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How 2024 started according to 200 leaders in the recruitment industry?

2024 The Outlook

Recruitment companies play a crucial role in bridging the gap between job seekers and employers. But in a turbulent economic climate, and at a time when there are so many digital and AI recruitment solutions on the market, recruitment leaders are facing new challenges, that will require a careful hand and effective leadership to overcome.
Here are some of the most common challenges recruitment companies are likely to face in 2024, and some of the solutions that leaders may want to consider.
&nbsp;
<h3 class="p3">Challenge 1: High Employee Turnover</h3>
Despite the "great resignation" being well and truly over, recruitment companies are still experiencing high turnover rates among their staff. This is partially because a large number of recruitment businesses have called their staff back to the office full-time, and there are many who don't wish to give up the flexibility of hybrid working. However, this turnover is likely to be compounded over the coming months by the change in the marketplace. There will be a number of recruiters who began their recruitment careers in 2021 and 2022, when there were unprecedentedly high numbers of job vacancies and recruitment companies were in demand. The tides have shifted somewhat during 2023, and many who found their first years in recruitment relatively easy are now facing challenges in their business development for the first time. As things get tough, and their bonuses begin to shrink, they may consider leaving for more stable in-house roles or to pursue something different altogether.
Solution:&nbsp;The best recruitment leaders have already begun to act, providing extra training and support for staff in work winning, and exploring new avenues for business. Leaders can also help combat turnover by fostering a supportive work environment that values employee well-being. This includes prioritising a healthy work-life balance and good mental health. Initiatives such as a wellbeing coach, or mental health first aiders will be important, and recognising and rewarding achievements will also boost morale and retention.
&nbsp;
<h3 class="p3">Challenge 2: Attracting Quality Candidates</h3>
For many of the same reasons, attracting top talent is going to be a significant hurdle next year. For some, this may not be an issue, but those who still have ambitious growth plans in their sights, struggling to attract quality talent (especially experienced recruiters), will cause an issue. It may be harder still due to evolving job seeker expectations, the rise in cost of living (and related salary requirements) and the increasing importance of digital platforms and skills.
Solution:&nbsp;This is the time to sort out your EVP (Employee Value Proposition). Helping potential recruiters to see your company as a leader in the industry, and showing all the benefits of being a part of your company could help to tempt experienced passive candidates as well as new graduates. Leveraging technology to enhance the recruitment processes to make it more efficient and candidate-friendly could also make a difference. It's important to understand the motivations and aspirations of job seekers within the recruitment sector, and tailor the recruitment approach accordingly.
&nbsp;
<h3 class="p3">Challenge 3: Building a Strong Recruiter Brand</h3>
More and more recruitment companies are understanding the importance of establishing a strong, reputable brand. But this can be challenging at a time when trust in the recruitment industry is low amongst candidates and the requirement for recruiters is low amongst clients. A weak brand, poor reviews, or just an inability to communicate values and solutions, can deter candidates and clients.
Solution:&nbsp;Leaders should actively work on building a positive brand image through both the company&rsquo;s social media pages, but also through their own personal brand. By encouraging and supporting team members to be active on LinkedIn and build their personal brands too, it&rsquo;ll be easier to demonstrate a positive company brand. It&rsquo;s absolutely crucial to ensure teams are prioritising exceptional customer service to create positive word-of-mouth &ndash; this includes keeping candidates up to date &ndash; remember, no news IS news to a candidate waiting on a response from a hiring manager. Another great way to enhance the brand is by engaging in community and industry events. In 2024, consider sponsoring awards, attending networking events and hosting business breakfasts.
&nbsp;
<h3 class="p3">Challenge 4: Effective Business Development</h3>
Continuous business development is vital for survival and growth in the recruitment sector. This involves not just acquiring new clients but also maintaining relationships with existing ones. But over the past year, winning new business hasn&rsquo;t been easy, and it&rsquo;s not going to get easier during 2024. Businesses are concerned about the economic climate so aren&rsquo;t hiring in the numbers they have been over the past couple of years.
Solution:&nbsp;This doesn&rsquo;t mean recruiters should give up on business development. Good leaders should help their team to be proactive in mining their database to reignite old relationships, whilst also putting the effort into nurturing existing relationships. Now is the time to invest in training in sales and negotiation for staff. Finally, this is a good opportunity to begin to use data analytics and AI to identify market trends and potential areas for growth.
&nbsp;
<h3 class="p3">Conclusion</h3>
The recruitment industry's landscape has changed over the past year &ndash; the pendulum has swung back, and the challenges recruitment companies now face require adaptive and visionary leadership. By focusing on employee satisfaction, candidate experience, brand building, and proactive business development, leaders in the recruitment sector can steer their companies towards long-term success and stability. This approach not only addresses the immediate challenges but also positions the company for future growth in an increasingly competitive market.
​

Navigating recruitment challenges in 2024

​LONDON, UK &ndash; Wages in the UK are growing, despite rising unemployment rates, a recent study has shown (September 12, 2023).
Pay packets in the UK are up by 7.8% and are keeping pace with inflation for the first time in over a year, according to a new data report published by the Office of National Statistics (ONS*).
The ONS report also says that average earnings - excluding bonuses - are maintaining the fastest pace of growth since the series began in 2001.
But despite pay increases, the study also highlights unemployment is continuing to grow, with rates at the highest figure since 2021.
The proportion of people now out of work and looking for a job rose to 4.3% in the three months up to July.
UK Employment rates have dropped by a higher-than-predicted 207,000 in the three months to July of this year.
It&rsquo;s the biggest such fall since the three months to October 2020, the ONS data showed.
Commenting on the statistics, Camino Group CEO, Sachin Ruparelia, said the growth in employee wage rises was also reflective hiring trends in Camino Partners' and Camino Search's recruitment markets.
"Within our specific market sectors, we have noticed an average salary inflation in the region of 11%," he said.
"Although it is disappointing to see the UK employment rate falling, more positively, we have noticed a 20% rise in job opportunities within our specific recruitment markets, which is encouraging."
Camino Group is currently experiencing a strong period of growth having recently moved into its new London office, near Liverpool Street Station.
The operation plans to double its consultant headcount by the end of 2024 and is investing heavily in academy training programmes to develop the skills of its consultants.
&nbsp;
---
*To read the full report visit the ONS website, here:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ons.gov.uk/releases/uklabourmarketseptember2023">UK labour market: September 2023 - Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)</a>

September ONS Snap-Shot: UK Pay Packets Up But Unemployment Is also Growing

<h3>​Download your free copy of the H1 Investment Report for the Recruitment Sector.</h3>
&nbsp;
The report includes:
- Recap on H2 2022
- The Market in H1 2023
- The Umbrella Company Market
- The Role of Technology
- Subsector Interest
- Predictions for H2 2023
- Investment Case Studies
​

H1 Investment Report - Recruitment Sector

<h1>Webinar: Reimagining Work with Matt Newman &amp; Lee Andrese &amp; Kelly Boykin</h1>
Our Managing Director, Matt Newman, recently appeared on Lee Andrese's webinar alongide the SVP of Aquent, Kelly Boykin to discuss the pandemic workforce. Click below to watch the full video.
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M6zqvL7QdWU" width="560" height="314" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

Webinar: Reimagining Work With Matt Newman, Lee Andrese & Kelly Boykin

Highly organised, discrete, and trustworthy?
​Then you might be exactly the right person to be an Executive Assistant.
It&rsquo;s not an easy job &ndash; alongside their excellent communication skills, EAs need to be tech savvy, well organised and have a high level of emotional intelligence &ndash; but it&rsquo;s a rewarding one, as you get to see the inner workings of the company you work for and manage the day-to-day operations of the business.
&nbsp;
<h2>What is an Executive Assistant?</h2>
An Executive Assistant is a key member of a company's support staff, providing administrative and organisational assistance to high-level executives. They help keep the office running smoothly by managing schedules, handling correspondence, and coordinating meetings and events. If you're a detail-oriented, organised, and proactive individual with excellent communication and time management skills, then a career as an EA may be right for you.
&nbsp;
So, let's dive in and find out more about this exciting profession!
&nbsp;
<h2>What does an Executive Assistant do?</h2>
An EA's day is usually full - so they need to have good time management skills to juggle it all. They're often multi-tasking, completing tasks for different members of the c-suite, and helping out the wider team. Here's what a typical day might look like for an experienced executive assistant.
​
First things first, the day usually starts with checking emails and calendars to make sure everything is up to date and there are no urgent matters that need attention. Then, it's time to get the ball rolling on any tasks or projects that need to be tackled that day. This could include anything from scheduling interviews and meetings, taking phone calls, running expense reports, or coordinating with other team members to ensure everything is running smoothly.
&nbsp;
Speaking of interviews, one of the biggest parts of an EA&rsquo;s day in a recruitment company might be managing the internal interviews. This involves scheduling interviews with candidates, setting up conference calls, and sometimes even conducting initial screenings to make sure candidates meet certain qualifications.
&nbsp;
But it's not all work and no play! As an Executive Assistant, you'll often be called upon to plan company events, organise team building activities, and generally keep the office morale high. Whether it's planning a happy hour, coordinating a team lunch, or decorating the office for a holiday, an Executive Assistant is the go-to person for making sure everyone is happy and feeling good about their work.
&nbsp;
At the end of the day, an Executive Assistant in a recruitment company is a jack-of-all-trades, handling everything from administrative tasks to HR duties. It's a fast-paced, dynamic job that requires quick thinking, excellent communication skills, and the ability to multitask like a boss. But for those who thrive on challenge and enjoy being a part of a team, it's an incredibly rewarding career choice.
&nbsp;
<h2>Executive Assistant Skills</h2>
As we&rsquo;ve mentioned, an EA is a jack-of-all-trades, which means they usually have a wide skill set. Some Executive Assistant skills are obvious &ndash; an EA needs to be organised, they need to have great prioritisation skills, they need to be excellent communicators, and they need some technical skills. As administrative assistants, they need to be a quick study at new technology, as alongside the usual Office programs, they often need to work with CRMs, finance and invoicing systems, and cloud-based software for incentive and reward programmes.
​
<h3>Let's look at some of the other top executive assistant skills.</h3>
&nbsp;
<h3>Adaptability</h3>
One of the things that make Executive Assistants so valuable is their ability to handle just about anything that gets thrown at them. So while we've taken you through a typical day for an executive assistant or a personal assistant, the truth is there's really no such thing as a typical day - especially working in a recruitment company. The best Executive Assistants can adapt to changing priorities. They can be flexible, and still able to prioritise tasks as situations shift.
&nbsp;
<h3>Initiative</h3>
Executive Assistants with initiative are worth their weight in gold. Someone who goes above and beyond to ensure that their boss's work runs smoothly, who will accomplish tasks without being asked, who can screen phone calls and know who to gatekeep. They anticipate their boss's needs and take proactive steps to meet them. A good Executive Assistant offers more than administrative support - they have the kind of leadership skills that mean their boss can be worry-free.
&nbsp;
<h3>Discretion</h3>
We mentioned right up front that Executive Assistants need to be discreet and trustworthy. They handle sensitive and important documents and confidential information, so the ability to maintain confidentiality is a must. EAs do inbox management for recruitment leaders, so there will likely be information about peoples' contracts, salaries and possibly personal situations that will require discretion.
&nbsp;
<h3>Problem-Solving</h3>
It's not all scheduling appointments. Executive Assistants are problem solvers. They're often involved in project management, and play a crucial role in identifying issues and finding solutions quickly and efficiently. They're involved in event planning, travel and accommodation arrangements, and information flow. They have to juggle hybrid working among team members, and with so many responsibilities and duties, they're in the perfect position to spot potential issues before they arise, and solve problems as they come up.
&nbsp;
<h3>Emotional Intelligence</h3>
Soft skills are a really important part of an EA's skill set. Emotional Intelligence (EQ) is arguably the most critical skill any Executive Assistant can possess. They need to be brilliant at handling relationships &ndash; they need to be empathetic, responsive, and able to manage conflicts diplomatically.
&nbsp;
EQ is generally measured via these 4 things:
Self awareness - knowing your strengths &amp; weaknesses
Social awareness - picking up on social dynamics, or 'reading the room'
Self management &ndash; the capacity to manage emotions under stress
Relationship management &ndash; resolving conflict and being a positive influence
EQ makes better communicators, better collaborators and better all-round colleagues.
&nbsp;
<h2>Could you be an Executive Assistant?</h2>
Overall, an excellent Executive Assistant is someone who is reliable, proactive, and adaptable. They possess a unique set of specific skills that enables them to support their boss as well as other employees and keep the organisation running smoothly.
&nbsp;
Executive Assistants are a critical component of a recruitment business. They provide essential administrative, time management, communication management, and information management support to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Without an Executive Assistant, recruiters may struggle to manage their workload and may not be as effective in their job roles.
​
If you're looking for an EA role on an interim or permanent basis,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.caminopartners.co.uk/contact-us">get in touch</a> - we'd love to talk to you!

​What makes a great Executive Assistant?

<h2>Inclusive recruitment</h2>
​
If you want to make sure your recruitment process is inclusive and draws from the widest possible talent pool, download our ​inclusive recruitment checklist.

Download our diverse recruitment checklist

​Global recruitment trade body&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apscouk.org/">APSCo</a>&nbsp;has announced its support for Camino Partners&rsquo; Unsung Heroes Awards campaign.&nbsp;
​The Unsung Heroes Awards were launched in 2021 to acknowledge the skills and honour the invaluable contributions made by non-sales personnel within the recruitment sector. Each month focuses on a different support function, including Finance, Operations, Marketing and HR. Recruitment colleagues are asked to nominate &lsquo;unsung heroes&rsquo; from their support teams. All winners are invited to an annual awards ceremony held in December.&nbsp;
​APSCo is one of the world&rsquo;s leading professional bodies representing professional recruitment organisations. With its commitment to enhancing the standards of the recruitment industry, APSCo provides unparalleled expert support, advice, and market intelligence. In a remarkable collaboration, they will be supporting and extolling the virtues of the Unsung Heroes. This collaboration aims to generate widespread awareness for the monthly awards as well as the highly anticipated annual awards event.&nbsp;
​Commenting on the announcement,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/annswain/">Ann Swain</a>, Global CEO of APSCo said,
<blockquote>
&ldquo;It gives us great pleasure to extend our support to Camino Partners and the Unsung Heroes Awards.
&ldquo;Talented individuals in non-sales functions play a crucial role in elevating the standards within the recruitment sector.
&ldquo;I and everyone at APSCo look forward to celebrating all the professionals recognised for their contributions throughout 2023.&rdquo;&nbsp;
</blockquote>
​Sachin Ruparelia, CEO at Camino Partners said:&nbsp;
<blockquote>
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re over the moon that APSCo has agreed to support our endeavour to better recognise the unsung heroes of the recruitment sector.&nbsp;
"Our Unsung Heroes Awards are the only industry awards dedicated to celebrating the contribution of supporting roles within recruitment organisations.&nbsp;&nbsp;
"These functions provide vital services in every recruitment company and deserve the highest levels of recognition.&nbsp;&nbsp;
"APSCo's support will enable us to reach a far wider audience, helping us to recognise even more talented individuals and show more recruitment businesses the importance of non-sales talent and how to attract, develop and retain it.&rdquo;&nbsp;
</blockquote>
​Capitalising on APSCo's reach across the recruitment industry, Camino Partners hopes to further increase the&nbsp;visibility&nbsp;of the Unsung Heroes Awards and the non-sales professionals they celebrate.
​About Camino Partners&nbsp;
Camino Partners was founded in 2012 and is the only recruiter in the UK that specialises in placing non-sales and support roles into recruitment organisations. They are on a mission to improve the people, perception and performance of the recruitment sector by acting as an ambassador for supporting functions, running industry-leading events, and championing best practice.&nbsp;
 Nominate an Unsung Hero for your business&nbsp;<a href="https://www.caminopartners.co.uk/heroes-awards">here.</a>
&nbsp;

APSCo and Camino Partners unite to celebrate ‘Unsung Heroes’ in recruitment

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Navigating recruitment challenges in 2024

September ONS Snap-Shot: UK Pay Packets Up But Unemployment Is also Growing

H1 Investment Report - Recruitment Sector

What makes a great Executive Assistant?

Download our diverse recruitment checklist

APSCo and Camino Partners unite to celebrate ‘Unsung Heroes’ in recruitment

Webinar: Reimagining Work With Matt Newman, Lee Andrese & Kelly Boykin

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Our Sector Expertise

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Navigating recruitment challenges in 2024

September ONS Snap-Shot: UK Pay Packets Up But Unemployment Is also Growing

H1 Investment Report - Recruitment Sector

​What makes a great Executive Assistant?

Download our diverse recruitment checklist

APSCo and Camino Partners unite to celebrate ‘Unsung Heroes’ in recruitment

Webinar: Reimagining Work With Matt Newman, Lee Andrese & Kelly Boykin

What makes a great Executive Assistant?