Optimus Promotions 2017

Optimus Promotions 2017

OPTIMUS SEARCH | 14TH NOVEMBER 2017

As 2017 draws to an end, the time has come to reflect on what has been another hugely exciting year at Optimus HQ. We launched our brand-new Berlin office, are on track for a predicted EOY GP growth of circa 15% and continue to add to our rapidly-expanding client-base, including some of the most globally recognised tech companies.

Off the back of our continued growth, we are also immensely proud to announce that two more members of Optimus family have earnt well-deserved promotions this year. We take a minute to recognise the contributions of these two ‘star achievers’, both of whom have been instrumental to our recent success.

Ben Willis and Marcos Perdigao have both been promoted with immediate effect from Consultant to Senior Consultant and Senior Consultant to Recruitment Manager respectively.

Last week Optimus Search took some time to catch up with Ben and Marcos to discuss their Optimus journey so far and look at some of the challenges and successes they have encountered along the way.

Ben Willis:    

What was the last job you had before joining Optimus Search?

What was the last job you had before joining Optimus Search?

Prior to joining Optimus Search (and the wonderful world of recruitment), I came from a musical background, better known as the dynamic frontman of indie Reggae Band ‘Shanty’…..You may have heard of us….or maybe not!

When you are an up-and coming-artist and performing on the stage, you’re always selling a product – yourself, your music, or just simply pitching to headline at the next big event.

What is both equally interesting and surprising, is that to be a success in both music and recruitment, there’s a lot of common ground and a need to employ a strangely similar skill set. The skills I’d learned in the band were weirdly transferable.

What’s been the secret of your success?

Never stop learning!

In fairness, the training and development programme at Optimus Search is exceptional, as is the ‘shared knowledge’ culture, so if you’re willing to listen and learn then the experienced consultants and rigorous on-the-job training will give you all the skills you need to become a successful recruiter.

I was also extremely lucky to have Alex Bray as my line manager, because if you can’t learn from one of the company’s top performers, who can you learn from?

He always emphasised that working ‘Hard AND Smart’ was the secret to recruitment success. Just working hard is not enough!

Immersing yourself in your vertical/niche, becoming a subject-matter expert and knowing your region/territory inside-out, will all help you build a genuine rapport with both your candidates and clients. This includes knowing who the strong technical teams are in your region (more-often-than-not working at your client’s direct competitors) and keeping in regular contact with them in order to give you a competitive advantage.

Where do you see yourself in the next 12-24 months?

In the next couple of years, I’d probably like to become a manager and then start building my own team…but not quite yet!

The great thing here at Optimus is that you can choose your own path, opting to remain on the front-lines as a billing consultant or taking a more strategic management path.

I’ve recently been mentoring some of the younger members of the team and whilst I’m enjoying that extra responsibility, for now, I just want build on this year and become a consistent contributor before moving into management. 

Promotion within a year is clear evidence of the meritocratic culture here at Optimus Search, so I know that if I put in the effort the move will be open to me when I’m ready to take the next step.

Team Lead Alex Bray commented;  

Since starting as a Junior Recruiter with us in October 2016, Ben has had many notable achievements but his professionalism, coupled with his charm and charisma have been at the heart of his success.

As a very personable character, Ben is great at building trust with his both his clients and candidates, meaning he can positively influence the recruitment process and ensure both parties are left satisfied. He’s also a very strong team player who’s always willing to pitch in and assist his colleagues whenever needed.

Fantastic achievement this year, and I see (and expect) bigger and better things from him next!

Marcos:

What was the last job you had before joining Optimus Search?

What was the last job you had before joining Optimus Search?

‘When I mooooo-ved to the UK from Switzerland in 2014, my last job was as an apprentice machine operator in a dairy factory. See what I did there?

I become extremely disenchanted with my job at the time and was keen to use my foreign language skills in a professional/commercial environment – I currently speak 6 (Portuguese, German, English, Spanish, French, Italian).

I always felt that the UK and Germany offered up the greatest career development opportunities but I ended up opting for London, mainly due to having fallen in love with the city, but also because of its growing pedigree as a hub for sales and technical innovation’.

What’s been the secret of your success?

Learn adapt and tackle every challenge head-on.

‘Obviously moving from another country to chase your dreams can be a daunting prospect. I was nervous about using my English language skills in a commercial environment but equally driven to get it up to a professional standard.

Also, before working at Optimus Search I knew absolutely nothing about the technology or staffing industries but was drawn by the fast-paced nature of the recruitment sector and the opportunity to work in a profession where my earnings and progression were closely aligned to my commitment and performance.

Upon meeting with the Directors at Optimus Search, I instantly knew that this company could provide me with the vehicle for career and personal growth I was looking for, as well as all the training and resources I needed to become a success.

I’d also like to thank my manager Daniel Gray (Team Hessen) for the knowledge and wisdom he has imparted along the way. A great mentor, who is arguably the company’s most consistent biller and has been a great person to learn from. Not only is Dan an exceptional recruiter but he also leads by example, showcasing what hard work and commitment can achieve on a daily basis.

The most important lesson I’ve learned from him along the way is that consistency is key. It sounds a bit cliché, but you’re only as good as your last deal, so too succeed in recruitment you must keep moving forward.

I’ve found that it helps to set yourself both Personal and Professional goals. It’s much easier to remain consistent if you give yourself life goals such as owning a house, buying a car, providing for your family. It gives the hard work (and commission) some purpose! Having just become a father for the first time myself 12 months ago, this is also the greatest motivator you can have.

Also, much like Ben, I’d say that becoming a subject-matter expert is essential, but also learning to adopt and embrace new technology in order to do your job efficiently is an often overlooked aspect of being a good recruiter’.

Where do you see yourself in the next 12-24 months?

‘As I mentioned previously, I think that setting yourself key motivators and personal targets are incredibly important in achieving success. Having hit my first two goals of becoming a Senior Consultant and then a Manager, my next goal is to build the biggest and most successful team at Optimus Search. Lofty ambitions indeed but certainly something I feel I can achieve over the next few years.  

Having had two promotions in as many years, I’m extremely confident that I made the right decision joining Optimus Search and realistically there are not many industries that offer the level of fast-track progression I have experienced here, in such a short period of time.

I’m genuinely excited to see what the next chapter of my journey will look like’.

Daniel Gray, Manager Team Hessen, commented;

‘From day one Marcos has been a huge asset to the business and has made quick progression in the two years that he has been with us. One of our most consistent performers/billers, Marcos has had two promotions in as many years, which is evidence of his drive commitment and determination to succeed.

I believe he will be a great addition to the management team here at Optimus Search and we expect big things from him and his new team over the next couple of years.

Keep up the good work!

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