Meet the Team: Jim

What’s something people would never guess about you?

I prefer James to Jim.

How did you get into recruitment?

Fresh from Manchester University in 1998. At that point, it was a relatively new sector, and I was desperate to move to London, so I felt incredibly lucky to find a junior role with MacPeople.

Who did you want to be as a kid?

Probably Adam Ant.

What is your most unusual talent or skill?

If you were born between the late seventies and mid-nineties, I could probably tell you your Birthday number one.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

Coastal and countryside walks with my family, or I’ve probably got my head in a book.

What achievements are you proud of?

More recently, teaching my son to ride his bike! It just felt like it would never happen, but after countless trips to the park and Dad levels of enthusiasm, it finally did. I may have embarrassed myself by whooping when he took off and kept going.

What were you like as a kid?

I was mostly recording and writing out the weekly Top 40, making mix tapes and going for big bike rides.

What’s the most awkward thing that happens to you on a regular basis?

I seem to be the one with all the IT issues at EdenMarsh.

What movie or TV show do you rewatch often?

As a family, we regularly rewatch the Paddington films. There’s something so warm-hearted about them, and London looks fantastic. When I’m on my own probably ‘Quadrophenia’.

What’s your music taste?

I listen to Radio 6 pretty much every day. I love 80s indie, electronic and new wave, so a lot of Smiths, New Order, Depeche Mode and Talking Heads in our house. And Bowie, of course.

What’s the last thing you’ve read or a podcast you’ve listened to?

‘Piranesi’ by Susanna Clarke.

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Watching old episodes of TOTP on BBC4.

Who is your celebrity crush?

Lauren Laverne.

Tell me about your favourite memory from your life…

Being in my Parents’ garden. At all different ages. They’ve made it a really special place over the last 40 years. I have so many wonderful memories of spending time there with family and friends, eating and drinking, playing games and laughing. It’s still my absolute favourite place to be.

What’s the wildest thing you’ve ever done?

Ziptrecking in the Whistler mountains. It was so much higher than we’d ever anticipated.

If you could travel to any year in a time machine, what year would you choose?

Probably back to 1997 when I was living and studying in Manchester. I had a great time there and met people who became really important in my life.

What are three items on your bucket list?

Visit Budapest. See Radiohead live. Live by the Sea again.

What’s your favourite food of all time?

A good pie.

What’s the weirdest thing in your closet?

An item of clothing that isn’t navy blue or grey.

What was the silliest mistake you’ve ever made at work?

A rather large bug flew into my eye at an al fresco client meeting once. Rather than taking a moment to step away and remove it properly, I carried on the conversation with half of it still in there, gumming my eye together. I could feel my client staring at it throughout the conversation, but neither of us mentioned it strangely.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

That being able to laugh at yourself is so important in life. I believe it can be really helpful in getting through difficult circumstances, disappointments and self-doubt, helping you to be more self-aware and have a more positive outlook on life.

What’s your favourite thing about working in recruitment?

Meeting talented and creative people every day and hearing the stories behind their work.

What advice would you like to give to our candidates searching for jobs?

Sometimes the most interesting and exciting opportunities are in the most unexpected places. It’s always worth being open to hearing about something, having a conversation and finding out a bit more before deciding it’s not for you.