Mind Candy

I don’t often blog at Mind Candy but because hiring is one of the most important parts of my job I thought I’d put this out.

Mind Candy has a pretty audacious/fun/crazy vision:

“To create the greatest entertainment company in the world for this new digital generation”

Moshi Monsters has been a phenomenon on and offline but it’s just the start of our journey.  We’ve learned a great deal about creating digital entertainment and now have many new projects bubbling away for different audiences.  We’re inspired by the culture and quality of Pixar and want to create extraordinary entertainment that captivates the next generation across new platforms and devices.

We’ve just moved into a new 30,000 square foot HQ in Shoreditch and are looking to expand the team rapidly.  Last year we hired over 100 people and we’ll likely increase that in 2013.

We get dozens of applications every day so it’s vital to stand out from the crowd.  Linkedin profiles are important but we often pay more attention to covering letters.  Why?  Well, we put more value on attitude and ambition than experience.  Many people in the company started in one area but  have progressed rapidly into new areas. Divinia Knowles started as a PA at Mind Candy just a few years ago and is now our COO and CFO.

We want to work with people who are passionate about their particular area of expertise and love what they do.  This is a far cry from the average office worker who wants a 9-5 job and doesn’t really mind what they do all day.   We receive a lot of generic covering letters like the one below and they suggest the applicant isn’t particularly fussed where they end up working:

“Dear Sir/Madam, I’m a results orientated team player…”

Covering letters that allow us to learn a little more about you, your passions and your skills are great but if you’re feeling particularly creative feel free to make a short video as a covering letter instead.

Some of the key roles we’re currently looking for include:

CTO

Head of Legal

Head of Licensing Operations

Senior Talent Specialist

Product Managers

A word of warning – high growth companies like Mind Candy are definitely not for everyone.  The work can be intense, deadlines tight, and expectations very high, but creating entertainment that delights and inspires millions is never going to be a straightforward or simple job.

If all this sounds intriguing then we’d love to hear from you.  Our careers page is here:

http://mindcandy.com/recruitment/

In addition to applying, feel free to come along to Mind Candy this Friday (22nd February 2013) for Silicon Drinkabout to meet myself and the rest of our recruitment team: Flo, Amanda and Penny

Good luck!

Michael Acton Smith

Mind Candy CEO and Founder

As London’s 2012 games wound to a close there were a host of unlikely sporting heroes prepped and ready to add to Team GB’s impressive medal record.

The Honourable Artillery Company grounds in Shoreditch played host to the inaugural Moshlympics as the Mind Candies showed their mettle in an afternoon of competitive races, rounders, footie and Frisbie.

Family and friends joined the fun as the afternoon was topped off with face painting, an exclusive performance from up and coming artists Beatie Wolfe and a delicious BBQ.

After an amazing day the party continued on in to the early hours with cocktails on the Golden Bee roof terrace (and many more sporting feats on the dance floor).

Mind Candies, we salute you.

Michael joined Richard Reed (Innocent) and Nick Robertson (ASOS) in guest speaking at the Sunday Times Fast Track 100 event hosted at Richard Branson’s Oxfordshire home last week.

The event brought together CEO’s from the UK’s 100 fastest growing companies including Joseph Joseph (Household Goods), Jack Wills (Fashion Retailer), Wiggle (Online Sports Goods), Low Cost Travel Group (Travel Operator) and Shortlist Media (Magazine/Digital Publisher) among many others.

Following the three inspiring speeches Dominic O’Connell, Business Editor of The Sunday Times led a panel discussion with Richard, Nick and Michael prior to Sir Richard Branson taking to the stage.

It was a fantastic event filled with inspirational people doing what they love. Congratulations to all involved and thanks for having us!

Michael took a trip down memory lane on Monday as he visited his old primary school to open up their new tech facilities.

It had been over 25 years since Michael had stepped foot inside Danesfield Primary School, the place that inspired him in his early years.

The kids were super excited about the visit – many of them screaming and cheering as Mr Moshi made an appearance in the school playground.

Michael gave an inspirational speech to all of the kids, encouraging them to go for their dreams and do something they loved. He then spent time with the year 6 pupils explaining his journey as an Entrepreneur and answering their many questions. The day ended with the opening of the schools new ICT suite, where they are encouraging kids to be both PC and MAC literate and have facilities including ipads and smart phones.

It was fascinating to see how interested the kids were in business and creating their own ideas – and encouraging to see forward thinking staff opening up these opportunities for the pupils of Danesfield.

Michael hosts the school assembly

Mr Moshi receives a rock star welcome!

Katsuma made a special guest appearance

The year 6 pupils were intrigued by tales of life as an Entrepreneur…