Executive Search and Recruitment Awards 2017

12 Corporate Vision / Executive Search & Recruitment Awards 2017 , Austin James Recruitment is the exclusive resourcing partner for a number of key gaming studios around the world. We invited Senior Consultant, CraigMcHugh to give us an overview of the company and discuss what it is that makes the firm so successful. Best Interactive Entertainment Recruitment Agency - UK Austin James Recruitment are the exclusive resourcing partner for a number of key gaming studios around the world. Focusing entirely on the games and interactive entertainment industry we currently fill positions within mobile, social and console. Through open and consistent communication with each candidate our team of experienced recruiters provide support though every phase of the recruitment process, providing honest guidance on every stage of the process including interview preparation, work trials and relocations. Underpinning every part of the process is the knowledgeable, friendly and efficient approach from each member of our team in order to deliver the best possible service and help our candidates make the right career move. Craig sets out the overall mission of the firm, detailing what steps the company will take in order to achieve these aims. “Ticking the boxes in terms of previous experience is only a small part of our selection process. Rather than being viewed as a traditional consultancy, Austin James has a truly integrated and fresh approach to talent management which bridges the gap between in-house and agency recruitment. Our number one priority is to gain a deep understanding of each studios people, culture and strategy and thereby ensure all candidates put forward share a similar mind-set and career aspirations to that of the teams they are joining. From the initial approach to starting their new role, the communication to candidates is clear and consistent from both ourselves and the studio.” There are many important attributes that people will look for in order to be successful, and Craig lists what attributes he believes are the most important for anyone looking to succeed in recruitment. “In order to succeed in this industry, companies must have an authentic way of working coupled with a genuine interest and deep understanding of the current environment impacting the studio/company/industry in which you are recruiting for needs to be the forefront of everything you do. “Since 2009, we have spoken to many different people from a diverse range of backgrounds and skills in the games industry. Having observed a large number of career paths over the years, we have arrived at the following formula which applies to both the candidates we work with as well as our consultants working at Austin James, enjoyment plus time equals skill.” Enjoyment is a key aspect of being successful in anything anyone does, not just the recruitment industry. Craig notes this as well as stating that if clients enjoy doing something, they are more likely to become better at it, and this is something to look out for on both sides with regard to the recruitment industry. “If you enjoy what you are doing you will continue to do it and in time you will become an expert in your area and skill and success will follow. Enjoyment is also directly proportional to skill, the more you enjoy something the better you will become at it. When gaining an understanding of our candidates we keep this in mind throughout our approach. Some candidates may be trying to find their enjoyment. Other job seekers may have had it previously and have lost it due to factors out of their control. The key is to find your enjoyment and once you have found it, keep it.” Naturally, there are challenges to overcome within recruitment, dealing with candidates and clients. Craig explains the main challenge the firm face and how staff work tirelessly to embrace the challenge and work hard to succeed. “Within the industry, our main challenge is finding candidates who are the right cultural fit for the employers we work with, matching skills and experience to available vacancies is the easy part. In gaining an understanding of our candidates’ personality and aspirations we are able to know which companies are right for them.” Looking ahead, Craig predicts an exciting future ahead for Austin James as he outlines its aspirations. Helping other companies to grow by ensuring it can match the right candidate with the right company, Craig believes that the firm will continue to contribute in a positive way to the industry. “Moving forward we aim to continue to make a positive contribution to an exciting industry that is changing all the time. We want to help the companies we work with grow in the right way, with the right people and in turn we will continue to grow as a business.” RA170011