Globe-trotting Opportunities: Emilie Vignon, Robert Walters Los Angeles

Where did you work before joining Robert Walters?

I was a student! I was finishing my master’s degree while doing a six-month internship here at Robert Walters and look – eight years later, I’m still here. I studied HR politics, and strategy, but I quickly learned that HR was not for me, so I decided to shift into sales and recruiting and it was awesome. Obviously, it was the right thing to do.

What attracted you to working in recruitment?

A couple of things actually! One is having the opportunity to run a business. Even though we work as a group or team, we still work with our own clients and candidates and manage our own profit and losses, so it feels as if we’re basically running our own business. We’re also helping build relationships and creating matches between great companies and top tier candidates which is great. What also attracted me to recruiting was the fact that it’s a sales role with a lot of sense. We’re helping people find new jobs, which has a big impact on their lives. Sometimes we’re helping a candidate who’s struggling in their current position to go for a great new role, and they’re so appreciative when it works out. It’s very rewarding!

Why did you want to work for Robert Walters?

When I first started, I was a student and didn’t know anything about recruiting. But I knew about Robert Walters and their reputation on the market. Also, the international and career progression opportunities they offer are great. I was in Paris and knew I wanted to work abroad at some point, and they were very supportive about that.

What do you like best about your role?

I enjoy entertaining business relationships in a fast-paced tech market. Also, having the opportunity to help develop people’s skills at the company. I started off as an IC (individual contributor) and progressively moved into a leadership position step-by-step with a team of 1,2, and so on. In my current role, I’ve loved having the opportunity to help scale our LA business, which is still new, and we have a lot to do. But we’re making a big impact now by helping scale and grow the LA team.

What has been your biggest achievement to date?

I think relocating to LA has been a great achievement. Robert Walters offers a bunch of career and international opportunities, but we still need to tick all the boxes to be a candidate to transfer internationally, so I’m happy to have accomplished that. Another big achievement has been qualifying for the global incentive trip three times, it’s all about your overall performance, placements you make and revenue you bring in. It’s a great reward because it’s so much fun! I’ve also brought in six consultants during my eight years and I’m proud of that because many of them started young and now they’re performing and achieving unbelievably well (and having fun). As a leader, that’s a big achievement. 

How would you describe the culture at Robert Walters?

From what I’ve experienced, both California offices are all about team spirit and supporting one another. We also have a really fun environment where everyone can be themselves, there’s lots of laughs and team bonding going on throughout the workday. Also, the leadership team is just amazing. Everyone is super involved in the business, leads by example, and performs amazingly because of it.

What advice would you give to someone considering a move into recruitment? 

I would say if you’re passionate about talking to people and helping people then this is an amazing job to have – go for it! We have an amazing opportunity to learn from our team as well as candidates and clients in our market. And what’s great about recruiting is there’s a seat at the table for everyone. The beauty of this job is there’s no one way to go, we can use our own style and personality to build those relationships.

What attracted you to working in LA?

From a personal perspective, the Californian lifestyle. I really wanted to live in California where there’s great weather, palm trees, the ocean etc. When deciding where I wanted to go, lifestyle played a big part. However, I also chose California because of the amazing opportunity to work with fast pace tech startups, help scale the LA business, and grow a team.

How did you find adapting to working in a different market?

A bit challenging to be honest. Despite having six plus years of recruiting experience in our Paris office, it felt as if I was starting all over again. But I had great support from the leadership team in California and quickly got up to speed. It was mostly all about learning about the new eco system. At the end of the day the recruiting process in Paris, Los Angeles and Shanghai all remain the same, it’s the different markets that everyone will have to experience adjusting to.