In the High Flyers spotlight this week is Michael Hewitt, recently appointed director of Corvus, a recruitment consultancy service based in Belfast.
Corvus is a team of experienced recruitment consultants with a combined experience of 150 years.
To take part in the High Flyers Q&A, get in touch via business@irishnews.com.
What was your first job?
My first paid job was behind the bar at the Horse & Groom, a pub in my home town village Armthorpe. It was character building and I really enjoyed it. I worked on and off there for about five years when I was home from university. My first role in recruitment was in 2012 in Yorkshire where I supported long-term unemployed people back into employment. I was responsible for developing business by securing job vacancies and matching candidates to vacancies. I moved to Northern Ireland in 2014 and worked for a large recruitment consultancy before moving to Corvus in January last year.
What qualifications do you have?
I have a BA (hons) in television production and media studies. I really enjoyed it as it gave me an outlet for my creativity. I recently took part in a writing for social media course with the University of California, Berkley.
What do you attribute your success to?
I’m not afraid of trying new things. I’m very driven, focussed, and ambitious. I help businesses to recruit critical hires, and use the Corvus unique approach to partner with them to identify, approach and assess all relevant talent in the market.
How would you describe yourself to someone who'd never met you?
A straight-talking Yorkshireman who calls Northern Ireland home.
Who do you look up to in business?
I went on a course a few years ago called copy-writing for recruiters, it was designed and delivered by Mitch Sullivan and Jackie Barrie. I look up to them because they know what they are good at, they’ve stuck with it and they have genuinely contributed so much to the recruitment industry over the years. They aren’t afraid to have an opinion, they challenge people and their course has helped me to be more effective.
How do you get the best out of the people who work for you?
I try to be open with my communication, fair and accountable. I see my role as a support role, which focuses on helping the team to achieve. I like to get to know people, understand their strengths and weaknesses and encourage them to do more of what they enjoy.
If you could change one thing about business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
There are some wonderful companies in this country but I think if companies were more open to change when it comes to how they recruit, they’d build better businesses.
What website or app could you not live without?
That’s easy. LinkedIn.
What was the last book you read?
I’m an avid reader. I like historical fiction and thrillers - The Prodigal Daughter by Jeffrey Archer
What car do you drive?
Audi Q3
Tell us something interesting about yourself.
I used to be a magician and I can fire breathe.
What's your greatest passion outside work and family?
I collect Irish whiskey.
