Mark Cassé Profile

How long have you been placing IT professionals in the contract market?
I have over 12 years IT contract recruitment experience, all of which has been gained during my career at Vector Resourcing for whom I have worked since May 2000. Until 2002, I specialised exclusively within IBM Lotus Notes/Domino technologies, and to this day I retain a strong understanding and knowledge of available contractors in what has become quite a niche technical market. Over the last 10 years, I have recruited extensively across a number of industry sectors – particularly professional services and oil & gas. Experience has enabled me to provide contract solutions to my clients for roles ranging from 1st Line Support Analysts to Programme Managers.

What sets you apart from the rest?
I have always had the attitude that you should deal with people in a professional and courteous manner. I like to think that I apply this to my working life, whether in liaison with clients or limited company contract suppliers. Clients soon discover that I am not a pushy or aggressive recruiter, and that I take the service that I provide extremely seriously. Equally, I like to engage with candidates in a professional way and always maintain close communication during the recruitment process to keep all parties aware of the staus of a given requirement – regardless of the eventual outcome.

What do you think the key is to successful IT recruitment?
I think there are a number of things. Certainly you have to be prepared to put in a lot of hard work – particularly when you are first getting started and have yet to develop established working relationships with clients and suppliers. Being diligent in asking all of the right questions, and adhering to all of the key steps in the recruitment process will maximise the chances of securing successful placements.

What has been your biggest achievement to date?
Developing a Lotus Notes/Domino client and candidate database from scratch when I first joined Vector, and then successfully transitioning across to a broader IT recruitment brief, successfully developing a number of long-term client relationships in the process.

Do you have any role models?
No one person specifically, although I admire anyone who has overcome adversity in life, and has gone on to achieve success whether that be personally or professionally.

What are your hobbies outside of work?
I am a fairly keen runner and represent my local club at races within the Sussex Grand Prix League. Living in East Sussex, I am lucky enough to enjoy wonderful countryside scenery during my training sessions.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
I once walked 66 miles non-stop from London to Canterbury as part of a charity stunt whilst at University. It took me 22 hours. The low point was trudging through the Medway towns in the middle of a cold February night!