Relocating to Los Angeles for a recruitment career: What it’s really like at LHi
Relocating for a job role is a big decision. New city, new team, new way of living, it’s not something people take lightly.
At LHi, it’s nothing new. Internal mobility is a big part of how we grow our people, whether that’s moving between brands, cities, or even countries, giving individuals the opportunity to build their careers in different markets.
To bring that to life, we caught up with Ben Richardson, co-CEO of LHi Group, currently based in Los Angeles, and Scott Cook, Senior Director Client Engagement & Solutions at XPS, who previously relocated from the UK, to get a better sense of what it’s actually like.
Two very different perspectives, but both with first-hand experience of what it’s actually like to make the move.
What made you decide to relocate to Los Angeles?
Ben Richardson: “Having moved to NYC in 2015 I saw an opportunity to replicate what we had built on the East Coast over on the West Coast. We actually looked at San Francisco and Los Angeles and visited offices in both locations. We loved the culture and the talent pool based down in LA so we went with that option.”
Scott Cook: “Working abroad was always something I wanted to experience, and LA stood out from a travel, weather, and culture perspective. Moving from the UK, it was a chance to test myself in a new company, market, and country. It felt like the right place and the right opportunity to do it.”
What’s one thing that surprised you most when you first arrived?
Ben Richardson: “When people think of LA they think Hollywood and Beverly hills - but I actually really enjoy some of the more low-key areas like Brentwood, Venice, Culver City. Its not all bright lights and movie stars! “
How would you describe the LA office and team dynamic?
Scott Cook: “The LA office is amazing. Great people, great location (2nd Street, Santa Monica), and great weather all combined perfectly. Everyone is supportive, pushes each other to do their best work, and there is a real family feel, which was important for me and my family moving from the UK.”
What does a typical day look like for you in LA?
Ben Richardson:
“4am Wake up & Online for first calls at 4:30am
UK / EU focussed for the first few hours of the day and then I work my way around the group based on time zone
I finish around 2:30ish in the afternoon - typically get outside with my dog, beach, hike, take in some fresh air
Late afternoon ill do something fitness related and then do an hour or so of work before I switch off for the day
Weekends are typically active getting out and enjoying the all year round great weather we have!!"
What kind of person thrives in the LA team?
Scott Cook: “Someone who is hardworking, has a great attitude, and is willing to push themselves. Being open-minded, willing to learn, and comfortable failing forward is important. The talent in the office is strong, and many have progressed into senior roles, setting the standard for what is possible.”
What are your go-to spots or favourite things to do with the team in LA?
Scott Cook: “The lunch options are great. Bay Cities, Misfits, Elephante. Being able to be outdoors whenever you want makes a big difference. The golf courses across California are some of the best I have played, and you are within a few hours of San Diego, San Francisco, and Las Vegas.”
What would you say to someone thinking about relocating to join LHi in LA?
Ben Richardson: “Take a leap of faith, the location, environment and life style is genuinely second to none, if you work hard, apply yourself well, I genuinely dont believe there is a better place to be!
Whilst I am not allowed to have favorite offices, the LA office is somewhere so close to my heart having been part of the founding team. Our continued growth and scale of the West Coast office is incredibly important to the growth of the US and global business. It enables us to offer strong coverage across all of the US and gives us access to an extremely strong talent pool of people in LA. It also gives us the opportunity to offer an amazing work environment and city to live in to internal people that want to consider relocation. It’s a hugely important part of the LHi Group.”
Thinking about relocating to Los Angeles for work?
Relocating isn’t always the easy option, but as both Ben and Scott highlight, it can be one of the most rewarding. It’s about stepping into a different market, pushing yourself in a new environment, and building your career in a way you wouldn’t have if you stayed where you were.
What stands out most is the combination of it all. A high-performing team, a strong market, and a lifestyle that makes the whole experience worth it.
For the people who are open to it and willing to back themselves, it’s an opportunity that can genuinely accelerate your career forward. If that sounds like your next step, we’re currently hiring entry-level talent into our Los Angeles team, take a look at our open roles.