From Fashion Promotion to Creative Recruitment - Meet Sara Taylor, Creative Recruitment Consultant

After studying Art and Fashion Promotion at University, Sara Taylor took her first steps into recruitment - and she's thriving! We asked her about her experience working at The Candidate so far.

Sara Taylor - Creative Recruitment Consultant

Lovely to have you onboard! First of all tell us, what is your background and experience?

After completing my Art Foundation course at Ravensbourne in London, I moved up North to study Fashion Promotion at Manchester Metropolitan University. For my final major project I created a sustainable gender fluid underwear brand, researching the market, designing the branding, promotional materials, garments, social media campaigns, and collaborations. The scope of this project, alongside business and creative modules, enabled me to get a deep knowledge of the industry, which has helped me understand the creative roles I recruit for at The Candidate.

What attracted you to The Candidate before you started?

I initially signed up to The Candidate to get some advice on my next career step as I wasn't sure what I wanted to get into. After speaking to Katy, she asked if I had ever thought about recruitment, which I hadn't! I did some research and it sounded like the perfect natural next step for me. The thing that struck me most, and made me really want to work at The Candidate, was by far the people. From the get go they were helpful, passionate, and genuine people who clearly cared about their candidates, so obviously I wanted to be a part of the team!

What was the recruitment process like?

Once I had told Katy that recruitment sounded like the role for me and I wanted to go ahead with the process, I had a video interview with Elliot Jones to find out more about me and my previous experience. About a day or two later I had another video call with Brian Mathews and Emma Burke who enquired as to why I wanted to start a career in recruitment and my background was in. The final stage was a psychometric test to decipher if culturally I’d be a good fit and then I was offered the job! They then invited me into the office to see what it was like and to meet the rest of the team and everyone was so welcoming. They were actually on their way to go-karting that day as a team building exercise and that just really cemented the fact that The Candidate really care about their employees and the work culture.

What is your role at The Candidate and what type of things do you work on?

I am a creative recruitment consultant, so I work on the permanent creative roles we get here and with candidates looking for a role within the creative sector, whether that's Graphic Designers, 3D Modellers, Photographers, Video editors, or Presentation Designers for example. I work with candidates and clients alike to find the perfect match so that both parties are happy and excited about the pairing. With a background in fashion and the creative industry I really enjoy helping my candidates find their ideal role, no matter what level they are at. I also love discovering more about the industry and changing trends by attending events, talks, and just through chatting with candidates!

What is the culture like?

The culture at The Candidate is unrivalled. Everyone is so supportive, encouraging and champions each others success. Having never worked in recruitment before and hearing the horror stories of how some agencies are, I was nervous about the pressures and culture, but luckily those stories couldn’t be further from the truth here. Everyone is genuinely friends, work as a team, emotionally supportive, and the work/life balance is great. Best place I’ve worked by far!

What is the best thing about working at The Candidate?

I think the best thing is the people. Going for drinks after work, days out with the team (like the Chester races!), and just the general loveliness of everyone makes it feel like a family. I actively want to come into the office so I can see everyone! The flexibility is also a massive perk, meaning you can sort things out or take some time off if need be - really takes the pressure off and gives a great work/life balance.

Who should speak to you?

Anyone looking to get into the creative sector or for their next role in the industry. Whether you’re self taught, have a degree in a creative field, or have years of experience already behind you, it would be great to have a chat and find out how I can help you get to where you want to be, so please do get in touch!

Looking for a job in the Creative industry? Get in touch with Sara on 0161 833 1044 or [email protected].

Or if you think you'd be a great fit here at The Candidate, check out our current vacancies here and #WorkWithUs!

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