Recruitment is often seen as a transactional industry—CVs in, placements out. But for those of us who have spent decades in the field, we know it’s so much more than that. It’s about people, relationships, and trust. Yet, despite the experience, knowledge, and expertise we bring, recruiters are sometimes treated as disposable service providers rather than strategic partners.
The truth is, not all recruiters are the same. Yes, there are those who focus solely on metrics—hitting KPIs, making quick placements, and moving on. But there are also those of us who take a different approach—who see recruitment as a craft, a responsibility, and a true partnership.
The Challenges We Face
One of the biggest frustrations in recruitment is how some clients treat the process—and, by extension, the recruiters themselves. We’ve all had experiences where:
- Clients ghost us after extensive briefings and candidate sourcing.
- Feedback is vague or nonexistent, leaving both recruiter and candidate in the dark.
- We’re expected to work on roles without proper engagement, only to find out later they were filled internally.
- Our insights and market knowledge are undervalued, despite years of experience in the industry.
It’s disheartening, but it’s also part of the reality of the job. That’s why seasoned recruiters develop resilience and a strong sense of purpose—to keep advocating for the value we bring.
What Sets Us Apart
With 20 years of experience across APAC, we’ve learned that recruitment is not just about filling roles; it’s about building careers, shaping businesses, and fostering long-term relationships.
We bring:
- Deep Market Knowledge: Understanding trends, salary benchmarks, and talent movement at both micro and macro levels.
- Empathy and Understanding: Recognizing that job searches and hiring decisions impact real lives and livelihoods.
- Strategic Partnership: Advising clients beyond recruitment—on retention, employer branding, and market positioning.
- Commitment to Excellence: Taking the time to match the right candidates with the right opportunities, rather than just making a quick placement.
A Call for Mutual Respect
Recruitment is a two-way street. Clients who treat recruiters as true partners will always see better results. When trust is built, communication is open, and expertise is valued, everyone wins—clients, candidates, and recruiters alike.
So, the next time you work with a recruiter, remember: we’re not just here to push CVs. We’re here to make an impact. And for those of us who have dedicated our careers to this industry, that’s what truly matters.
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