We caught up with Emma and Mel at Young Foodies about the world of recruitment and they shared their insights about what you can expect joining the team.
What does your role involve?
I speak with candidates who have a special passion in the food and beverage industry, and are specifically interested in working within a start-up. I then work closely with candidates to help them find fantastic new roles or their first jobs straight from university. I also run and organise our Graduate Assessment Day working closely alongside the rest of the team to ensure a great candidate experience. - Mel
The scope of what I do changes on a weekly basis. Combined with the fast-paced nature of the FMCG industry, the ever changing external environment, and start-up nature of YF, it means there is never a dull day. As a Talent Manager, my key responsibility is to work on graduate and junior recruitment. Alongside Mel, our Talent Resourcer, we find great people to work for the fantastic brands in the FMCG industry. - Emma
What is your morning routine?
I’m a ‘class passer’ (I’m hoping this plug will get me more credits). I always start my day with an exercise class or a swim to wake me up. I then inhale the London fumes on my cycle into the office. First things first, align and plan with Mel how we are going to tackle the day’s priorities. - Emma
I love to start my day with a cuppa tea (has to be Yorkshire). Walking to the station I am always tempted to buy a coffee on route, most of the time succumbing to temptation, before settling down in the office to start the day ahead. -Mel
As a self-proclaimed foodie, what does your usual lunch look like?
Shock, I’m a HUGE foodie so it’s got to be something delicious. I love to cook so usually it’s my night before dish with heaps of vegetables and an excess of sauces or spices. - Emma
I love a bit of sushi and Kombucha, it’s satisfying and delicious. - Mel
What attributes are you looking for in a new team member?
Enthusiasm, positivity and hunger (for success, as well as food). - Mel
Someone confident and not afraid to ask smart questions; we all learn from each other by asking questions. An individual who is excited by helping cool businesses and our own business to grow. I always fall back on Steve Jobs quote – “great things are not just done by one person, but a team of people”. We help build teams but we also need the superstars in our own team to make it happen. - Emma
What skills do you need to be a recruiter at YF?
Sociable, you communicate and meet with a huge array of individuals all the time. Second, an active listener. You need to understand what brands and candidates really want to correctly match them up. Finally, resilience. Not every day is a walk in the park but it’s how you bounce back and face the challenges that really helps you to learn! - Emma
A strong communicator most definitely; someone who truly enjoys listening as well as talking. A love for people, food and beverage, and getting stuck in is key. - Mel
What is different about working at YF?
It is truly a team, collective effort. No one is left to fend for themselves, and especially as a junior member of staff you are supported and encouraged to try new things, to work on yourself, develop and grow into the best version of you.- Mel
You have your core job but you will learn the inner workings of every department and really broaden your skillset. I don’t think there is a person in the business who isn’t hard working, determined and will go out of their way to support one another. Oh, and there’s the perks of attending cool events and trying incredible food and drink products. - Emma
Find out more about Young Foodies current opportunities here.