This week we’re taking a moment to give a warm welcome to the newest member of the Herd Digital team, Patrick Gunn.

Coming from a previous role in recruitment, Patrick is joining as a Digital Recruitment Consultant covering the breadth of Digital Marketing. Patrick is here to help expand our offerings into new markets, as we look to continue our exciting growth here at Herd.

Can you give us a brief overview of your role?

I recruit for the whole range of digital marketing. Anything in SEO, digital PR, Social Media marketing, PPC and Paid Search. I work with our clients to get them the best digital marketing talent in regards to what they’re looking for. I make sure the process is moving as smoothly as possible and make sure they get the right candidates: to ensure that the clients are filled with quality people.

What led you to a career in recruitment in the first place?

To be honest I got into recruitment because I needed something to pay the bills. I used to be a mechanic for Mercedes, I worked there for 3 years. Unfortunately due to COVID, all us apprentices were made redundant, because apprenticeships are a government scheme. So all the apprentices throughout the UK were laid off. 

I didn’t think I was going to enjoy it that much but I really enjoyed it! I really like talking to people, it’s challenging, and you’re always learning. And I think it’s one of the best jobs and one of the worst jobs: When it’s going great, it’s amazing! And when it’s not going well, it’s not going well. 

And no day is the same: If every day was the same, I’d be bored in a week.

What’s been your favourite part of the job so far? 

My favourite part of my job here at Herd has been learning a new market: Getting to know all the different industries and sectors, and all the different people I talk to on a daily basis. 9 times out of 10 the people are always polite, respectful and it’s nice being able to level with them. 

In regards to recruitment itself, it’s very autonomous. You’re not micromanaged. Obviously you’ve got your KPIs to hit and you need to perform to make money. You’re left to your own devices. And at the end of the day if you’re not making deals, then it’s completely on you: Because it’s your money. There’s a lot of accountability and self responsibility to be able to do this job. 

And what are you looking forward to most as you progress in your role?

I’m looking forward to getting up to the next stage, potentially moving to a management role. Expanding my skill set, and being a bit of a sponge really: Learning as much as I can. As long as I come to work and know that I’ve put in 110%, I’ll be happy with myself. Looking forward to getting anchored in, and seeing where the career takes me.

What led you to choosing Herd Digital for the next stage in your career in recruitment?

The previous company I worked at wasn’t very good in terms of training and development: And I needed a company where I could develop my skills and develop myself. So I did a bit of research into Herd, looked at structure, how they worked, what the feel of the company is… and it looked like a really positive place to join. 

So I spoke to Andy and we discussed the role and my interest. Then I had my first interview with Alexis: Which was very casual and relaxed, it was honestly a really nice chat. Then I was invited back first thing the next morning, for my second interview. And they offered me the job there on the spot.

What aspect of recruitment do you think is often overlooked?

How hard it is. A lot of people think when they hear recruitment, that they could do it with their eyes closed. That all you do is match someone up to a job. They think it’s some employment tinder: You just swipe through, he looks good and send him across.

The mental side of it as well. You need to have the mental strength and resilience to not crumble when things go bad. Because when things go wrong, you’re losing a big commission. And in your head you’ve already started spending that money. 

And you never think it’s going to go wrong, but it does. You can have 5 candidates with offers on the table, and one by one they all fall through. You need to have, or to develop, that resilience.

If you could meet anyone, who would it be and why?

David Attenbourgh, 100%. He’s a national treasure. And the reason is, I’ve always really enjoyed nature, animals, and getting out on massive walks. But without David Attenborough, there would be no WWF channel, no National Geographic Wild, or National Geographic… They wouldn’t be where they are without David! He’s done so much work with documentaries, and foundations. And it was all pioneered by him. And to this day, he’s still doing it. I’ve listened to so many of his podcasts, and he’s just an incredible person. 

I’ve always said it, if i could sit down and have a coffee with someone, it would be him.

Can you give us 3 interesting facts about yourself?

1. I climbed Table Mountain in South Africa in Cape Town, with a broken arm. 
2. Once in South Africa yet again, I went cage diving with Sharks in the middle of the ocean. And once we got there, I refused to get in the cage. It was just completely dark under the water, and I’m terrified of sharks. So I don’t know why I decided to do that.
3. I did a Mercedes track day when I completed the second segment of my apprenticeship at Mercedes. Got to drive a series of different Mercedes cars on a track, going full pelt. They recorded me going 130 mph.

At Herd we’re always looking for new members to join our growing team. If you’re ready to get started in your career, contact us here to find out if you’ve got what it takes. Or apply directly to our open recruitment consultant position here.