Here at Cortex, we pride ourselves on our ability to form meaningful relationships with both our candidates, and our clients. We listen to your needs, and we work to understand your values and culture, in order to offer the most appropriate solutions. When you come to Cortex with a nearly impossible recruitment challenge, we take it in our stride. Read our case studies for proof that we can deliver whatever you may need…
Case Studies
Find out how we've solved our clients' challenges
Recruitment Manager, Software Consultancy
“Your model is unique compared to all other agencies. The fact you track technical graduates into their early career gives you an edge which in turn our company can benefit from tremendously.”
Introduction
We are a leading supplier of global financial trading software. The company has offices in New York, London, Paris, Tokyo and Hong Kong with development centres located in each major region. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is globally renowned for its financial software products. Their applications are sold in all of the world’s major financial centres to top-tier investment banks.
When combined with the implementation skills of more than 150 experienced specialists, the company’s trading platform has become the natural choice for the majority of the world’s top tier investment banks.
What was your business challenge/need at the time that required a new hire?
Growth. Our industry requires us to lead from the front and our talented technical staff give us that edge. We are always seeking new tech talent to drive the company forward in this fast moving sector.
Why were you looking for a technical professional?
We take on 40 graduate hires annually and we need to create a blend of youth with experience so we seek technical professionals who have something extra that graduates don’t have. They enable us to create agile teams that can work on a variety of different products and investment vehicles that our clients demand.
Why did you decide on Cortex against other options?
Your candidate database. Your model is unique compared to all other agencies. The fact you track technical graduates into their early career gives you an edge which in turn our company can benefit from tremendously.
How did you find the recruitment process?
Straight forward. From start to finish the process lasts between four to nine weeks. In that time Cortex introduce a shortlist who we then take to the next stage with a series of assessments. Depending on the role, we use code tests, verbal and numerical tests, offsite tests and a face to face interview. Our experience with Cortex is superb with the best ratio from submission to hire. This situation is not only great for us but allows for a great candidate experience when it is professionally managed by Cortex from start to finish.
How did you find the service?
Great. We have a fantastic relationship with Chris at Cortex and there’s never a problem. He understands our needs, candidate profile, time scales and he consistently delivers. We don’t need to look elsewhere.
What has been the outcome and how have the candidates made a difference?
Hire after hire! Because our technical staff are carefully screened and selected by Cortex when they start with us we find they all get up to speed very quickly. This is where we see the value. I know one reason for this is the cultural fit for each individual who joins is spot on and is a key factor in their continued success with us. As any manager will attest, having new recruits in sync with the pace of work when they begin allows them to make an early contribution and enables the company to move seamlessly forward towards our strategic goals.
COO, Software Consultancy
“Within three weeks CORTEX successfully headhunted three candidates with up to five years’ experience for a Front End Web Developer, Project Manager and Java Developer role on £40k in Hertfordshire.”
The Recruitment Challenge
Finding Developers with an adequate level of experience and understanding in front end development (JavaScript, jQuery, HTML and CSS) who would work in Rickmansworth and look for no more than a £40k salary. The challenge for our client was that they were competing for candidates who were primarily drawn to positions in central London with higher salaries to match.
The CORTEX Solution
Initially CORTEX were asked to source a candidate for a junior position however after consultation we advised that the role required deeper skillsets and by increasing the salary by £5k this would open up a broader choice of stronger mid-level candidates. Our client took the brief further by explaining that this hire was very much a strategic decision and an investment in someone who saw the opportunity as a long term career move. After contacting suitable candidates from our CORTEX talent pool we introduced three eligible pre-screened candidates. At interview, one mid-level developer who had experience in tech consulting was keen to further his career down this particular route was offered the role on the spot. Quickly following this successful assignment CORTEX were asked to source candidates for a Project Manager and Java Developer role. The entire recruitment assignment ensured our client had three new hires within only three weeks.
Lead Consultant, Software Consultancy
“I had known CORTEX for two years since they originally placed me as a Developer and then I urgently needed Cortex to source high calibre Technical Consultants with PHP on £40k for my own team in London.”
The Recruitment Challenge
Finding a PHP Web Developer who is looking for a more client facing position as a Technical Consultant. This role required a specific blend of skills (PHP, JavaScript, jQuery, HTML, CSS )and personality to meet this assignment in January.
The CORTEX Solution
This was not only a challenging assignment but was also initiated by a candidate we had placed in 2013 who was looking to build their team and turned to CORTEX as a trusted partner. We needed to conduct two searches as the first offer was declined due to a counter offer. This didn’t hold the project back as we had a good choice of suitable candidates for the second round of interviews introducing 10 high calibre candidates for interviews with the client. Two offers were made immediately and a third candidate was so strong that a further offer is currently awaiting board approval.
Cortex IT Recruitment
Fairbourne Drive
Atterbury
MK10 9RG
T: 0203 697 5552
E: team@cortexitrecruitment.com
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