a job. There are peaks and troughs in the workflow, but when it is busy it makes up for the quiet times. In the quiet times, I can catch up with friends for a cuppa or go and have a pedicure which is something I couldn’t do as a teacher. I encourage others who are looking for a change in their careers to have a go at being a scribe consultant. The team at HorizonOne have been very supportive along the way, especially when I initially felt way out of my comfort zone. The team members are only a phone call away for any support or advice.

Adrian Morrison, former Commonwealth public servant for 32 years

Scribing appealed to me because of its flexibility, and the opportunity to assist a broad range of agencies in recruitment and other processes. My previous public service roles involved note-taking, recording conversations, and some limited recruitment activities so I broadly knew what scribing would be like.

Generally speaking, the transition was not too difficult. Early on I had to remind myself that I was not a selection panel member, and to only inject myself into the panel’s deliberations uninvited to seek clarification.

I enjoy assisting panels in their selection of the most suitable candidate and, as required, facilitating their discussion on the relative merits of different candidates. I also enjoy observing how panels work together, especially on larger selection processes, and hearing how candidates respond during interviews.

The variety of these experiences surprised me and makes scribing more interesting. Sometimes I find it challenging when selection panel members use language that is ambiguous, though I will always seek to clarify.

I chose to work with HorizonOne as a scribe because they have a reputation for providing quality services and treating staff, including scribes, professionally and respectfully. Colleagues in the office are responsive and very helpful with advice and other guidance when required.

If you are thinking of becoming a scribe, I would suggest contacting HorizonOne to discuss it more. The team are friendly and knowledgeable, and clearly communicate the support available and their expectations of scribes representing the company.

Sanja Fokas, former Regional Manager in ACT Health for 15 years

Before becoming a scribe, I managed and led a large multidisciplinary health care team. I had extensive experience facilitating recruitment processes, and found that I had a strong passion for recruitment. 

In coming into the role, it was a smooth transition and I always felt welcomed and greatly supported by my HorizonOne colleagues. I chose to scribe with HorizonOne as they have a proven history of high-quality work, achieving great outcomes, and recognising the contributions employees make. They provide exceptional support to both the client and employees, and have a great workplace culture and high ethical standards.

Since becoming a scribe, I really enjoy assisting workplaces to recruit the most suitable applicants, and assisting applicants by scribing their responses. I also enjoy meeting people and working as part of a team as well as autonomously.

Working as a scribe gives you a lot of flexibility, so you can work when you feel like working.  I so enjoy writing up my reports that at times I find it hard to step away from my workstation!

It is nice to be able to spend my working day focussed solely on recruitment, instead of managing an entire workplace with up to 40 staff. Each time I scribe, I feel I learn something new. I also meet new people and have the opportunity to forge working relationships with a diverse group of professionals.

For anyone thinking about becoming a scribe, I would highly recommend jumping at the opportunity without a second thought. Each day you meet and assist a varied group of people, and you have the opportunity to balance your work and life. It is an interesting role and provides a rewarding experience.

Find out if scribing is right for you

Whether you’re intrigued by the flexibility, autonomy or opportunity to support clients and candidates through the recruitment process, it’s easy to learn more about becoming a scribe.

Our People Solutions team often run briefing sessions where we explain:

• What scribing involves
• The training we offer
• How to become a scribe

While we can’t guarantee minimum hours, we have a huge volume of scribing work and will always try to meet your aspirations in terms of the type and amount of work you wish to take on.

Getting started is easy, email scribing@horizonone.com.au to show your interest in attending a briefing session and we’ll be in touch.