OSIT has been growing over the last few years, and it takes no less than a legendary person to hire qualified candidates while ensuring they have a positive onboarding experience. So I got in touch with our Recruitment Superstar, Maddie Woosnam, to get her insights about working at OSIT and what she has to say to future candidates as a part of the Growth Team.
How long have you been at OSIT?
I started on February 2020. So, I’ve just entered my third year.
Prior to joining us, what were you doing?
I worked at a security company, and I did data entry.
I used to work on contracts and data entry every day. It was tedious work, and it was the same thing every day. But I got very good at it, and that’s why it became very boring.
What did your role involve when you first joined OSIT?
I started out as a receptionist, so it's an entirely different role from what I'm currently doing.
I was in the business services team. So I was in charge of couriers, clients, and candidates coming in, answering the phones, putting the right clients to the right people, assuring messages get across to teams, setting up meeting rooms, and ensuring the office management gets done. I also ran office errands and was Amanda’s right-wing woman to try and help her out as much as I could. The most crucial part was keeping the coffee full so everyone in the office stayed sane.
And then, I started taking up more responsibilities. I got to plan our Client and Office Christmas Parties. I also organised our 25th Anniversary Party for Sutho (James Sutherland).
How has your role and career developed today?
When I got asked to do the role I’m currently in, it was about a year and three months ago.
I was surprised when James Sutton pulled me into his office, and I thought, “Oh my God! What's happening?!” That was my initial reaction because I didn’t know why or what. But he explained that they had a new role, and he thought I would be perfect for it.
Although I had no training in any of this recruitment stuff, I still took that leap because Amanda always had my back, and she said it would be a great opportunity.
From then on, my career has developed well. I’ve had the benefit of having people trust me. I also have a support network where the management here genuinely cares about you, your career, and your goals.
I don’t know a company that gives team members this much progression and care. And this has obviously stemmed from the directors, especially with James Sutherland as the heart of the company. I’m grateful and happy with how I’m progressing.
It’s clear that you’re happy 😊 But what’s the one thing that surprised you about your current role?
The ability to exceed my own expectations and thrive in my role. I had no background in recruitment, so it has been an excellent opportunity for me to learn and grow in this role.
As a Recruitment Specialist, what does a typical day look like for you?
A typical day for me includes phone screening and interviewing potential new Team Members for OSIT, as well as reviewing new applications and catching up with new team Members.
Personally, what are you aiming to achieve in the next 12 months at OSIT?
This is something I’ve been working on with Tristan, my manager.
I always have big goals, and I always strive for the stars.
I would love to learn more management skills. So potentially, in the future, I can start managing a small team because the recruitment team will get bigger. So that is something that I’m working on with Tristan. I am also looking into developing my recruitment skills and giving myself a higher skillset.
You might be quite familiar with this next question. What is your favourite part about working at OSIT?
Oh, it’s the people!
I have beautiful friendships with a lot of Team Members here.
The support network here is amazing. I feel like I can be myself. Everyone just works well with each other.
I’ve also been blessed to fly to Melbourne and Cebu, to see the teams there. These are two experiences I think about often. These opportunities were always something that I will always be grateful for and thankful to OSIT for giving me.
Ok, so you mention culture. How would you describe the company’s culture?
The culture is built from respect. Everybody respects each other, and it comes in the form of caring. We all care for one another. We all can set boundaries and respect them.
OSIT has a cultural team, so everybody’s respectful of everyone’s culture. And we celebrate the fact that we’re different. But we have a lot to share and it’s also fun.
For example, we do monthly lunches and go out to have lunch together - stuff like that. There are so many fun elements.
All-in-all, I would describe the culture as respectful, fun, and caring.
I think we can both agree that OSIT’s culture is unique. But what do you think makes the team culture unique?
I think it's from James Sutherland being the founder.
He did mention that he and his wife Cath wanted to create the culture that we have. That’s why they were so intentional in everything that they did.
And you know, from the very start, picking the right people and managers and then training the other directors to do the same and having the same mindset. It started from them, and it stems down.
So, I would say the unique culture started from the founder. And then now all three directors, the things they say and do. That makes it what it is.
What do you think makes a candidate stand out at OSIT?
Candidates that stand out to me, that are going to fit in at OSIT and succeed are people who are very honest in who they are. It could be that they say they’re weak at something and they have no problem explaining that they’re weak in that.
People who are very caring, fun and have a growth mindset are all stellar candidates who would go far at OSIT.
What piece of advice would you give to your applicants if ever they want to start their career at OSIT?
That’s a great question.
A piece of advice to anyone wanting to start their career at OSIT is to first reach out and tell us! We love to meet new people and we are happy to answer any questions regarding the roles we have and the career pathway here. We have a lot of applications, so get yourself out there!
If you are passionate, willing and trainable, then you will go far in the candidate process and your career at OSIT. Basically, if you are hungry and humble, you are a perfect fit.
