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But before I do, let me introduce you to our beautiful shiny new Cubes above. We’ve hired this super-talented bunch in the last 12 months, in the midst of a pandemic, and (mostly) behind a screen. So I’m not saying we’re perfect, but we certainly must be doing something right to find this selection of pure talent!
In this blog, I’m about to lift the lid on a few truths here at Cube HQ about how we get the best people to join the fold.
Recruitment agencies
I’m just going to say it. We don’t like them, and we avoid using them (at all costs). It is so hard to find a genuine recruiter. Someone who is about aligning someone with your organisation’s mission, values, culture – stuff that is really important to us – and doesn’t just see the words “we’re hiring” and send you a million and one (sometimes completely irrelevant) CVs.
But in the interest of balance, I am going to shout out to SR2 Recruitment who are all about a socially responsible approach. Now we’re talking! Sounds almost too good to be true, but I can confirm it is absolutely true. Finally, a recruitment agency that has the right balance of understanding the requirements of the role, and the organisation and matching us brilliantly with people who are into our mission and want to make an impact. There is hope yet.
The selection process
Honestly, who likes the interview and recruitment processes?! The pre-interview nerves, the wondering if they liked you, the not being able to read the room…
One thing I feel really strongly about in terms of our hiring process is that people are made to feel comfortable from the first moment they meet us. That first impression of Cube, whether it’s an email response to an application or a video call, is absolutely vital.
Putting someone at ease is my top priority, and I often see people surprised when I ask them what their passions and hobbies are outside of work, but really that is one of the most important and insightful questions we ask.
After all, we’re all human beings and we’re all more than just what we do at work everyday null
And that honest, relaxed approach runs through the whole thing. Because we know it’s tough to do your best when you’re on edge and wracked with nerves!
The other aspect that is really important to me. Giving awesome feedback. Of course, we can’t do that with every application, but wherever we can, we do. Just because it wasn’t right this time, doesn’t mean it won’t be next time. (Read our blog about Deanna’s not so straightforward journey at entering the Cube, here)
Salary
Let’s talk about the nitty-gritty for a hot minute. We all, every single human being who wakes up and works for any organisation, anywhere in the world, want to get paid fairly for the work we do. Over the last few months, I’ve spoken to many candidates whose salary expectations were a smidge higher than we have had certain roles advertised at.
You won’t be surprised to learn we take a transparent approach to salary conversations too. I am always honest about the boundaries, and being an independently owned business, we aren’t necessarily always going to be able to compete with huge corporations on salary.
The thing is, we not only advertise a salary on ALL our job ads, but actively encourage people to enter into a discussion about their expectations early on and, in return, let them know whether the value they have in mind for themselves is in line with what we’d eventually be able to offer if they were successful.
But, newsflash, salary isn’t everything, people!
There is a serious change happening in the tech market, seemingly led by startups with huge investment behind them, which is naturally pushing up the market value for some roles.
That, coupled with the relative newfound flexibility around working from home for organisations that are based anywhere in the world, means that things have just gotten super-competitive.
So, there are a few differentiators we focus on at Cube to address why we’re an incredible place to work, even if we don’t offer a London VC-funded start-up salary.
Our Mission
Not sure if you’ve heard but we talk about Tech for Good, a lot. Because it’s what we do, what we love to build and it is the passion driving our mission to change millions of lives. There is huge value and benefits to working on impact projects and getting up every day knowing that you work for an organisation that is genuinely interested in humanity and the environment. Not least, the sense of pride you get from working on life-saving technology and being part of a team of like-minded people.
Culture
From the second you step into Cube HQ, you know this ain’t like yo momma’s office. It’s nothing like the agencies of yore. The space is bright and open with dogs running around as well as Cubes lounging on the plush sofas. Every aspect of the workspace is thought out and welcoming.
And the buck doesn’t stop there. In order for all of our Cubes to delight in their work, they need to be delighted. So we are extremely aware of how important it is that we keep team building, wellness and good old fashioned fun a priority for the entire team.
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For that reason, (here’s some more honesty), I would say to anyone applying for jobs – anywhere – absolutely have a value you want to achieve for yourself, but also don’t be surprised if some organisations advertise incredibly well-paid (in order to trade-off against maybe some really boring, or really stressful stuff you’re going to have to do) and some might advertise at lower rates (but might be providing you with fulfilling work and a whole host of other, maybe less tangible, but equally important benefits). Because not all business is made the same – so weigh up your options and what is important to you, and if you’re applying to Cube – expect to have an honest conversation about it!
As luck would have it, we are currently looking to fill a couple of roles at the agency. Take a look at the available positions and maybe these recruitment tips might come in handy for you!
Published on 30 April 2021, last updated on 4 April 2022