Human on the Inside with Mutinex’s Mitch King
Human on the Inside. We’re big believers in the power of human skills. But don’t just take our word for it - the evidence for excellence powered by human (‘soft’) skills is everywhere! In this engaging, ever-enlightening series, we speak with industry leaders, innovators and game-changers to learn a little about their personal career journeys, and how human-led strategies, philosophies and cultures are proving a force for good in their working worlds …
Maxme: Welcome Mitch, and thanks for stepping into the #SuccessIsHuman Spotlight!
You’re the Head of Talent Acquisition at Mutinex, a SaaS MarTech platform that provides leading brands with the ability to better measure their ROI and predict future ROI.
In 1 sentence (ok, we’ll give you 3), what does this role entail?
Mitch King: I’m a one man team so I try to do everything from establish basic hiring processes and systems, through to head hunting, interviewing and negotiating offers.
M: Whilst you’ve been with Mutinex for just over a year, you’re long established in talent acquisition, experience spanning 15 years, and with tenures at the likes of Become & Linktree across the design, tech and startup spaces.
How does all this work speak to your personal purpose and what drives you as an individual?
MK: I started in Recruitment agencies. During that time, I enjoyed the work most when I worked really closely with companies and had the opportunity to sell their story and vision. I left agency life and moved in house so I could do this more often, while continuing to expand my skills in the Talent Acquisition space.
M: Tell us a little about your personal education pathway/s - what led you to where you are now? How closely do your formal qualifications match your current career?
MK: I’ve collected a variety of TAFE and private institute qualifications as there’s not really any requirements to get into Recruitment. I started with Marketing, Advertising and PR before later doing a Business Diploma when I was progressing in Management positions.
I didn’t have a set plan for what to study and where I wanted to go. Instead, I took it year by year really, and felt that if I was ever missing something or needed to improve in a specific area, I would take on further study in that field.
M: If you could share one piece of career advice to your 21 year old self it would be ...
MK: Don’t self reject - have a go first. I started an application process to go to Award school and be a copywriter, but never hit submit as I was sure my ideas were rubbish.
M: Self Awareness sets the critical foundation for all Maxme learning experiences. With that said … what’s your strongest trait / personal super power?
MK: I come up with a lot of ideas. This can of course also be a weakness if I follow too many of them down too long a path, but the ideas spawn randomly and quickly, especially when I don’t want them too (i.e. just as I’m about to fall asleep)!
M: And on the flip side, what’s one human / ‘soft’ skill you’ve had to really work on improving over the course of your career?
MK: Communication - being really clear and deliberate with what I’m asking. Instead of saying “what is happening with that client?” I realised through feedback I needed to try and give more context such as “Can I ask where you’re at with that client as I’m updating my reports and I’ve been asked to update all pipelines by tomorrow 4pm.”
M: If you could share one piece of career advice with recent Uni graduates or candidates keen to work Mutinex, what would it be?
MK: Be proactive in your job search. Don’t just flick resumes around - get involved in events, volunteer, start a project with other graduates. As you’re just starting your career, your resume is pretty empty, so get out there and get some things to put on it!
M: You’ve been granted approval to add one University graduate to your team, but have 100 applicants, all with outstanding academic results. How do you find your perfect candidate - what are you looking for?
MK: In a startup, I think beyond someone's technical skills and knowledge. For me, it’s how well they communicate, how they function without having a perfectly mapped out process and job description, and how well they’re suited to and enjoy a startup environment versus bigger, more established companies.
M: In the words of John Dewey, “education is not preparation for life, education is life itself.”
What’s next on your #learning agenda?
MK: Continuing to understand where Ai and automation can be used in hiring processes without damaging the candidate experience or employer brand.
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