Resources

It’s the call every candidate dreams of “They’d like to offer you the role.”And yet… your gut sinks. It might be the salary.Or the vibe you got from the interviewer.Maybe it’s the culture, the commute, the benefits, the expectations. Whatever it is, it just doesn’t feel right.And now you’re stuck between the pressure to say yes and the quiet, courageous...

Advice to the David I Was, From the David I Am This week, I found an old pic that got me thinking of my younger self – that 13-year-old guy in West Clare, doing his best to wheel barrows of compost through a landscaping yard, absolutely hopeless at it but eager to earn his own money. I wasn’t built for...

Why Reminding Your Team About Benefits Matters More Than You Think So, I was chatting with the team this morning, plotting our next Team Day (because let’s face it, remote life is great until you miss gossiping over who microwaved fish in the office). We started sharing stories about the wildest workplace “benefits” we’ve seen clients brag about. One of...

Let’s talk money.I was working with a brilliant candidate recently, the kind that makes you do a smug little desk dance when they accept the offer. We’d done our due diligence: market mapping, salary research, and real conversations with real firms. We knew the candidate’s salary expectations were in line with the going rate. So, I was a bit surprised...

Let me spill the (recruitment) tea. This week I had a brilliant chat with a client at a leading law firm in London, the kind of firm where you’d assume they scrutinise every comma on a CV with a magnifying glass. But what they said completely confirmed what I’ve been seeing across the market: CVs? They’re not dead. But they’re...

Let’s rewind to 22-year-old me, strutting into my first ever management job like the Beyoncé of student recruitment, ready to lead the team to victory… by sacking four people in my first week. Yes, really. And no, this isn’t a “how to inspire loyalty in your team” guide — more like a what not to do if you want anyone...

Since my post a few weeks back about Induction and thanks to Lee how me created ours more clients have been reaching out to chat about their induction. Lee has thankfully made time to speak with them, discuss their current Induction process and been able to offer some tips and advice on areas for improvement. Some client have even admitted...

365 Days. Countless Coffees. One Fabulous First Year in Business. You’ve heard of The 12 Days of Christmas, right? Well, here’s The 365 Days of David, told through a cheeky, candid, and (slightly caffeinated) interview to mark the first year of Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions Ltd. Let’s roll the tape… The Big Bang What made you finally take the leap and...

Let’s set the scene: You’re a hiring manager or Partner, you’ve got a role to fill, and you’ve dug out the job spec from five years ago that someone once used and thought, “That’ll do.” Maybe you’ve even Googled a few others to cut and paste something together (no judgement, we’ve all been there). But here’s the kicker – that...

Let’s be real, hiring in today’s market is tough (hence I have a job). Roles sit open for months, candidates ghost interviews, and businesses are left scrambling to fill the gaps. But what if I told you there’s a whole pool of experienced, UK-based professionals who are being overlooked simply because of one word? Visa. Yes, visa candidates already in...

When it comes to inductions, I’ve been around the block a few times. Training recruiters is practically muscle memory at this point. But this week? This week was different. On Monday, we rolled out the red carpet (well, more like a conference room carpet) at the Hilton on Deansgate for the induction of our two newest team members. These are...

When you think of top legal talent, your mind might drift to the towering skyscrapers of mega law firms, where associates are chained to their desks, billing hours like there’s no tomorrow. ( I always think of Suits!) But hold onto your wigs and gowns, folks, because the legal landscape is shifting. Boutique law firms are stepping into the spotlight,...

Your CV? It’s your golden ticket. But let’s be real – no one hires a piece of paper. The difference between “We’ll be in touch” and “Welcome to the team”? You. Why Personality & Culture Fit Matter More Than You Think In a world where recruiters and hiring managers are drowning in nearly identical CVs, your experience gets you noticed,...

Hands up if you’ve heard this lately: “We just can’t find good people.” Well… you’re not wrong. The accountancy recruitment crisis is real, and it’s keeping practice managers and partners awake at night from London to Liverpool. If you’ve been trying to hire Audit Seniors, Tax Associates, or even Bookkeepers, you’ll know exactly what I mean. I’m hearing it daily...

If you’ve glanced at the news lately, you’ll know the job market is facing its longest downturn since 2000. Doom and gloom, right? Not necessarily. Whether you’re a job seeker or an employer, navigating recruitment in an economic downturn isn’t about sitting back and waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about adapting, being strategic, and making sure when the...

Picture this: You’re an experienced Accounting Manager, not actively job-hunting, but open to the right opportunity. You want career progression, a better work-life balance, and, let’s be real, more money wouldn’t hurt either. You get in touch with a recruiter (let’s say, me) and after a solid chat, you say, “David, I’ll work exclusively with you.” Now, if you’ve ever...

Welcome back to David Did It!—where we make recruitment fun, insightful, and, most importantly, real. Now, I want to talk about confidence. Whether you’re heading into an interview, a client pitch, or even an internal meeting, the way you present yourself can often be the deciding factor. And trust me—I know a thing or two about faking it till you...

Welcome to another episode of “David Did It!”—your go-to blog for tips, tricks, and laughs from the world of UK Legal and Accountancy Practice Recruitment. Today, we’re diving into a topic that every recruiter has faced but few discuss: Agency Wars. When multiple recruitment agencies compete for the same roles, it’s a recipe for stress, confusion, and—let’s face it—drama. But...

Hey everyone! It’s time for another dose of “David Did It!” Today, we’re diving into a rather important topic: how to spot a toxic employer before it’s too late. Grab your tea, get comfy, and let’s spill the tea on all things workplace dynamics. Workplaces can be incredible spaces for growth, camaraderie, and achievement. But sometimes, they’re not. And the...

You’ve got the skills. You’ve got the experience. But if your CV isn’t doing you justice, it might be the reason you’re stuck refreshing your inbox, waiting for that interview invite. Recently, I worked with someone in this very position. Their experience? Amazing! Their CV? Well, let’s just say it was the literary equivalent of trying to read War and...

As we step boldly into 2025, the job market is buzzing with change and opportunity. In the legal recruitment sector, shifts in technology, candidate priorities, and employer strategies are reshaping the landscape. Whether you’re a candidate polishing your CV or an employer seeking top-tier talent, staying ahead of these trends is key to success. Let’s dive into the top predictions...

As 2024 draws to a close, I’m taking a moment to reflect on an incredible year for David Did It! and Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions. From sharing career advice, navigating the quirks of the workplace, and laughing through some unforgettable David Did It! moments, this year has been nothing short of amazing. But let’s be honest—this year wasn’t about me. It...

Ah, the office Christmas party—a time-honoured tradition where colleagues gather to celebrate the successes of the year gone by, sometimes swap Secret Santa gifts, and sometimes, make questionable decisions involving hotel rooms and mistletoe. But with new generations entering the workforce and workplace culture shifting, is it time to rethink the Christmas party playbook? Are we still clinging to outdated...

Ah, the Holiday/Festive season! A time for bubbles, ugly sweaters, and… job hunting? (And don’t come for me with the Sweaters comment, I love a Festive Jumper Day, but let’s be Frank they ain’t cute!) While most people are busy decorating their homes, you’re decorating your CV, hoping to catch the eye of a hiring manager amidst the festive chaos....