Consultant Spotlight – Tom Watson

Tom Watson

Tom graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a First Class Honours in Business Management and has always aspired to have a career within recruitment, having prior experience within the industry during a summer placement, and writing his dissertation thesis around the industry. 

In his role, Tom provides detailed search and selection for technology recruitment processes, and prides himself on understanding clients’ needs and requirements; shaping their recruitment strategy to align with their vision and overall values. He is passionate about sourcing IT experts, building relationships and supporting the success of the Group’s clients, candidates and colleagues.

 

Choosing a Career at Livingston James Group

“During my quest to find a recruitment firm that sparked my interest and mirrored my passion for helping candidates, clients and communities, I came across Livingston James Group (LJG). I found out that there was a specific sub-brand within the Group called Hamilton Forth which focused specifically on technology and change recruitment. I have always had an interest in technology, and the impact it has on organisations as well as everyone’s day-to-day life.

“I wanted to join an organisation that was purpose driven and values led. LJG is exactly that, and during my interview process, I had the opportunity to meet with several senior stakeholders who all displayed the same passion and determination in making a difference to candidate lives and client success. Equally, the work and effort devoted to helping public sector and not for profit organisations with multiple fundraising events, and the opportunity to take two CSR days per year to aid with charities close to individuals hearts ,was something that I was eager to contribute to.

“Livingston James Group is different from other recruitment organisations as we put a considerable amount of care to our clients and candidates. As per our purpose, “we are here to advise and support people and organisations to realise their potential so that together we can impact lives and communities for the better”. If we think that a role is not going to benefit a candidate to their desires or progress their career, we advise them on where their career can progress within a different role. If a client is indecisive between several candidates, we advise them on which candidates we feel would benefit them the most and have the most desired impact on their organisation. We also devote a considerable amount of time to fundraising and aiding local charities.

“LJG is a purpose and values led organisation. The value I feel I identify most with is “be passionate and determined”. Since joining Hamilton Forth, it has been a steep learning curve, and given the market has been tough, I feel I have continued to be passionate and determined since joining. Although I am early on in my career, the fundamentals of recruitment are also the most important to becoming successful, and the environment and collaboration between the sub-brands with LJG has given me a great foundation to develop and grow.

 

Our Culture at Livingston James Group

“There is a real team culture within LJG, with colleagues supporting one another on a daily basis. There is also a big focus on employee wellbeing with the likes of our monthly ‘Lunch Club’ which promotes healthy eating and the opportunity to have some time away from our desk and spend time with colleagues to de-stress and catch up. Equally, we have ‘Champion Groups’ which allow colleagues to join a group and contribute to employee ‘Wellness’, ‘Volunteering’, ‘Fundraising’ and ‘Social’ activities.

“With Livingston James Group becoming employee owned, it has given employees an opportunity to influence decision making within the business. With selected Trustee Directors, decisions are made in the best interests of all employees whilst also taking into account the interests of future employees.  LJG becoming the first Scottish employee-owned business in the industry has acted as a unique selling point when speaking with clients and candidates, and we are looking forward to seeing additional benefits from this transition in years to come.”

 

To find out more about careers at Hamilton Forth, visit our careers page or contact [email protected].

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