What was your earliest dream job?

I always wanted to be a footballer. I was good at football but was never going to make it far. Then when I was 18, I got into sales. I’ve tried lots of sales roles and recruitment is the least sales job that I’ve done. It’s a ‘people searching’ role, really.

What was your first job in recruitment and how did you come into it?

I was approached on LinkedIn by an internal recruiter at my last employer. I worked as a holiday rep, and everyone I worked with went into recruitment. But then I liked the idea of working in a niche market and understanding that market. It all happened very quickly from there.

Who is your role model – in life or in recruitment?

A cliché I know, but it’s my dad. He’s a carpenter, so a very different career path from me. He’s a lovely person and I got my morals from him. He’s a romantic but has a great work ethic.

What do you love most about your current role?

It’s been exciting setting up the company. I love networking and the process of growing your market. It’s not just talking to candidates – I speak to so many different interesting people.

What do you consider is the most brilliant moment of your career?

Tuesday 4 April 2023, when I set the company up and saw the website go live. A lot of work and a lot of learning has gone into that. Now I can just put my head down and get on with it.

Laugh or cry, what did your most memorable candidate make you want to do and why?

I’ve got two. The first one happened last Christmas. A candidate interviewed for a company, and it went really well. For the second interview, she turned up with a Santa hat on. The interviewer rang me to say she didn’t get the job. The other, I was on the call when the candidate turned up with hair dye in her hair – tin foil and everything. I couldn’t believe it, but she smashed it and got the job after about 20 minutes. They didn’t even mention her hair!

What would you regard as your signature tune?

My music taste is hugely varied. I listen to everything, so it’s hard to pick one. My favourite music is stuff like Frank Sinatra and Otis Redding.

What was your sanity go-to during Covid-19 and various lockdowns?

Call of Duty: Warzone came out. I spent days on it but just didn’t get any better. Also, I watched The Last Dance series on Michael Jordan, so I played a lot of basketball that summer.

What did you learn about yourself during the pandemic?

That I’m very happy in my own company. I’m a very sociable person, so I was surprised when I realised that I loved being on my own. I don’t have the fear of missing out like I used to!

Zach Harris spoke with journalist Roisin Woolnough

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