Career advice, insights & tips for HR professionals
Darren Wentworth, partner, Frazer Jones 18/07/2012
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Career interview with Darren Wentworth, partner, Frazer Jones.

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Brief CV history
- 2010 to date - Frazer Jones - partner
- 2002 to 2010 – Robert Walters - director of HR recruitment
- 2001 to 2002 –FSS - managing consultant
- 1997 to 2001 - Hays Accountancy – business manager – senior finance
Q & A interview questions
Q. When you were a kid, what was your career dream?
A. I was a huge fan of TV programmes like The Six Million Dollar Man, The Dukes of Hazard and The Fall Guy and for a number of years was convinced I was going to be a stunt man or actor, but after 2 broken legs, 1 broken arm and fractured wrist I realised it wasn’t the right career for me.
Q. How did you get to where you are now?
A. Hard work - you make lots of sacrifices along the way to get along in your career and I’ve always thrown myself 100% into what I do. You don’t always get it right but learning from mistakes and being open to other peoples ideas and opinions is very important.
Q. Who inspired you along your career journey, and why?
A. I’ve had the pleasure of managing and working for some great people over the years and I’ve learned just as much and been inspired by those I have managed as I have the leaders along the way.
Q. Why did you join your current organisation?
A. I wanted and needed a change. I found in Frazer Jones something that I didn’t think existed- a great group of genuinely nice, motivated people, a very collegiate environment and a real sense of responsibility to candidates and clients. I also thought there was an opportunity to help grow the business and achieve bigger and better things. 2011 was the best year in our 16 years history and we have brought in more great people and developed new business areas and markets, and we continue on that journey with some great new hires.
Q. Describe your typical day.
A. I’m an early bird, so I normally get in the office for 7.30am, which is good going from Surrey. I walk from Waterloo into the City with a coffee and a stroll down the north bank is a great way to start the day. I generally have a number of team meetings through the day and will spend at least a few hours meeting with clients and candidates across London. I try to get home in time to put my daughter to bed, dinner ( maybe a drink) and then relax!
Q. What’s your greatest achievement?
A. My daughter - the most amazingly beautiful little girl, who always keeps me grounded and makes me smile no matter what the day has thrown at me.
Q. What are your biggest challenges?
A. We have grown substantially over the last 2 years; we have expanded our offering and have had some amazing successes, so managing expectations in what are sometimes difficult times can be tough. Like many organisations we want to retain and develop great people and we need to be creative, innovative and dynamic in ensuring that we remain competitive but not at the expense of the values that make Frazer Jones such a great place to work.
Q. What career advice would you give someone aspiring to your role?
A. Admit when you’ve made a mistake and learn from it. Integrity and honesty are in short supply but it doesn’t mean you should compromise on your values.
Favourite...
- Business book(s): How to win friends and influence people
- Website(s): youtube.com, http://news.sky.com/home,
- Music: Kings of Leon, Kasabian, The Foo Fighters, Radiohead, Massive attack, the list is endless
- TV programme/film: I think my favourite film will be Prometheus, I’m already hooked on the trailer. The Good Wife, Homeland
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