Octopus Investments (‘Octopus’) has taken its forward-thinking approach and applied it to recruitment, as it looks to increase its headcount in line with its expanding product range and customer base. The company introduced an ‘Apprentice’ style competition to identify and recruit exceptional candidates to join in 2011. The most recent event, for potential sales staff, held on 19 January, resulted in two job offers being made and accepted.
The competitions have been promoted via advertising and recruitment agencies. Over 150 applications came through for the sales day, and Octopus conducted phone interviews with over 60 people in order to whittle attendees down to 20. During the day candidates took part in
speed interviews (like speed-dating), telephone call role plays and pitching sessions to give them a feeling of realistic every day working scenarios. After each stage candidates moved through to the next task or were given feedback on what they did well and what they could improve, before leaving.
The Apprentice days were the brainchild of Karen Taylor, recruitment manager on the Organisational Development team at Octopus. Karen commented, “Unlike other financial services companies we actively recruit from both outside and inside the industry. We take a fresh approach and value individuals who can bring a different perspective. There is no better way for us to assess candidates than with practical exercises that give them a chance to demonstrate relevant skills”.
Those who have attended the assessment days have appreciated the opportunity to participate in such a competition to gain not only a new job, but also an insight into financial services, and to meet Octopus staff. Candidates have described the days variously as being “great fun”, and having “flown by”, while another wrote to the company afterwards saying, “I thoroughly enjoyed my time and it was great to meet everyone. It was easy to see why everyone enjoys working there so much”.
Several current staff members were recruited at the first Apprentice event, held in October last year. Adam Peters, who joined Octopus in November 2010, said “The assessment day gave me the chance to show the company what I’m capable of, and see what I was letting myself in for! Octopus is a fast-paced, dynamic environment, and there’s a lot of variety and challenge in my role. I’m very glad to be here, I’m part of a close-knit team, everyone is very friendly and there’s a real sense of community. It’s exciting to have joined the company at such an important stage in its development”.
Simon Rogerson, Octopus CEO, commented, “Hiring and retaining exceptional people is integral to our identity and success. As we embark on a new year and a new decade, we’re looking to recruit staff across many areas of the business. We’re interested in outstanding candidates who can contribute to our progress as a fast-growing company focused on great service and innovation”.
