Continuing on from Ally, we're taking a moment to introduce you to the Artisan team. You speak to them day in, day out so we're giving you the opportunity to get to know us just that little bit better. This time around, we're profiling Jenna Lewis.

Name: Jenna Lewis
Title: Consultant

When did you join the Artisan family?
August 2007

Describe your role and what a typical day would entail?
A typical day would start with hitting the snooze button at least three times, a mad rush to catch two trains and then reading emails whilst enjoying a soy mocha. Calling and interview candidates, visiting and calling clients, filling freelance and permanent jobs and most importantly sharing laughs with the team.

How would you describe the culture at Artisan?
In a word – unique. The culture is energetic and fun, loud and crazy.

What do you enjoy most about working at Artisan?
I would have to say the amazing people that I get to meet on a daily basis. Be it candidates or clients and even the team here at Artisan. Everyone is so unique, with their own quirks and traits. It's so great to be exposed to so many great minds.

What is one skill that you've developed since working at Artisan?
Networking. There is no chance to be shy when you're on the phone all day and meeting so many different people.

What were you doing prior to Artisan?
Before Artisan, I had tried my hand at a range of jobs spanning from being a milk girl (yup, it was as you guessed on the back of a truck delivering milk), flipping burgers at McDonalds, working for a party plan lingerie company and working for an IT training company.

Tell us about your best and worst employment experience...
Working in an Irish Pub would have to be my best and worst employment experience ever. It was a gorgeous pub with the best atmosphere, great customers, old school live music and best of all every break involved a Malibu and pineapple juice, that was until day three when my break lasted all night (as did the drinking). Ah well, as they say, all good things must come to an end, better to end it in the sunshine with a drink in hand and great music.

What makes a great work environment?
FUN! You need to be able to enjoy yourself, have a laugh with the team, get creative and feel encouraged to be yourself.

What is the most common mistake you find businesses making when looking for new staff? Trying to do it themselves, not everyone can pick a good creative. Sometimes you need guidance from someone who spends their days pouring over CV’s and folios of some of Melbourne's finest to point you in the right direction.

What makes a standout CV?
Clear, relevant information with a consistent flow. A personalised touch is always a good idea, keeps you front of mind.

What makes a successful interview?
Confidence, passion and honesty. Knowing what you want and what the company you are interviewing is looking for, knowing yourself and your work.

What achievements are you the most proud of?
Moving to Australia, finding a great job and creating a life over here. Its nice to be able to kick back at the end of the day with a nice chilled glass of wine and say to myself "You know what, Jenna... you're doing alright."

What do you find yourself doing in your spare time?
Relaxing, shopping and exploring. I LOVE finding new places – bars, cafes, shops and holiday spots. Watching old movies and TV shows and reading endless books. Shopping for quirky clothes, cards and accessories to decorate my flat with. Spending time with friends sharing drinks and stories. But most of all a lot of daydreaming...

What are your top 5 favourite websites?
www.someecards.com
www.27bslash6.com - I'm sure you all remember the infamous spider email
www.facebook.com
www.google.com - I don't know what I would do without google images
www.ladymelbourne.blogspot.com

What makes you feel alive?
Definitely caffeine, but after that, being home in Marlborough amongst the rolling hills and sprawling wineries, relaxing in the sunshine and gentle wind listening to nothing but complete and utter silence.

If you had to describe yourself in 50 words or less, you would say...
I would say I'm a complete daydreamer that lives with my head in the clouds. I love to laugh and find pleasure in the most simple and bizarre things. I'm impulsive and spontaneous, passionate and sensitive and overall a child at heart, like Peter Pan that never wants to grow up.


Do you need to get in touch with Jenna? You can contact her here