We’ve had the real pleasure of a 20+ year career growing agencies here in NYC, and in that time we’ve been exposed to just about every little piece of the puzzle of running a business. It’s a lot of fun to try and craft an organization of substance. We’ve thought about it, and the most fun part of all that, the absolutely greatest part of any job we’ve had, is hiring people.
Hiring someone is an emotional win-win. In most cases for the employer, it means the business is growing, that the outlook is promising. And that you have a place that people find attractive.
On the candidate side, you’ve probably been weeded out from a cadre of applicants, presented yourself, and won the contest. You are wanted! Nice feeling, whether you take the job or not.
So we love hiring people, it’s self-affirming and gives me a sense of adding real value to someone else’s life, giving them a job they actually want.
OK, so there’s one thing we look for in all candidates, and just for context I’ve probably been the decision-maker on hiring close to 500 people in our career. It’s probably more, actually. We’re not counting.
There is one other must: empathy. It’s a tricky thing to probe for, but it’s pretty clear when it’s missing. We want people that can recognize and respect the viewpoints of others, and work with them in a positive manner, interjecting their own perspective too. Neither doormats nor ideologues, in other words. We value people that can engage with others in a situation and be part of the creative and thoughtful solution.
So candidates, for our jobs or most others, I’d say, think about how you can best show that: that you are an empathetic person. If you’d like to apply for a position at Small Planet, send us a brief email explaining why you think we’d be right for each other, and attach your CV.
One other tip: If we call you in for a meet, pack some dog treats, and you’ll be a massive hit with the canine crew romping around the shop.