Article
Two: The Secret of My Success - An interview with David
Thompson
An ex-regional chair of the REC, David started his career in recruitment some 11 years ago on his 27th birthday, his first day at work for Hays Montrose. Starting off a trades desk was jumping in at the deep end to say the least but David worked his way through the ranks and sections until headhunted by a small independent agency, keen to capitalise on his skills and willing to offer a directorship in return. Looking back David recognises this was a mistake, “I didn’t have enough back office experience and as a result I paid a hefty price when I found out that two of the other directors were anything but squeaky clean”. The company was bought out by a big plc and David was subsequently made MD. He then decided it was time to venture out alone. David set up Huntsman Associates ltd with his wife Simone, The company is now in its fourth year of recruiting for the Construction & Engineering industries both in the UK and overseas and has associates in Central China, New Zealand, Australia and Eastern Europe.
What do you wish you'd known at the start of your career?
I wish I had known how to cope with the emotional rollercoaster that comes with running a desk. Not much can prepare you for the highs and lows you experience on a day by day basis. I also wish I’d known how to not take it all personally – like Mr Trump would say “It’s not personal, It’s just business”
Which person within the industry who has influenced you the most?
Peter Leffkowits – Peter runs the Morgan Consulting Group in the USA and has been an inspiration to thousands. His ability to get past gatekeepers is legendary and his “Morgan Methodology” is something I aspire to.
Is there a person in recruitment you’d most like to emulate?
I have had the pleasure of meeting and working with a great many Legends in recruitment, but the one person who I would hope to emulate in my future years has to be Stephen Hill. Stephen is well known from his work with the REC and of course for setting up Hill McGlynn. I met Stephen many times during my role as Regional Chair for the REC and every time he impressed me. One of the nicest individuals I have ever met.
Which lesson has taken the longest to learn?
Bigger is not always better: I spent a lot of my early career working for some large plc agencies and became brainwashed into believing that “biggest is best”, that all the smaller agencies were insignificant. It took me some time to understand the small bespoke/niche agency blueprint was one that could ultimately make me more successful and provide my clients and candidates with a higher level of personal service.
What is the biggest mistake a recruiter can make?
Not knowing your industry or products. Recruiters need to understand that as professionals in industry we need to know that industry as well as the people we are trying to sell our services to, be that client or candidate. People ultimately buy from people, they don’t buy from companies. As buyers of a product or service consumers are more savvy than ever and want to know that whoever they use knows their marketplace.
What words of advice would you give to someone starting out in recruitment?
Keep an open mind, network, ask questions and above all find someone who is at the top of their game and mirror them.
What is your favourite interview technique?
I always use informal environments, no desks etc, talk less and listen more. I also use a Morgan style by applying “innerview” techniques as opposed to interview techniques. (does “innerview require some explanation?)
Tell me about the most interesting assignment you've worked on
As a lifelong supporter of Newcastle United, it would have to be when early in my Technical career I was asked to recruit for staff to manage the extension of St James’ Park. Placing several key Project Management people on site meant that I was weekly invited down to the grounds to review progress, meet with staff and generally have the run of the place.
What job would you be doing if you weren't in recruitment?
Archeologist/Anthropologist. From a very young age I was fascinated by this profession and at one point very nearly chose it as a career. To this day I can see myself as an intrepid Harrison Ford or Brendan Fraser, although my colleagues probably see me as Tony Robinson.
Is there a famous person you'd like to interview?
Robert DeNiro, a legend in his lifetime, I believe he has created some great cinema and also a classic icon of how to be cool.
What do you think it is that has made you so successful?
Blind ignorance, knowing that “No” doesn’t always mean “No” (Or at the worst it means no today, there’s always tomorrow), knowing that when you’re down you can only go up, the knowledge that if someone has done it before so can I but if no-one has done it before I can be the first Finally I believe having a solid and supportive family gives me the strength I need to achieve my goals.
This is the second in a series of
articles we have introduced to the newsletter. In each article
Louise interviews someone who has achieved success within the
recruitment industry. If you would like to recommend someone
for inclusion in the series please email contact2@ukrecruiter.co.uk
with their details.
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