Recruiting Excellence
Catalyst Works
Established in Oxford in the mid-1990s, Catalyst Works meets the
fund-raising, marketing and communication needs of the
not-for-profit sector. The agency works with some of the best known
charities and non-governmental organisations, including Amnesty
International UK, Crisis, Raleigh International and the Royal
Horticultural Society.
allen-associates.co.uk
Recruiting Excellence
The client’s
perspective
Georgie Kemp,
Operations Manager,
Catalyst Works
“Allen Associates took the
pain out of the recruitment
process. They stood head
and shoulders above
other agencies we have
dealt with, in terms of
their professionalism and
the quality of candidates
they put forward. Dealing
with Allen Associates has
been a completely positive
experience.”
allen-associates.co.uk
The brief
We were looking to recruit an Account Manager to
support our Account Directors, particularly in the
creation and delivery of direct marketing campaigns.
We were looking for someone bright and talented
with a marketing background – and who would fit
well with our existing team.
Working with Allen Associates
Having previously dealt with recruitment myself, I
knew how incredibly time-consuming and difficult
the process could be. We decided to take the pain
away and involve a recruitment agency to fill this role.
I spoke to three agencies but I was most impressed
with Allen Associates’ attitude and professionalism
and decided to hand the brief over to them.
Allen Associates came to visit me at our offices at
The Jam Factory which was of benefit to both of us.
Not only did it give them an opportunity to learn more
about our business and ask questions about our ideal
candidate, it also enabled them to get a good sense
of our working environment. Our culture is relaxed
and informal and has the quirkiness you might expect
from a creative agency, but we are very professional
too. It was important for me to convey this to Allen
Associates so they could identify candidates who
would feel at home here.
Allen Associates interviewed a number of candidates
and suggested three. We were extremely impressed
by the quality of people they introduced us to, but
Emily Sargeant stood out as the clear winner.
Outcomes
Emily was such an exceptional candidate that
we changed the role to accommodate her skills
and experience. We took her on as an Account
Executive knowing that she would quickly grow
into the role of Account Manager. Emily passed
her probationary period with flying colours and
has already proved herself to be a real asset to
the business.
The candidate’s
perspective
Emily Sargeant,
Account Executive,
Catalyst Works
“The support I received from
Allen Associates at every
stage in the recruitment
process was brilliant. They
took the time to understand
what I was looking for and
worked hard to find me a
great role.”
The brief
After graduating from York University, I moved to
Oxford where I worked as an events co-ordinator for
a large publishing company, organising book signings
and promoting authors. I also started studying for a
Master’s Degree. I was working very long hours in
my events role and was looking for a different kind
of challenge. I researched local recruitment agencies
and Allen Associates instantly caught my attention.
They have a high profile in Oxford and looked
professional. I emailed them my CV and a consultant
called me back the next day to arrange a meeting.
Working with Allen Associates
Allen Associates invited me to attend an interview
at their offices where they talked to me at length
about my CV, work experience and aspirations.
After my interview, they approached me about the
role at Catalyst Works. It sounded like an exciting
opportunity to be part of a small but expanding
agency which was doing varied and interesting work
for good causes.
I felt extremely well supported by Allen Associates
at every stage of the recruitment process. They
contacted me before the interview to talk everything
through, as well as afterwards to get my feedback
and answer any questions. The consultants I dealt
with were brilliant.
Outcomes
I was delighted to be offered the role of Account
Executive at Catalyst Works. It’s a great company
to work for and I feel that my input is valued. One
of the best things about being part of a relatively
small team is that you get to know about all
aspects of the business and there are clear
opportunities for career progression. I’m very
grateful to Allen Associates for helping to make it
possible.
For more details about how Allen Associates could
help your organisation recruit specialist Marketing
staff, please contact our Marketing consultants on
01865 335600 or visit www.allen-associates.co.uk