Month 7: A Rollercoaster Ride
This month has been a real mix of highs and lows. With summer the holidays wrapping up, bookings interviews have become easier to schedule, and we’ve certainly made the most of it. We’ve hit a record number of interviews across a wide range of clients, expanded our contractor book, and secured a couple of permanent placements.
On any other month, that would be a solid win. But we also had two senior candidates accept roles, only to later choose different companies. One of those reversals happened mid-holiday, which unsurprisingly, cast a bit of a cloud over the day.
Holidays When You’re Self-Employed
When you work for yourself, holidays aren’t quite the same.
I’ve always travelled with my laptop, taken calls, and stayed passively engaged. Recruitment is commission-based, and I wouldn’t change that as it keeps you accountable and always locked into the process.
But we also need to remember that for our candidates, this process can be life changing. A new role affects their career trajectory, finances, and personal life. It’s not something to ignore or delegate lightly.
Now that I’m at Enhanced M&E, things are even more hands-on. I still manage calls, interviews, offers, and contracts (the best part), but I also make a point of carving out 2–3 hours daily, even when I am on holiday, to actively work roles and support candidates who are “open to opportunities.”
In all honestly, it’s totally worth it. As there is nothing worse than returning from a relaxing break to an empty pipeline and an inbox that looks like a scroll.
M&E Sector Insights
I’ve had a few conversations with recruiters in other sectors asking whether things slow down for them as we head into Christmas.
My view is that… there is always something happening. Positive or negative, that balances the year out. Whether it’s early-year budget delays, summer interview chaos, or end-of-year “let’s wait until January” hesitations, there’s no true quiet season.
What does impact hiring more significantly are external events: such as looming government budgets, compliance and regulatory law updates, such as the employment right bill which is currently being reviewed in parliament and sparking lots of debate. As well as changes in building legislation, shifts in public funding, especially in schools, hospitals, and social housing which all impact the sector.
In conclusion… I am finding the sector extremely busy, mainly on the Commercial Fit Out and the Life Science sector, as a few residential projects were put on hold due to the new fire safety standards (BS). – that being said, a few of our clients look likely to win some large packages on residential, if successful the turnaround will be very quick.
Our contractor book continues to grow month-on-month; however, we are finding that permanent (PAYE) candidates are the preferred option for the majority of our clients still.
Our recruitment network continues to expand. We are now collaborating with top-tier consultants across construction, each with their own niche. This gives us broader options for candidates and faster solutions for clients.
Recruitment is full of ups and downs (news flash). The key is to stay proactive. If your head drops, it’s easy to spiral. Solutions don’t just appear; you have to go out and find them.