IGA Talent Solutions would like to welcome our new Director, Dan Dawson to the team.
Hannah Yates, Senior Operations Executive at IGA caught up with Dan to find out more about his background and how he has found his first few weeks working at IGA. You can read more in the article below.
Hi Dan, welcome to the IGA Team. We’re delighted to have you on board! How has your first week been?
Great to be here, my first few weeks have been a real whirlwind of visits to different locations and meeting great people. I have had the chance to meet a lot of our new starters and also their managers.
What is your background in recruitment and how did you get into the industry?
I have been in recruitment now for over 25 years, predominately in the Technology sector although saying that my last three years have been in Life Sciences which has been extremely rewarding.
I have to say I fell in to recruitment, I was unsure what to do after leaving university, I was reading our local paper and read an advert in the vacancies section (Yes I am that old and that’s how we used to find jobs) which resonated with me and so sent in a CV and the rest is history.
What attracted you to join IGA Talent Solutions? What is different about IGA that sets it apart from other recruitment agencies?
I was approached to join IGA as they were looking for a senior hire to help grow the southern offices and after spending some time with the founders it became clear very quickly that what IGA stood for matched my views/drivers completely.
IGA has a real focus on providing the best environment for its staff so that they can provide a first class service to their customers. From agile home working to the latest tech, I was impressed with how IGA wanted to support its teams.
What areas of recruitment do you specialise in and what area do feel you have added the most value in the past?
I will be managing teams across a variety of sectors but with a particular focus on expanding out our technology offering. This lends itself well to my past experiences and definitely where I feel I can add the most value
What do you think are the biggest challenges that clients, candidates and the recruitment market face at the moment?
I would say current challenges for clients right now are securing the best talent, in a skills short market attracting those that are considering a move is tough, you need to stand out.
For candidates its finding the right home. With so many clients looking, you need to do your homework, and partner with a reputable agency that will work with you to really understand what you are looking for and present the appropriate options.
What would be your key recruitment tips?
Be quick! Work at pace! If you are looking to hire great people, don’t procrastinate, ensure your processes are informative and positive. The onboarding experience starts when you post a vacancy.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you like to do in your spare time.
I am a father to two girls, so they keep me very busy that and our dog Bella. When I am not a taxi service at the weekend and the weather is good, I like to get out on my motorbike and enjoy the Essex roads and the countryside.
