Would you believe that Phil Cookson has been at Creative Resource 20 years? He started waaayyyy back in 2004! The year that X-Factor and Strictly Come Dancing came to our screens on a Saturday night. Also, the year that Facebook launched and when most people were hanging out on Myspace.
Phil explains why he choose to work at Creative Resource, why he’s decided to stay for so long and what makes Creative Resource different to other recruiters.
What made you originally apply to work at Creative Resource?
I was working with recruiters to find a new role after I’d completed my graduate scheme. I found most of them useless and thought I could do better! After interviewing with some very corporate recruiters, which I felt wasn’t me, I was lucky enough to find Creative Resource.
How has the company evolved over the years?
Back in 2004, we had paper files for every candidate we interviewed, which meant several thousand files wheras for several years now we’ve been completely digital. We’ve continually had to adapt to new jobs that appear so it’s also a constant learning curve to keep up to date with industry developments. It helps that we’re so focused on creative, marketing and digital sectors though, as it means we can really get in-depth with the industry and what’s happening and changing.
How have you changed as a recruiter during that time?
I think over time you realise that there are ups and downs, I’ve been through a major recession as well as the Covid pandemic, but it’s important to remember after those lows there will always be a high. The longer you do the job as well, the better and better your matchmaking skills become, it’s not something that can be learnt overnight, it comes with lots and lots of practice.
How has the world of recruitment changed over the years?
It’s more digital but the fundamentals of the role haven’t changed, despite many innovations supposedly changing the face of recruitment, it’s still about people, building relationships and crafting stories.
Why is Creative Resource different to other recruitment agencies?
We see ourselves as an integral part of the industry and believe it’s important we support the growth and development of the industry, as such we commit a percentage of our profits every year to our initiatives to support the industry such as School of Thought, Two + Two and Handle This – which I think sets us apart from others.
What’s next for you and the Creative Resource?
One of the benefits of the world going more virtual is we can expand our reach, we’re working with more clients across all areas of the North as well as some in other regions too, so our focus is on expanding our client base in new areas, and of course adding to our growing team!
