Meet Max Nicholas: Our Lead Internal Recruitment Consultant

As a Recruitment company, we know first-hand and value the importance of attracting & hiring top talent into our business.

Meet Max Nicholas, our Lead Internal Recruiter for Faststream Recruitment and GOOSE Recruitment. Max is the first point of contact for all candidates exploring a recruitment career at Faststream. Since joining the business in 2022, his background in teaching, business development, and recruitment has proven invaluable in growing our teams across EMEA and Singapore.

In this personal interview, Max talks about his role, how he creates a positive interview experience for every candidate, and offers and insight into a recruitment career at Faststream.

Tell us about your role as Lead Internal Recruiter at the Faststream Recruitment Group

"Every day is spent engaging with applicants and networking with high-potential candidates for roles ranging from Trainee Recruitment Consultant to the Senior Leadership Team, as well as positions in recruitment, finance, marketing, IT, and support.

I oversee the entire hiring process, from initial screening and in-person interviews to making offers and helping people get started in their new roles. This enables me to support my candidates throughout the recruitment journey and beyond, ensuring a seamless and positive experience for them, as well as for our hiring managers across the business."

What do you enjoy most about your job?

"I enjoy building relationships and interacting with candidates at all levels of their careers. In my role, I connect with a diverse range of professionals, from graduates to experienced individuals in recruitment, sales, or business development.

What excites me most is the opportunity to network and offer consultative career advice, helping people take the next step in their journey. The most rewarding part is seeing the people I hire grow and progress in their careers, knowing I played a role in their success."

How has working for Faststream supported your personal goals and aspirations?

"Outside of work, I’m a huge football fan, particularly of Tottenham Hotspur. Flexible working enables me to attend games with my family and pursue my other sporting passions - F1, athletics, tennis, boxing, and rugby—really, I enjoy all sports.

I’m also an avid traveller, always looking for opportunities to explore new places. Since joining Faststream, I’ve visited around 25 different locations across the world, and I’m excited to keep ticking off destinations on my travel list."

What are the top five qualities you look for when interviewing candidates for recruitment roles?

"At Faststream we hire for attitudes & behaviours and train for skills & knowledge. I always look for the following key qualities when meeting candidates"

1. Strong relationship-building and communication skills
2. Resilience
3. Persuasive skills
4. Confidence
5. Proactive problem solver

How would you describe the 'candidate experience' for anyone applying for or interviewing with Faststream?

"Welcoming, supportive, and transparent. The process is fair and consistent, starting with an initial screening call, followed by interviews with myself and a hiring manager. Throughout, I provide clear expectations to help candidates prepare and offer advice for interview success. This support continues after the process, guiding candidates through onboarding to ensure a smooth and successful transition into the business."

What advice would you give to someone considering applying for a job in recruitment consulting?

"Many newcomers to recruitment often have misconceptions about the role. It's not just about filling jobs—it's a consultative sales role that involves both B2B and B2C sales, as well as proactive business development to bring in new roles.

For those starting out, my advice is not to expect immediate success. There is a steep learning curve in first few months - learning the industry, understanding the recruitment process, and adapting to your environment. So work hard, give it your all, celebrate the small wins but be patient - real success takes time."

Take the next step in your career

If you are considering your next career move in 2025 and would like to work for a company that not only offers a positive interview experience but will also deliver on it's promises after you join, get in touch with Max today for an informal discussion about our current internal roles:

• Faststream Recruitment's Internal Roles
• GOOSE Recruitment's Internal Roles