The Recruiters Playbook: Quarterly Recruiter Insights & Statistics

Recruitment's a grind, isn't it? Honestly, with the market doing its unpredictable dance, finding that perfect candidate can feel like hunting for a unicorn. And let's face it, with reports indicating a potential slowdown in recruitment market growth, projected to be just a 1.5% increase this year compared to the previous 3%, some businesses are feeling the pinch.

Plus, did you know that LinkedIn's recent data shows a 40% surge in demand for "soft skills" like adaptability and communication in recruiters? It's not just about filling roles anymore; it's about you're ability to find people who truly fit.

What's Happening in the UK Job Scene?

With the UK's unemployment rate hovering around 4.3%, according to the ONS, competition for top talent is fierce. But have you ever stopped to wonder what the absolute top recruiters are doing differently to ace it in talent acquisition in 2025? Well, we've pulled some winning moves into this "Recruiter's Playbook Newsletter," just for you. Let's dive in!

Our Team's Top Tips: Straight from the "Trenches"!

1. Really, Really Get to Know Your People.

Think about it: how often do you truly dig into a candidate's aspirations? Or understand the nuances of a client's company culture? Lili O. says it best: "I carefully match candidates’ skills and goals with the right companies for long-term success." It's not just about ticking boxes. We've found that the best placements come from a place of genuine understanding. A quick chat over a virtual coffee can reveal more than a stack of CVs ever could. Let's face it, a CV tells you what they can do, but a good conversation tells you who they are.

2. Build Bridges, Not Walls.

When was the last time to really build rapport lately? A quick check-in call, a thoughtful email, even a LinkedIn message – these small gestures make a huge difference. Kelsey Gwilliam nails it: "I work closely with both candidates and clients to understand their needs and provide the best service for everyone." Recruitment is a people game, plain and simple. Remember, we're advisors, mentors, and partners. Not just salespeople.

3. Listen Up! (Seriously, Listen.)

Kay Prior emphasises, "I listen carefully to what my candidates and clients want, and ill only place people if I think their suitable." How often do we jump in with solutions before truly understanding the problem? Try this: next time you're on a call, aim to listen more than you talk. Ask open-ended questions. Really let people speak. You’ll be amazed at what you learn. Sometimes, the best advice you can give is simply listening.

4. Quality Over Quantity – Every Time.

Many have been there: the pressure to send a mountain of CVs. But top recruiters focus on finding the right people, not just any people. Kelsey also reminds us: "I provide top-quality candidates with the skills, experience, and personality that fit well with my clients’ teams." It might take longer, but the results speak for themselves. Imagine the impact of one perfect placement versus ten mediocre ones.

5. Get Your Hustle On!

Don't wait for opportunities to fall into your lap. Network, learn, stay ahead of the curve. Our property division has recently started an interview series to spotlight some great companies and industry leaders. The recruitment landscape is constantly evolving. Are you evolving with it?

6. Believe in People – (It's one of our core values).

At Boden Group, "Believe in People" isn't just a slogan; it's our philosophy. We don't see numbers; we see individuals. We see potential. We see futures. And that's what makes us different. Take a moment to remember why you got into recruitment in the first place. Was it about helping people? About making a difference? Let that be your driving force.

Your Career:

Are you passionate about recruitment? Do you believe in the power of people? We're always on the lookout for talented individuals to join our team. If you're ready to make a real impact, we'd love to hear from you. We're recruiting trainees, Recruitment Consultants and Senior Consultants for multiple divisions.

Want to join our team?

Visit our website or contact our hiring team directly, ?? Kelsey Fyfe .

We're excited to hear from you!

A Quick Quiz:

What is essential for companies to offer to ensure career progression?

a) Vague promises of future opportunities.

b) Transparent criteria for advancement and professional development.

c) Only networking opportunities.

Head over to our blog to see if your right!