30 Years in Recruitment: Lessons That Still Hold True

Thirty years in recruitment teaches you more than how to read a CV. It teaches you how to read people. It shows you what happens when the right person meets the right opportunity and what happens when they don’t. It’s a career that moves at the same pace as the economy, shaped by new technology, changing expectations, and the ebb and flow of entire industries.

We’ve seen the market run hot, with talent in short supply, and we’ve seen the quiet spells where every role is fought over. We’ve recruited for industries that have doubled in size and for ones that no longer exist. Tools have changed too. We started with phone calls and classified ads; now, algorithms and AI help source candidates in seconds. But the truth? The best placements still come from conversations, not clicks.

Why the obvious choice isn’t always the best one:

• The most “qualified” candidate on paper is not always the right hire.
• A business that hires solely for skills risks missing out on potential.
• Trust is built over time, and it pays back years later.

We have watched candidates take their first role through us, then return as hiring managers. We have seen career changes that looked risky at the time become turning points in people’s lives.  We have learned that, while processes and job titles evolve, the drivers of a great match is understanding the role, aligning expectations, and creating the right connection, remain the same.

Connections you can’t make from a distance.

Local knowledge is another advantage we’ll never underestimate. Knowing Rotorua, Tauranga, and Whakatāne means we can anticipate changes in the market, understand what keeps people here, and spot opportunities others might miss. Recruitment isn’t just about filling jobs; it’s about helping businesses grow in the communities we call home.

The measure of success you can’t track on paper. Perhaps the clearest lesson from three decades is this: people remember how you made them feel. Not everyone will get the job they want, but if they walk away feeling heard and respected, they’ll remember you for the right reasons. And one day, they might walk back through the door, not for help finding a role, but to ask you to help build their team.

The step that makes or breaks the outcome.

Over the years, we’ve learned that the success of a hire often comes down to the clarity at the very start before the role is even advertised. Businesses that take the time to define what they truly need, beyond a generic job description, are far more likely to make a hire that lasts. It’s not just about skills; it’s about understanding the culture, the team dynamics, and the direction the business is heading. That’s where an experienced recruitment partner can add real value:  we know the right questions to ask before the search begins, saving time, reducing missteps, and uncovering talent that might otherwise be missed.

After thirty years, one thing is clear: recruitment is about people. If you’re looking for a partner who knows your region, understands your market, and will treat your business like it’s our own, our offices in Rotorua, Tauranga, and Whakatāne are ready to help.

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