A Counsellor or a Recruiter? Well… actually, a bit of both
Lately, I have found myself wearing two hats more than ever.
Yes, I am a recruiter. I spend my days reading market reports, speaking with hiring managers, and helping businesses navigate difficult hiring decisions.
But I am also a counsellor. A sounding board. A steady voice when people feel unsure about what is next.
Because right now, the market is quieter. And for many, it feels more fragile than they would like to admit.
The latest Report on Jobs and the data for the accounting and finance sector show what we are already seeing.
Recruitment activity has settled after last year’s dip, but it is still well below the levels we saw in 2022. Confidence is cautious, and the pace has shifted.
But that does not mean there is no market. It just means the market has changed.
Hiring decisions are slower. Expectations are sharper. Some roles have been paused, others reshaped. What we once called normal no longer applies in quite the same way.
So, people ask, when will it change? When will it go back to how it was?
That is the harder question. Because what even is normal anymore?
Last year, the US and UK elections made people hesitant. This year, attention turns to the upcoming Budget. It could be a marker. A chance to reset. But until then, we continue to adapt, stay flexible and, yes, keep our fingers crossed.
Because even in a slower market, there is movement under the surface. Businesses are being more thoughtful about who they hire and why. People are reassessing what matters to them. The landscape has shifted, but progress has not stopped. It is just taking a different shape.
Candidates are still moving. Roles are still being hired. But with fewer vacancies, it can feel frustrating when applications are ignored or interviews go quiet.
Those feelings are valid. But so is the potential.
Keep the faith. Make sure your CV highlights achievements. Be clear on your strengths and how you add value. Stay visible. Stay curious. Stay connected.
Because markets always move in cycles. And the people who move forward are usually the ones who stay engaged and confident, no matter where we are in that curve.