Quick Fire: Mike Rutkowski

With over 20 years of experience in the staffing and recruitment sector, Mike Rutkowski joined the New York office in July 2024 to build out our US business. A year in and we’ve also opened in Philadelphia and expanded the US team from two to 12. Now the US managing director of Eames Group talks to us about his recruitment journey and his career so far with Eames Group.

Describe the culture of Eames in three words.

“It’s open, transparent and ambitious,” says Mike.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

“I really like seeing people succeed. That's why I ended up going into leadership. I like watching people develop, succeed and win, and watching the business grow.”

What’s the most challenging part of your job?

“Hiring people - getting good people into the business.”

What’s the best career advice you’ve ever been given?

“Stick with it. When I first got into recruitment, I was thinking about getting out of it in the first two months, and I sat down with somebody and they said, ‘Just do it. Stick with it for 12 months, it'll pay off.’ And it paid off.”

What does being an opportunity maker mean to you?

“Letting people create their own destiny.”

What Eames value resonates the most with you and why?

“Integrity. I think it's the cornerstone of everything we do as people, as professionals, as family, as citizens of the world.”

What are you most excited about for the future?

“We have a vision and a strategic mission for Eames and what we're trying to accomplish, and it's that journey of getting there.”

What’s the best thing about working in this team?

“The people. We’ve built a fantastic culture with people who buy into the vision. It’s a very collaborative team environment with a healthy amount of competition.”

What does it take to be successful at Eames?

“You have to be willing to step outside of your comfort zone, take ownership and accountability for what you have to deliver for your candidates and clients. Think outside the box with the solutions you’re crafting for your clients to support with the challenges they have.”

Why Eames?

“As a company, who we are is tied so closely to the vision of the business. Our mission is very easy to articulate and I think that’s quite important. It’s a high quality business with high standards. The values also all align to mine. It goes back to the people in the business – the fantastic group of people that form this company, all sharing in this mission of what we’re trying to accomplish. That’s what’s exciting about going to work every day and being a part of something.”

How do you think the New York Jets will get on this season?

“I’m always optimistic at the beginning of the season and that falls apart pretty quickly! I’m not sure on personnel this year but do like the AG hire as head coach. In reality we’ve been bad for more years than good, so maybe not much will happen this year. As they always say, ‘Same old Jets!’”

If you want to find out more about Mike’s career journey and the life of a tech recruiter, please get in touch with Mike. For more on what it’s like working for Eames Consulting, check out our careers page.