Member Article

Seeking success

Lawrence Jones, CEO of internet hosting company, UKFast, shares his tips on getting to the top.

It is a common misconception that a degree is a fast track ticket to a highly paid job and lucrative career, especially when it comes to SMEs. At UKFast, we recruit on attitude not skillset on the premise that we can teach skills to bright individuals quite easily. It’s not so simple to change someone’s attitude or belief system. I think, when it comes to smaller businesses, a cultural match is critical because even one person swimming against the tide can cause huge waves for the whole team whereas, in a bigger company, this might go unnoticed for longer or make less of an impact.

For this reason it is essential to research the ethics and values of the company that you’re applying for a job with. You might well be looking to get a higher salary out of your next career move but you’ve got to spend the majority of your time in the workplace so you need to feel confident that your colleagues and the space in which you will work are going to inspire and engage you.

At UKFast, we look for people who are dynamic, innovative, passionate, professional and supportive. We look for that energy, that spark, which makes someone a real superstar. I often refer to a “paper round gene” when discussing recruitment strategy and it’s exactly how it sounds. I love seeing that people have started working and becoming independent at a young age, whether that was taking up a paper round or washing cars.

In terms of interview tips, I would advise you to be aware of the fact that, especially when you’re applying for a job in an SME, you really are being judged from the moment you walk through the door (no pressure!). At UKFast, we take feedback from our receptionists, who are the first point of contact for applicants, as seriously as feedback from the interview itself. We’ve actually had candidates talk very bluntly or rudely to receptionists only to be charming with company directors.

In our company, as with many other SMEs, we are a tight knit company with a real family feel and it matters to us that no one person is treated as inferior to or less important than anyone else. Suffice to say, the candidates I have mentioned above did not get a job with UKFast!

Secondly, it’s worth highlighting the fact that it’s not always about shouting the loudest in job interviews and assessment days. Good listeners make good leaders and if you’re showing leadership potential then you’re in good stead for a rewarding career. Companies look for supportive, creative people as much as they do passionate and energetic people.

Finding your dream job can be hard but you really have to make this process a full time occupation. Sit down, write out your own personal and professional goals and then make a plan of how you’re going to achieve them. Then don’t give in until you do!

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Lawrence Jones .