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"Always be the hardest worker in the room."
I had a few questions to ask Luke Eeles, associate director in the Singapore office and he shared his career highlights and some insight into the challenges and opportunities faced in Singapore.
1. How did you get into recruitment?
Like most, I just needed to get my life together and get a job after uni. Joking aside, I studied economics and worked in banking for 14 months which is what I thought I’d end up doing long term. I then decided I wanted a role which put me in control of what I could earn (depending on how hard I worked), work in a meritocratic environment and really see the value you add to business growth – spoke to a few friends who put me in touch with a rec2rec and the rest is history.
2. What is your advice for someone just getting into recruitment?
To quote “The Rock”, always be the hardest worker in the room.
3. What is it about recruitment that has kept you in the industry?
The competitive nature of the industry paired with the fact that I enjoy building relationships within my specialist market. Plus, the harder you work the likelihood of earning more can be very attractive.
4. What is your proudest moment in your career to date?
I really do enjoy both the billing/sales and management portion of my role which is why I feel Eames is the right place for me as it enables me to do both. Whilst I’m happy about how much I’ve billed personally in the last 5 years, I have to say watching members of my team hit their personal goals and promotions over the years beats it.
5. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career so far and how have you overcome that?
It’s happening now. In recruitment, you enjoy being around people and meeting all our amazing candidates and clients, working on a sales floor, etc. Working from home due to Covid-19 can be tricky. Regular video calls and lunchtime HIIT sessions have helped though!
6. What is your number one secret to success?
Find your niche/market/vertical, get to know it inside out and stick at it!
7. What’s the best career advice you’ve ever been given?
Get out of your comfort zone and to never stop learning.
8. What are you driven by and how do you stay motivated?
Other than my wife’s love of shopping and spending, I do enjoy helping software engineers find awesome roles.
9. How do you keep a work/life balance?
I’ve been better at it recently and using most of my holidays! Weekends away to places like Bali help as well. I’m terrible in the fact that I can’t go more than a day without checking my emails on longer holidays, so I find the weekends away are a good way to get some balance. Having a Netflix account helps as well.
10. People would be surprised if they knew?
I wish I was more interesting, but I did take salsa lessons for 3 years which tends to surprise a few people.
#TeamEames #WhatDrivesYou #QuickFire10