Resources

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...

It’s been an incredible journey so far for Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions, making waves in the UK Legal Recruitment industry and being nominated for the Independent Business of the Year 2025 at the Yorkshire Choice Awards. But now, there’s even bigger news – we’re expanding into Accountancy Practice Recruitment! To mark this milestone, we sat down with David Hawthorne-Finch, Founder of...

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....

Picture this: You’re out shopping for the perfect pair of shoes. You’ve got a vision in your head—sleek, stylish, practical for every occasion—but you forgot to check your size. Now, you’re walking into stores, vaguely describing “something nice,” and leaving disappointed when nothing fits. This is exactly what happens when you’re looking for your dream candidate without a proper job...

Ah, job searching… or should I say, “professional dating”? Let’s be honest, landing the right role has a whole lot in common with finding the right match in the world of dating. You’re showing up, selling yourself, and hoping they swipe right… or at least give you a callback. And just like dating, not every interview will end with a...

Ah, feedback—the mysterious, elusive ingredient to a successful recruitment process. It’s like the basil in a pasta sauce: you can technically make it without it, but it’s just not going to be that good. Yet so often, hiring managers deliver those dreaded three words to their recruitment partners and candidates alike: “Sorry, no feedback.” Now, as much as we love...

Ever had that moment? You open an email, expecting a quick update, but instead, you’re greeted with a multi-paragraph “challenge”—and every relevant party (and their dog) has been CC’d. Instead of a simple clarification, it feels like a courtroom drama. The client, perhaps feeling a tad theatrical, has decided to take a little “miscommunication” and spin it into an inbox...

Welcome back to the David Did It! series, where we expose the recruitment bloopers no one dares to discuss. And this week, we’re turning up the spooky factor just in time for Halloween with a ghost story everyone knows too well: ghosting in recruitment. Candidates, clients, and yes, even recruiters themselves—ghosting can haunt anyone in the hiring process. But why...

Let the Games Begin! 🎶 “David Did It!” 🎶 — except this time, it’s not just David. It’s a clash of titans: Internal Recruiters vs. External Recruiters! In one corner, we have the Internal Recruiter—your go-to person who knows the company’s culture inside out, can juggle a million tasks (and deadlines), and still finds time to eat lunch at their...

Handing in your notice can feel like you’re about to walk the plank, am I right? 😅 The nerves, the anticipation, and that nagging question: “Will my boss go nuclear?” or “Is the team going to be annoyed?” It’s like being caught in a whirlwind of emotions and ‘what ifs’. But here’s the truth, my friends: leaving a job is...

💥 Salary Expectations Through the Roof? 💥 🎶 David Did It! 🎶 Ah yes, the classic salary vs. reality dilemma. If you’ve been in recruitment long enough, you know exactly what I’m talking about. You’ve found the ideal candidate—they check all the boxes, they’re ready to sign, and then… BAM! Their salary expectations are way beyond the budget. Or perhaps...

As the Director of a busy recruitment agency specialising in placing legal talent within UK law firms, my days are packed with meetings, candidate assessments, and constant problem-solving. It’s fast-paced, demanding, and often feels like there’s not a minute to spare. So, when I decided to take on the Couch to 5K program five weeks ago, I had no idea...

Navigating a career in law can be like playing a complex game of chess. It’s all about the right moves at the right time. But what happens when you become so focused on your next “big move” that you unwittingly limit your future opportunities? One of the biggest challenges we see in today’s legal job market is candidates outpricing themselves,...

In the ever-evolving world of law, legal recruitment continues to be shaped by rapid advancements in technology, changing client expectations, and evolving regulations. As we move into 2024, both candidates and law firms are eager to understand what skills will be most in demand in the legal job market. For aspiring lawyers and experienced solicitors alike, staying informed of these...

We talk to Job Seekers and Clients everyday and Recruiters are not always seen in the best light. However we have been learning from our Blogs and the positive feedback we have been getting that we have been able to collaborate with Jobs Seekers and Law Firms to get a more wide angled view on matters that affect Teams in...