With the Made in Manchester Awards coming up on 1st February, we thought it would be fitting to catch up with one of our longest-serving team members (and incidentally, MIMA nominee), Consultant Joseph Shenton. Among the topics of discussion was Joe’s spontaneous route into recruitment, his appreciation of jacket potatoes and how he’d spend his perfect weekend.
You’ve been nominated at next month’s Made in Manchester awards, congratulations! How does it feel to be shortlisted?
Thank you! I was made up to be recognised for the work I’ve put in at Realm so far. I’m really passionate about the work I do, it really does mean a lot to me.
How did you end up working in legal recruitment?
Before university, I was going to follow the family trade of bricklaying. But after my dad did his utmost to discourage me from doing just that, I looked into other options. I was never academic at school but one thing I was good at was business studies. In a slightly rushed decision, I took the plunge and moved to Leeds on two weeks’ notice. Before I knew it I was in a lecture hall.
I did a Business and HR Management degree at Leeds Beckett and soon noticed that I was more suited to recruitment after completing a couple of recruitment-specific modules (a great use of £40,000!) I’d had an interest in recruitment before, as a close family friend has worked in the industry throughout their career and always said it was something worth looking in to. I finished university on the Friday, handed in all my assignments, chucked all my belongings in the back of my car and was sat at my new Realm desk come the Monday morning.
What do you enjoy most about being a recruiter?
I could say every day is different, but every recruiter ever has probably said that one already. There are a couple of things I enjoy most, to be honest. On one hand, there is no better feeling than assisting a candidate in landing their ideal job. Hearing how delighted they are with something that you’ve put together really does mean a lot. Then, the other side of the coin is being able to work in a challenging environment, whether it is in terms of targets internally or a client’s requirement externally. I’m a very target- and process-driven person, so being able to crack on with something on my own and get results spurs me on a lot!
What food couldn’t you live without?
Jacket Potato (how boring!) but it’s just too consistent and you can add literally anything to it and it seems to work. My personal favourites are beans and cheese, classic and chilli con carne, on a winter’s day.
How would you spend your perfect Saturday?
I’d have a bit of a lie in first, and then I’d take my Schnauzer, Jeff, out for a long walk. After that I’d have to make my 2 pm kick-off; Saturday league football is what I live for on the weekends! In the evening, I’d catch up with a few friends in our local; we usually end up having a heated discussion about who’s better out of United or Liverpool (clearly United!)
Which box set can’t you get enough of at the moment?
It would have to be Peaky Blinders, it always keeps me on the edge of my seat. Although now season 4’s over, it looks like I’ve got a long wait until 2019 for the next season to start!
Have you got any exciting plans for 2018?
I’m off to Spain for a week in May, I cannot wait – there’s only so much Manchester ‘drizzle’ I can take! I’ve got a few walks planned such as Scafell Pike and my current favourite, Mount Snowdon! Ben Nevis is also on the cards so hopefully get up to Scotland to take that on.
How Joseph can help you…
At Realm, Joseph specialises in the recruitment of Personal Injury Lawyers across the North West. If you’re a personal injury solicitor looking for a new challenge or a hiring manager on the hunt for talented personnel, contact Joseph today. Get in touch by calling 03300 245 606 or email joseph.shenton@realmrecruit.com.
