In Conversation with Chris Mullen

Chris Mullen joined Understanding Recruitment in 2019 having previously worked at a well known high street recruitment agency.

Before getting into recruitment, Chris was a Senior Sales Negotiator at an Estate & Lettings Agency.

Now Chris is our Client Engagement Consultant and IT Recruiter, focusing on providing clients with an expert level of service and supplying them with quality, hard to find tech talent across .NET, Java, DevOps, JavaScript, AI, and machine learning.

We caught up with Chris to find out more about his recruitment journey and how he’s finding it so far!

Where were you working before you joined the team, Chris?

I had worked in an Estate Agency for five years before deciding to move into recruitment. I started my recruitment career at a well known high street recruitment agency in Watford for a year, before joining the Understanding Recruitment team.

What do you like best about working at UR?

I enjoy working with very talented people who have a great attitude and are always willing to lend a helping hand.

The company always rewards hard work and good performance throughout the year. There are also loads of incentives everyone can get involved in ranging from trips abroad to team activities and director's lunches. 

How does working in the tech industry differ from your previous industry?

It’s a big change and one that comes with a lot of research and preparation. The tech industry is a lot more fast-paced which definitely comes with more rewards than high street recruitment. 

Because the tech industry is constantly evolving the demand for quality tech talent is very high. This demand creates a higher earning potential and makes the average deal value larger than most industries.

What would your advice be to recruiters thinking about moving company/industry?

Be prepared to work hard and learn about the new industry as much as you can. Ask questions and learn from those around you. They have experience in the industry that you're entering and will be able to help and guide you.
 

How would you describe the culture at UR?

I would say it's a good mix of hardworking, inclusive, friendly, professional, and respectful. There are loads of opportunities for career progression and I would say that the team overall is really engaged.

What would your advice be to your younger self? 

Although working for a high street recruitment agency gave me some good experience, I would have liked to have gone straight to UR and started learning and developing with the business from the get-go!