Why my HR blog has no photo of cake from smiling colleagues. Or five reasons not to work at MATHISON.

I was talking to a client who runs an international IT company about the core of my work. We concluded that it comes down to two things: building the business and the team.

The firm is growing, and clients are joining us. Our focus on technology is paying off.

The other side of the coin is clear: we need new people!

We train our current team, but we simply do not have enough capacity. So we set the usual wheels in motion: job ads, calls and so on. It turns out that job portals are not exactly crowded with candidates who are strong in IT law.

Damn.

We have no budget for headhunters :(

So I am trying a blog ;)

I called it 5 reasons not to work at MATHISON.

1. We are working to become a successful firm

We are not happy where we are. And before we get where we want to be, we will make plenty of mistakes. We learn the business side on the go, and it shows. It takes a while for processes to settle. It also takes a while before we realise that we need them. We want to keep growing, and everything that grows hurts. I do not want to scare you off; I am just being open. In the words of a colleague who left: “Oliver, you are an idiot. You will probably pull it off in the end, but is it worth it?”

But, honestly, it is quite a ride and you can be part of it. We are getting things done. We are passionate about what we do and we want to build a good business. According to Barbara, who joined us as a rookie and now cracks IT deals: “Oliver, you keep saying we want to become number one in IT. And I know you are not bullshitting. I feel we can achieve something big here, and that it will be one hell of a ride.”

2. You do not work for the partners but for the team and the firm

The team and the firm come first. One day we want to be a million-euro business, and we have high costs for salaries and running the firm. That is why we are uncompromising with ourselves and the team, so that we earn that amount every month and pay the bills. Our team has three-part remuneration: fixed salaries, bonuses and commissions, so everyone shares in the revenue. We are not a sweatshop; our lawyers do not work nights or weekends. But the pace is fast, we do not mess around, and we cannot work with non-performers.

But: Eva and I pay ourselves a fixed 2,000 EUR. Everything else goes into the firm. You can always look us in the eye and know how much of the fun we get.

3. We practise high-quality law

The team is led by Eva Schin. We keep a high standard of output and formal quality. We have strict review mechanisms, regardless of seniority. We guide and give feedback to our lawyers every day. That gets on their nerves quite a bit. So if you want to grow like a tree in the forest, freely and on your own, we are not the right fit for you.

But: we want you to become seriously good lawyers. You will work for top clients, face tier 1 firms, get used to feedback and develop a winning mindset. And if you are interested in technology, we are definitely worth considering.

4. You do what you are good at and what motivates you

At the start, we ask about your motivation. Why you get out of bed in the morning, what drives you. Then we look for your strengths together and define your role. We work with OKRs (objectives and key results). And on top of that, we want your commitment to deliver what you have chosen. Anyone can quit after a few months because progress is slow or hard. Of course it sucks! We are looking for people with heart and fighters who do not back down.

But: together we can work our way to interesting conclusions. You may discover what you truly enjoy at work. You may finally start doing it. And if you join us, we will do everything we can to make sure you do not give up.

5. We want an owner-independent business

We do not want “muggles” who receive a set of orders and carry out the vision of strong leaders. We are looking for talent and offer a platform where people can make their mark. It takes dedication and engagement, which does not suit everyone. So if you are looking for fixed rules and a boss who will always tell you what to do, we are not a good choice.

But: we are an open company with open minds, and at the end of the day we want the firm not to depend on Schin or Majdúch. It is your opportunity to learn what we know and find your sweet spot.

*****

So, it is 23:17, the blog has 832 words, it took me 3 hours 48 minutes to write and this is version 6. I am curious whether it will work.

So why is there no photo of rhubarb cake and coffee from my smiling colleagues?

Because it would not be honest.

The pictures in our office leaned against the wall for several weeks because we did not have time to hang them. Yes, we treat each other well, we celebrate birthdays and we even have lunch together (sometimes). We just have a lot of work.

And if you are looking for a real challenge in your career, we do not want to impress you with nonsense. We are not a pastry shop.

Or, if you would like to chat about cookies, for example, I will be happy if you write to me at cookies@mathison.sk.

We can talk about what you enjoy about technology and whether we are the right fit for you. Honestly.