Morning Routine: Hectic, Heartfelt, and Organised (Sort of!)
What time do you usually start your day, and what’s the first thing you focus on?
The alarm’s set for 6.30am, but I’m usually up around 6am thanks to my human alarm – my daughter! First thing, I check my emails while helping her get breakfast and pack up for school. Then it’s a quick shower, get dressed, and either log on at home, go for an early morning sea dip or head into the office, depending on the day.
My husband Rob is often around to help out, which is handy if I’ve got early meetings or client visits. The morning routine usually involves chasing my daughter to get ready – often with a surprise recorder concert or an impromptu full-on conversation while we’re trying to get out the door. It’s chaotic, but I genuinely wouldn’t have it any other way.
How do you plan and prioritise your tasks in the morning?
To-do lists are essential. I always start by catching up with the team to see what’s on the agenda. From there, it’s straight into candidate work and calls, but recruitment is so fast-moving that priorities can shift at any moment.
Is there a typical rhythm to your mornings?
There’s a general flow, but no two hours are ever quite the same. If an offer is on the table, I like to get that sent out first thing to save a candidate waiting. I try to be responsive and agile, it’s all about juggling and adapting.
Do you focus more on business development or candidate work early in the day?
My mornings are very candidate-focused – sourcing, calling, and catching up on new applications. I usually shift into business development mode later on, depending on what’s happening that day. The role is always reactive, which keeps it exciting.
Afternoon Activities: Juggling, Adapting, and Getting Results
How does your day evolve after lunch?
It’s a continuation of the morning really, the juggle never stops! If the morning’s gone well, I’ll often shift to more admin, compliance or prep for interviews and offers.
Are afternoons more structured, or do they stay reactive?
A mix of both. I try to leave the structured tasks like admin or compliance for when things calm down a bit, but recruitment doesn’t always allow for that. If a new vacancy drops in, I’m straight into action – thinking of suitable candidates, considering the culture fit, and getting the ball rolling.
Some of the more process-driven tasks, I’m fortunate to share with my colleague, which helps free up time for the high-priority candidate and client work.
Goals, Wins & Challenges
What kind of goals do you set for yourself and your team?
I always set personal goals, but we also have shared team targets based on the flow of business, the client landscape, and candidate activity. These evolve depending on market demand.
What challenges come with those goals?
The unpredictability! Recruitment is full of moving parts. People change their minds, clients shift their plans – we’re dealing with big decisions that affect real lives. It keeps you on your toes.
How does Bond Williams celebrate success?
There’s a great culture of recognition here, whether it’s a simple “well done” or an incentive or award. It all makes a difference.
Any recent success stories that stand out?
We recently took on a role that had been with a specialist recruiter for five weeks with no result. Off the back of success in another department, the client handed it over to us – and within three days we’d sourced and met candidates, and the role was offered and accepted within five days. That felt great.
Tools, Tech & Trends
What tools do you rely on day-to-day?
Online Tools, our CRM, my phone and of course my amazing team.
How do you stay ahead of industry trends?
Relationships. We keep in touch with clients and candidates even when they’re not actively hiring or looking. We offer insights, salary surveys, and honest market advice. That proactive support is key.
I also follow industry voices the no-nonsense, straight-talking advice is invaluable.
How do experienced consultants approach change compared to newer team members?
Seasoned recruiters have usually been through different markets and know recruitment fundamentals haven’t really changed, it’s still about relationships. Newer consultants bring energy, tech-savviness, and fresh ideas. A healthy balance of both is great for the team and our clients.
How important is social media in your role?
It plays a part depending on the sector or role. But honestly, market knowledge, word-of-mouth, and long-standing relationships are often more powerful.
Motivation & Mindset
What keeps you motivated in this role?
I love the variety, no two days are the same. I really care about the people I work with. I try to treat others the way I’d like to be treated and take pride in the trust I’ve built with clients and candidates over the years.
People open up to you – whether they’re a candidate looking for a new start or a client in a senior, sometimes lonely role who just needs someone they can talk to. That trust means everything.
The rewards help too, but often a kind message or positive feedback from a candidate or client is enough to make my day.
How does Bond Williams show appreciation?
The owners and Directors are always supportive. Whether it’s a thank-you or a reward, they don’t miss an opportunity to show they care.
How does Bond Williams’ reputation support your work?
It makes a huge difference. Clients and candidates know we do what we say we’ll do. That trust is built on honesty, empathy and doing right by everyone we work with, and it shows in our reviews and repeat business.
Do people from different backgrounds add value in recruitment?
Absolutely. Adaptability, resilience and energy are key but different experiences and perspectives make the team stronger.
What will keep Bond Williams ahead in the years to come?
Upskilling our consultants in AI and emerging tech, while continuing to focus on what matters – people and relationships.
Culture at Bond Williams: What Makes Us Different
What sets Bond Williams apart from other agencies?
The longevity of the team is rare in this industry. That experience builds trust, both internally and externally. We genuinely know our local markets and specialist areas.
Claire Bond set out to create a business built on doing the right thing and she’s absolutely done that.
Describe the culture in three words:
Supportive. Ambitious. Fun.
What helps you succeed in this environment?
Autonomy. We manage our own desks like mini businesses, which gives us the freedom to make decisions and move quickly. And as a team, we all back each other – always.
How does the team create energy and purpose in such a fast-paced industry?
Recruitment is in your blood – it has to be. The pace, the energy, the excitement… it’s what we thrive on. And when you’re part of a team that’s genuinely supportive, it’s even better.
Congratulations Suzanne, on 15 incredible years at Bond Williams – here’s to many more!
