March 2017

30 APAC / March 2017 , 1702AP30 Unique Approach to the Recruitment Industry Alice Clark of Oomf Australia talks to APAC Insider about the firmand its unique approach to the recruitment industry. Oomf is an Australian-based bespoke creative recruitment agency with offices in Melbourne and Sydney. “We are currently in our ninth year of operation with a team who work with a range of clients in the design, branding, advertising, digital and marketing sectors,” explains director Alice Clark. “We work across freelance, longer term contract and permanent opportunities, often tapping in to our international network of candidates for specialised and high demand skill sets.” The firm provides a consultative approach to understanding and solving its clients’ core problems. This involves an initial meeting with our clients to unlock crucial information such as their company history, vision, client base, size, structure, growth opportunities and location, physical environment and culture which is important when assessing long-term fit with potential employees. “We view each new project, be it with a new client or candidate, as a partnership and opportunity to build the foundation of a successful relationship. With each new project we start with obtaining a comprehensive job brief and meeting with our client to discuss the opportunity in depth. “Likewise we spend face to face time with all of our candidates to thoroughly understand their journey to date and their ideal next role, mapping out the steps we believe they can take to get to where they want to be. We help them to put their best foot forward, offering guidance on their CV, folio and ways they can improve their personal brand and how they can create their own reality. “We form long term relationships with our two sets of customers, our candidates and clients, and pride ourselves on our personable and honest approach which sets us apart from the industry norm.” Oomf’s mission is simply to connect great people. “We recognise talent, passion, energy and kindness which inspires us to work hard and create opportunities. We respect our two sets of customers equally,” states Alice. “We are super easy to work with and excel at providing our candidate and client’s with a highly personable, professional and exceptional customer experience. We also work in a highly collaborative environment where our consultants work together to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients and candidates. This is what ultimately sets us apart from our competitors.” The rise of digital and social media in Australia has seen the influx of new roles and a changing landscape. Alice goes a little more in-depth about the external influences which affect the industry within the APAC region. “UX/UI and digital natives are on the rise. We are also seeing a trend in many relocating or returning to Australia after a number of years abroad. A number of our clients are choosing to formally establish their presence in the Asian markets which demonstrates a strong economy and growth in the Asia Pacific market. “It’s amazing what you learn when you speak to people and we are in the business of meeting new people and speaking with people every day. These insights keep us informed as do our media partners and international counterparts. “As job titles and responsibilities vary globally, our consultants spend considerable time breaking down these boundaries when assessing international applicants.” The internal culture at Oomf is all-important when it comes to ensuring staff are well-equipped to provide the best possible service to its clients. “Oomf has a fun, positive, energetic and family friendly culture,” enthuses Alice. “We intrinsically care and strive to provide customer service excellence. Our collaborative ethos ensures that we are all on the same page and share this same vision.” This internal culture also plays a large part on Alice’s approach to hiring staff and attracting the best talent in the industry. “Oomf is a firm believer that a successful business is based on a positive and supportive culture that values and empowers their staff. This foundation has helped us attract like-minded people to our organisation. Whilst skills are important, genuine personality and customer centric fundamentals cannot be taught. This is what Oomf seeks when we hire staff internally and we are happy to look outside of the box when doing so.” The future is bright for Oomf and Alice states that they are all particularly excited. “We have just secured a bigger space and are finalising several new