Hannah Spears, Associate Director, C&I London, tells us about her career at Marks Sattin

1) Hannah, you joined Marks Sattin in 2015 as a Recruitment Consultant, how did you first hear about the role and what made you want to join the business?

Having graduated and just returned from a year travelling and working in Australia, I was unsure on what to do next. I knew I was keen to get to London where opportunities were endless, and that I wanted to work in an office environment. It was also important to me that my first job had the opportunity for progression and decent earning potential.

I had a few friends working in recruitment and their feedback was really positive. As a result, I started to apply for a few different opportunities and came across Marks Sattin on a graduate recruitment website. After several interviews with different businesses, I decided to accept the offer from Marks Sattin. Ultimately, I got a really good feeling from the people and culture at Marks Sattin. For me, this set them apart from the others, so I accepted the job offer and here I am today! 

2) What has been your biggest learning from your eight years working at Marks Sattin?

It’s hard to pinpoint one biggest learning as you always seem to be learning in this role! I love the commercial knowledge and experience recruitment gives you. You learn so much about business, different brands and organisations and being client facing, you meet with interesting people from all sorts of backgrounds. 

3) What do you bring to the table as a member of our leadership team?

We have a great diverse leadership team, including female managers stepping up which is great to see! Our leadership team is made up of great longstanding employees who have grown with Marks Sattin from graduate level, albeit primarily male so it’s great to offer a different perspective and some fresh ideas.

I would say some of my key strengths are encouraging a supportive environment, driving consultants to improve performance and achieve success, and encouraging a work hard, play hard culture!

4) What are your standout accomplishments or best memories with Marks Sattin?

With over eight years’ worth of memories there’s too many to list! But the main ones that stick in my head are all the great holidays and events I’ve been to! Marks Sattin have a really rewarding culture and you get the opportunity to attend some great destinations and fun days out with your peers if you put the work in. 

It’s certainly the most fulfilling part of my job and I really enjoy it. I manage two teams made up of consultants of different ages, backgrounds, and personalities, but we have a lovely team culture, and everyone gets on so well. I’ve supported consultants through tough times to achieving some of their biggest accomplishments including record billings, promotions, and reaping the rewards I mentioned above!

5) How have you found working in a traditionally male dominated industry, and have you noticed any shifts throughout your career so far?

I can’t say I have focussed too much on the gender of the people I work alongside, but instead the people I enjoy working with – those who are good at what they do and that I can learn from. 

Marks Sattin has always had a good culture, but there has been a shift in hiring a more diverse workforce over the years which, in turn, results in a more balanced culture and different perspectives. The HR team are always looking at new ways to better our benefits package so that it is advantageous for all, keeping important factors such as diversity, inclusivity, mental health, and general wellbeing top of mind.

6) Do you have any advice specifically for women considering a career in recruitment?

Don’t knock it until you try it! 

The reason I have stayed in the recruitment industry so long is because it’s highly rewarding. You learn so much, there’s high earning potential and there is always opportunity to progress and develop. Recruitment offers a good balance of being autonomous and developing your own desk and workload, whilst still collaborating with others, working in a fun, sociable environment, and increasing your commercial knowledge! 

You hear all sorts of stories within recruitment, but if you get into the right business, collaborating with the right people it’s a great career!