Resources

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,...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Navigating the world of legal recruitment can be challenging for both law firms and candidates. Whether you’re a client looking to hire top legal talent or a candidate seeking your next career move, understanding the recruitment process is key to success. This comprehensive FAQ guide addresses common questions to help you better understand legal recruitment and make informed decisions. 1....

Onboarding Success: Integrating New Legal Hires Smoothly Onboarding new legal hires effectively is a crucial step in ensuring they transition smoothly into their roles and become productive members of your team. A well-structured onboarding process not only helps new employees feel welcome but also sets the foundation for long-term success and retention. Here are some best practices to consider: 1....

In the high-stakes world of law, the pressure to perform can often overshadow the need for a healthy work-life balance. However, fostering a culture that prioritises balance isn’t just beneficial for employees—it’s crucial for the long-term success of law firms. This blog shows the discussion I have been having with Job Seekers, Law Firms and my general Legal Network. We...

Discover top recruitment trends for UK law firms in 2024. Learn how to attract and retain top legal talent with innovative strategies and best practices....