The last few years has seen growth at Artisan and while everyone might know who Michael Broderick is, it felt like it was time to introduce some of the newer team members to the Artisan community.

Name: Elke Braithwaite
Role: Resource Coordinator - Advertising

When did you join the Artisan family?
February 2008

Describe your role and what a typical day would entail?
As soon as I walk in the door, with my freshly brewed cawfee, I sit down and sort through the various emails accrued overnight – usually a mix of new candidate resumes/folios and follow up emails from candidates and clients. Then its down to business – booking jobs, checking in candidates, checking out job ads, interviewing new potentials, reference checks… the list goes on. Essentially I am the go-to for any candidates booked for the Advertising team and its kinda up to me to keep them up to date, informed and, ultimately, employed as much as possible!

How would you describe the culture at Artisan?
With such a small, close-knit team, there is a definite sense of ownership and encouragement around the place. Having a range of different career backgrounds and levels of experience makes Artisan a diverse and culturally rich environment to work in.

What do you enjoy most about working at Artisan?
I love the characters at Artisan! There is such a mix of people that make every day entertaining, whether it be through incessant high-fiving, spontaneous love song outbursts, or just general weekend updates. It’s a happy workplace.

What were you doing prior to Artisan?
I worked for 5 years at a renowned Hotel in the CBD. The environment I worked in was polar opposite to that of Artisan. There were over 600 members of staff with about 20 different tiers of management, high-turnover and major politics. I worked in the Communications Centre as the sole Supervisor of a team of up to 10 girls – I trained them up, then they were shipped out to other departments. It was pretty thankless work so l learned to be pretty self-motivated.

Tell us about your best and worst employment experience…
I remember working on the telephones taking Room Service orders at the hotel – I took an order for a guest, as it was all very formalized and scripted I had to use the guest name as often as possible during conversation, and after repeating his order “so that’s a burger, salad and a mineral water’ I said ‘Your order will be up shortly, thankyou Mr Burger…’ Oops! His name was NOT Mr Burger!! Luckily he cracked up. How embarrassing. The best was standing on the roof of the hotel on New Years with a kick-ass view of the Yarra and fireworks with a glass of bubbly.

What makes a great work environment?
Enthusiasm, Encouragement and Entertainment! The 3 E’s!!

What is the most common mistake you find companies making when looking for new staff?
From previous experience they tend to react to losses rather than plan for the future. Taking the time to find the Right person is essential for retention in my view.

What makes a standout CV?
Its gotta have POP and Pizzaz! Put your personality into it and you’re bound to have impact. Especially considering the sheer volume of CV’s that come through on a daily basis. Obviously tailor it to the style or organization of interest too.

What makes a successful interview?
Positivity in general. Speak positively about your work and your previous experiences and you’ll put a positive spin on the whole interview. Highlight the best aspects of your folio and be enthusiastic. If you seem like you don’t care then neither will they.

What achievements are you the most proud of?
I have always traveled and more often than not it has been solo. It is awesome and by far the best way to meet new people. Going places off the beaten track is the biggest thrill.

What do you find yourself doing in your spare time?
I’m a pretty passionate cook – mainly sweets but occasionally real food as well – so I often mess up the kitchen in my spare time. I also read HEAPS! Borders is my Tiffany’s (sad huh?)

What are your top 5 favourite websites?
www.helium.com.au - writing for cash site. OH YEAH!
www.icanhascheezburger.com - Adorable and clever
www.funnyjunk.com - Hilarious stuff!
www.worth1000.com - incredible photoshop images
www.facebook.com - social networking for the 21st century!

What makes you feel alive?
Stepping off a plane in a foreign land, strapping on a rucksack, hiking up a mountain and taking in a spectacular view! That and boozing with new and old friends!!

Are you looking for work in the Advertising Sector? Then you need to contact Elke NOW.