Recruiter Spotlight - Joshua Walker

Can you describe your journey at Capio so far and how long you have been here?

I started working at Capio in August last year. I was looking to move to Bristol and I knew someone who works in recruitment and they recommended Capio to me. I joined as a Recruitment Consultant and, to be honest, I found it tough at first. I am managing the Midlands patch for the insurance desk so a lot of the time I spend developing relationships with clients and candidates.

?

What truly motivates you in your career?

When things go well and the ups of recruitment are the most motivating for me. When you have a good call and you know you did a good job it really uplifts your mood and you feel a boost of confidence.

?

What would you say your strongest skills are?

I think I am good at being in relationships, being friendly, and open, and taking time to understand what makes people tick. Not only professionally but also personally.

How can you describe the culture at Capio?

Very friendly, it truly is like one big family at times and we socialise outside of work too.

What do you advise someone who wants to be a recruiter at Capio?

Becoming a recruiter is not a quick fix and a get-rich-fast scheme. Recruitment has challenges but the more work you put in the more you get out of it. Don’t take anything for granted.

?

What part of the recruitment process do you find the most challenging??

I would say managing counteroffers is difficult sometimes. I understand for some candidates it might be the comfort of staying where they are. You have to try and consult them and not make it about you. Take yourself out of it. It’s hard not to get emotional but you have to be a consultant rather than a salesman.

What do you find interesting about the insurance industry?

.A lot of people in insurance are very easy to talk to. It’s a down-to-earth industry where people care about people no matter how large the company is. You can really make friends in the industry, it has a friendly feel to it.?

What is a recent hiring trend in insurance recruitment?

There is a lack of good candidates which makes firms compete for the good talent out there.?

?

What are your interview tips for insurance professionals?

Be yourself, don’t try to oversell yourself, and be honest about your experience. Do mention that you are looking to interview with other companies. It will allow companies to sort of compete for you. Be transparent.

?

What are candidates looking for now in the current market?

Candidates are looking for more money because of the cost-of-living crisis. Most of them want a salary increase but it’s not always the case. Some people just want to progress but I see more Senior candidates motivated by money.

?

What is your current career goal?

Short-term to get promoted to Lead

Long term I’d like to manage my own team because I love the training aspect of the job and passing on any knowledge to help others.

?

Tell us something about you that we don’t know.

I have a Russian brother and he is my half-brother but you wouldn’t know it and I have Portuguese ancestors. Want to know a crazier one?

I lost the tip of my finger playing football.

?

What do you like to do outside of work/hobbies? Any work-life balance tips?

I am a DJ outside of work and I like playing football. Producing music is my biggest hobby.

I spend a lot of time on my laptop for both work and hobbies so my biggest tip is to try and manage your time in front of a screen because burnout is really possible. Manage your time smartly.?