How employee passed interview for job at Sunderland firm during lockdown without even meeting her new employer face to face

Vicki Shouksmith has joined Sunderland research and marketing agency MMC, based at Sunderland Sofware Centre, as research and project manager following interviews conducted on the Zoom video platform.

The agency, named in the top 50 best places to work regionally, decided to appoint during the current climate to support its work around economic recovery, policy and public health research.

MMC Managing director Natasha McDonough said: “For us, Vicki is the missing piece we've been looking for and I'm excited to see the impact she has on our client projects.

“Her vast quantitative research knowledge will mean we can expand our offer to do more survey and consumer research and her project management skills will mean that she can whip us into shape when it comes to planning!"

An experienced market research analyst, Vicki has worked extensively within the advertising and tourism sectors and has previously run research projects on behalf of Leeds BID, Channel 4, BBC, Exterion Media and Northumberland National Park.

Vicki will work on projects linked to the current climate including Bernicia’s investigation into agile working post lockdown and Sunderland BID’s research on the city centre’s recovery.

She said: “I was so excited to join MMC because it was clear that Natasha really values her staff and prioritises wellbeing and culture.

“Plus, working for a successful female entrepreneur felt like a learning opportunity I couldn't pass up.”

She added: “Starting a new role virtually is strange, but being handed projects from day one has meant that I already feel like part of the team.”

Natasha said: “We're delighted that Vicki chose to join MMC. It can't be easy making a decision to join a company where you haven't ever met your colleagues in person.

“But after just a few weeks of working with her remotely, it feels like she's been here for years.

“For me it's all about getting the cultural fit right first, and, from the time I spent with her on Zoom interviews prior to her joining us, I really did get the sense that she would fit straight into the team.”

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