Running a Search Marketing Agency - Gareth Hoyle, Managing Director at Marketing Signals

Gareth Hoyle, Managing Director of remote-first marketing agency, Marketing Signals, talks to our Senior Agency Recruitment Consultant, Evie Barker, about his role in the agency, how they're attracting the top talent, how to stand out in the industry, and what it's like working with us at The Candidate.

Gareth Hoyle, MD at Marketing Signals

Thanks for speaking with us Gareth! Tell us a bit about Marketing Signals...

We’re a search marketing agency that helps ambitious brands grow their online presence, with our core specialisms being Digital PR, SEO and Paid Search marketing. We’re a close-knit bunch who work fully remote, allowing us to recruit the best and the brightest from across the globe. We strive not to be the biggest but the best. In order to help us achieve this aim we’ve implemented a number of measures to promote a better work/life balance including flexitime working and a 4-day working week.

What’s your job role and how does your role fit into the agency?

Officially the MD but I like to get stuck in where I can to help the team wherever possible. If I was to have a role per se I’d say running the new business activity which is close to 100% via referrals. I like to attend and speak at industry conferences in order to network with other agencies and potential clients.

What advice would you give to someone who’s looking to start a career in your field?

Self-teach yourself - the web is awash with resources for people at all levels of this industry. Absorb information like a sponge and never stop learning. Go to conferences, webinars and listen to podcasts. Keep abreast of industry developments and contribute yourself to the conversation.

Name the top 5 stand out characteristics you believe make someone successful in your agency/field:

What are the barriers of recruiting in your industry, and how have you been able to combat this?

Lack of talent. That’s just the reality, not a slight on those working in the industry. Demand exceeds supply for the very best people so when it comes to recruiting it's hugely competitive. However, our ethos of providing a good work/life balance means candidates are often attracted to us on this basis.

What’s you and your team’s experience been like working with us at The Candidate.

The Candidate are our preferred recruiter of choice - they’ve placed more candidates than any other recruiter by far. The reasons for this are:

1. They understand our business
2. They only offer candidates that match our requirements and
3. They are totally upfront and honest at all stages of the process

Oh, and one more - they are extremely friendly and courteous - which can’t be said of all recruiters.

Thanks for taking the time out to have a chat with us Gareth!

Get in touch with Evie if you’re an Agency looking to hire new talent and you want to chat to a recruiter who takes time out to understand your team and business needs! You can brief us here.