When I first started my career in employment services, I quickly realised what really lit me up: people. Not just ticking a box for job placement, but actually getting to know the participants (candidates) I was supporting. What made them tick. What scared them. What they were good at, even if they didn’t see it yet. I’d work collaboratively with participants to problem solve the everyday things like transport, confidence, childcare, anxiety, navigating Centrelink or interview nerves. The goal was never just to help them find a job. It was to help them build skills for life!
But what really made it work was the connection with employers. I loved sitting down with local businesses and learning what they really needed and what kind of person would genuinely thrive in their team. And once they were placed, I stayed involved. I checked in. I helped problem solve again if things got tricky. That kind of ongoing support built strong relationships with both candidates and employers.
That kind of work has always stuck with me. Partnerships not just transactions, real fit for both sides of the employment equation. Working with people to understand the market and to make strategic people decisions.
Now, working at Hunter Recruitment Group, I’ve found my way back to that same feeling through retained recruitment. It’s a different role and perspective, but the heart of the work feels familiar. That sense of purpose has come through in our partnerships with incredible organisations like Mai-Wel and Kurri Kurri Community Services.
For employers:
When we work on a retained basis, it means we’re not racing against the clock or just to “fill a seat.” We’re embedded. We’re part of the journey. We’re a part of the team. I get to know the business inside out, their people, their values and their challenges. I meet with hiring managers, visit worksites and truly understand who will be the right fit for their team
I open doors to candidates that don’t exist through standard recruitment methods like simple seek ads.
I advocate for the employer at a level well beyond the standard recruitment agency or internal recruiter pitch
Our statistics generated from placements through this methodology show much lower staff turnover and much higher engagement.
For candidates:
I get to bring the same care to candidates. I take the time to understand what they’re looking for and what matters most to them. Flexibility, team culture, the dollar figure, location. What they truly value. What kind of workplace will bring out their best. I get to represent clients I believe in, and help people find jobs that actually make them happy. I stay connected. I check in. I celebrate the wins and help troubleshoot the hard stuff.
That’s what drives me.
Retained recruitment gives me the space to do things properly. To build trust on both sides. To stay connected and support the whole journey. That’s the kind of recruitment I love. And I feel lucky to do it with HRG!
If your business is struggling to find staff and would prefer to work with a partner that can make a positive impact on your culture and bottom line. Then start a conversation with me today.
