How long have you been with Bond Williams?
I joined Bond Williams and opened the Oxford office 4 years ago, although I have known Claire and Rob for over 20 years.
What do you like most about working at Bond Williams?
TRUST is very important to me either managing someone or when being managed and Bond Williams it’s all about trust.
What do you recruit for in your area?
Based in Oxford our Engineering, Science & Space division focus on a range of specialisms within the STEM sector including: life sciences, medical devices, pharmaceutical, space technologies, biotechnology, chemical and civil engineering, electronic and mechanical engineering. We have well-established and strong long-term relationships with an enviable client portfolio from start-ups and SME’s right through to industry leading multinational organisations.
How has the market been for your division over the past year?
The market for engineering and scientific recruitment in Oxfordshire has always traditionally been strong and the last 12 months has seen similar levels of scarcity of talent and top companies competing for the most sought-after skill sets.
What trends do you see developing in your marketplace? What future roles do you think will be more in demand?
Growing and emerging markets include anything related to cleaner & greener energy, electric vehicles and associated infrastructure, life sciences, biotech, medical devices, and biopharma.
What are the biggest issues for candidates in your marketplace?
Making the right choice! The market is great for technical candidates in Oxford right now, with plenty of opportunities to consider, most good candidates are receiving multiple offers and it’s important to take advantage of that position and make the right decision (i.e. don’t just accept the first offer you receive).
What are the biggest issues for clients in your marketplace?
Reacting too slowly and missing out on their first-choice candidate.
What advice would you give to candidates?
If you are involved in two or more recruitment processes and receive multiple offers, do not feel pressured to rush your decision and don’t just take the first offer you get especially if you are waiting for a decision from elsewhere. Speak with the respective recruiters you are working with and take the time to make a reasoned judgement.
What advice would you give to clients?
Move quickly to avoid disappointment!
You have been in Recruitment for 22 years now, why have you stayed in it for so long?
There are lots of benefits working in recruitment, like having a positive impact on people’s lives by finding them their dream job. Or being able to use exciting new recruitment tools. Or the competition element where you get to compete against your colleagues. But for me I think the key is that you have the freedom of running your own desk/team/division which feels like running your own business. You have the chance to manage your own client and candidate database ensuring a successful outcome for your clients, candidates, yourself and the recruitment business. It’s a great balance of taking control whilst having the support of a wider team.
What do you most like about working in recruitment?
What you put in is what you get out.
And finally what do you do to relax after a busy day in recruitment?
I like to go running on the Ridgeway in Oxfordshire.
