The Resilient Recruiter

Few people have established the credibility and connections that Jessica Hamilton has when it comes to recruiting in the financial crime space. Jess is the go-to recruiter in London for financial crime roles, with over a decade of experience partnering with clients to build out their teams. In our conversation, Jess shares the fascinating story of how a discussion in a pub first got her interested in specializing in financial crime recruitment. She went on to launch and build highly successful teams, first at Robert Walters, then Investigo where she led the top-performing financial services recruitment team globally. Recently, Jess took her career to the next level by launching her own firm, FincSelect, with business partner Ian Christie. Jess reveals the keys to her success, including focusing on being a trusted advisor, not just a transactional recruiter. Her "soft sell" marketing approach, sharing valuable insights and building real relationships, has made her the recruiter of choice in her market.   Episode Outline and Highlights   [02:24] How Jess got into recruiting marketing roles to Financial Crime. [07:16] Key factors in building the biggest billing desk in Investigo. [12:58] Discussion of Jess’s power phrases: “The placement is the prize, not the program” & “The art of the soft sell” [16:15] Becoming a credible thought leader through LinkedIn. [24:36] How panels and other platforms can help establish your expertise in your niche community. [32:09] Video phone calls and LinkedIn messaging to get a “larger surface of luck.” [40:28] Doing BD daily - Jess shares their best practice. [43:45] How to drive and use referrals from clients and candidates as a primary metric. [53:25] Navigating work-life integration by prioritizing and being task-focused.   Nuggets of Wisdom from Jess   Jess shared insightful perspectives on her recruitment cadence and approach in our conversation. Below are the power phrases she shared that I am sure will resonate well to recruiters and business owners, both new and tenured:    "The placement is the prize, not the program"   Jessica stresses the importance of focusing on long-term outcomes rather than immediate successes. In her experience, success in recruitment comes from investing time and effort into understanding the market deeply, building expertise, and creating value for clients beyond merely filling roles.    "The art of the soft sell":   Jessica highlights the effectiveness of positioning oneself as a knowledgeable consultant rather than a traditional recruiter. She builds trust and credibility by demonstrating expertise, being genuinely curious, and consistently engaging with the market (e.g., hosting events, having insightful conversations, and creating content on LinkedIn). This approach fosters a natural demand for her services, emphasizing the value of being seen as an advisor who shapes team structures and strategies.   Using Referral as a Metric to Drive Growth   Another interesting approach shared by Jess is how they use referrals as a primary metric. She has created a sustainable practice by prioritizing the quality of relationships that generate ongoing referrals. Some key strategies she shared for building a referral-based business are outlined below: Tracking all referral sources meticulously in your CRM Using brief, personal outreach messages focused on relationship-building Leveraging WhatsApp (desktop) for efficient communication management Building strategic partnerships with complementary businesses Always asking for referrals in every conversation Treating candidates and clients with equal importance Focus on authentic relationships over formal referral schemes "How can you decide if you're the best if no one's referring you?" This mindset has enabled Jessica to build a business where quality relationships drive consistent growth rather than relying solely on direct business development efforts.   Brand Development as the new “BD” in Recruitment One of the most important takeaways from Jessica's approach is how she redefines BD—not as "business development," but as "brand development." Instead of relying solely on the usual cold calls and sales tactics, Jessica has carved out a thriving niche by positioning herself as a thought leader in financial crime recruitment. Her strategy shows that by consistently building your personal and professional brand, you can create a steady flow of inbound opportunities.   Some strategies she implements are as follows: Posting consistently on LinkedIn (3x weekly) between 10 am-4 pm Tuesday-Friday Sponsoring strategic industry events as the sole recruitment partner  Building credibility through association with industry leaders (ex. International Compliance Association) Jessica Hamilton Bio and Contact Info  Jessica is pretty much synonymous with financial crime recruitment in London. She is the most well-known recruiter in her space and is seen as a thought leader and industry expert. She has featured in a book of financial crime compliance experts "Financial Crime Fighter - Book of Mentors", alongside many global heads of banks and industry. She speaks on industry panels and is the recruitment expert on the new ICA course for new MLROs. Jess has been recruiting for just over 10 years and created her first financial crime desk from scratch initially at Robert Walters in London, after meeting a girl in a pub who did financial crime (Jess thought the role sounded interesting) Jess then went onto replicate this at another global recruitment agency, based in London (Investigo) where within 2 years, she had built it to the top billing desk in financial services, globally.  It was at Investigo she met her business partner, Ian Christie.  After the birth of her first son, Ian approached Jess to start out on there own, and after returning from maternity leave the founded FincSelect in 2022.  Jessica on LinkedIn FincSelect website   People and Resources Mentioned Ian Christie on LinkedIn Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you’ve been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.  

If there is one thing more certain in marketing and branding, it is this: Making videos is no longer optional for building a successful recruitment business brand. How do you overcome the common barriers, misconceptions, and complexities of creating effective video content? What are the proven ROI and benefits of doing so? In this episode, we are joined by Sunjay Vyas, an accomplished videographer, video podcast producer, and content creator based in the UK. He prides himself on producing compelling video content. Episode Outline and Highlights: [01:50] Sunjay’s story of starting in recruitment at age 16 and becoming a sourcer at 18. [09:27] Realizing his passion: What made Sunjay shift to a different role from recruitment?  [15:21] Three biggest misconceptions of recruitment business owners on video and audio content creation. [20:09] Overcoming the fear of creating videos for branding: building an audience. [28:22] Becoming an authority in your space by putting yourself out there. [31:51] Outsourcing, keeping it simple, and the importance of starting small and being consistent. [38:48] Generating inbound leads by constantly creating content. [40:08] Advanced content strategies and repurposing for those who already host their podcast. [44:25] Information about "Behind the Mic" community resource The Three Common Misconceptions or Barriers to Creating Video Content   Some recruitment business owners find creating videos or audio content difficult when building their brand. Sunjay and I agreed on the three most common misconceptions, and if you can relate to any of these, then you will enjoy this episode as we explain why the benefits and return on investment outweigh the barriers.   It’s Too Complicated or Overwhelming   Why It’s a Misconception:   Recruitment business owners often see video production as a technical, complex, and time-consuming process. Many start as solopreneurs already juggling multiple roles, making video creation feel like an enormous task.   Why It Shouldn’t Be:   Modern tools and platforms have simplified video production. With minimal equipment and basic editing software, creating professional-looking videos is accessible and manageable even for beginners. Starting small and scaling up can reduce overwhelm.   It’s Too Expensive with Unclear ROI   Why It’s a Misconception:   The cost of video production can seem prohibitive, especially if the return on investment (ROI) is uncertain. Business owners might struggle to see how content creation directly translates into revenue.   Why It Shouldn’t Be:   Video content builds brand visibility, trust, and long-term customer relationships, indirectly boosting sales and recruitment opportunities. Even low-cost content can yield significant returns through consistent engagement and brand presence.   Feeling Uncomfortable or Experiencing Imposter Syndrome   Why It’s a Misconception:   Though confident in conversations, recruitment business owners might feel uneasy in front of the camera. Self-doubt creeps in, raising fears of judgment, embarrassment, or not being perceived as valuable.   Why It Shouldn’t Be:   Authenticity resonates more than perfection. Audiences appreciate real, relatable content. Over time, regular practice helps overcome camera shyness and builds confidence, making the process more natural.   The Three ROIs of Video Content and Podcasting   The three benefits below, which can bring an exponential ROI to your recruitment business, counter the three common misconceptions about creating video content. Many of our previous guests, as well as many from our existing coaching community, have proven and shared these benefits. 1. Building an Audience Video content and podcasting allow businesses to reach a broader audience beyond one-on-one interactions. By sharing valuable insights online, companies can connect with potential clients and candidates they might never meet otherwise. Even if viewers or listeners don’t engage directly, the content can still impact their decisions, creating a ripple effect. Consistency is key—regularly publishing content builds trust, credibility, and a loyal following, transforming businesses from being the best-kept secret to a well-known industry authority.   2. Becoming an Authority in Your Space Creating content positions businesses as experts in their field. Companies can demonstrate expertise by sharing knowledge, insights, and solutions to industry challenges rather than just claiming it. This visibility helps potential clients associate the business with industry leadership and up-to-date insights. People trust brands that consistently showcase their know-how, making them the go-to resource when prospects need help or advice.   3. Generating Leads Podcasts and videos serve as powerful lead-generation tools. They create touchpoints that nurture relationships and keep businesses top-of-mind for potential clients. A well-executed content strategy can convert casual listeners or viewers into paying customers. Testimonials from businesses gaining clients through podcasts illustrate this, showing how content can be a direct revenue driver and a long-term business development asset. Best Practices and Tips Sunjay shared a few best practices and pragmatic approaches to creating content without adversely affecting your day-to-day schedule. Some of the core practices he discussed are: Create consistent content (start with one post per week) Share your daily recruitment expertise through video Build trust through regular video presence Scale your one-to-one conversations into content   Sunjay said, "People want to see you... when you see this person, you see them interacting with someone else on camera and you see the engagement, I think that builds trust quicker than anything else."  One of our success stories is our coaching community member Jodi, who went from refusing to do videos to winning new business through her video content and podcast. Her story demonstrates how video content can transform a recruitment business's lead generation strategy from constant outbound activity to attracting pre-qualified, inbound leads. Sunjay Vyas Bio and Contact Info  Sunjay Vyas is an accomplished videographer, video podcast producer, and content creator based in the UK. He prides himself on producing compelling video content. Whether he's hosting his own show or working with clients, Sunjay brings creativity and professionalism to every project. He is passionate about leveraging the power of video to tell impactful stories and engage audiences. In addition to video production, Sunjay has experience managing, recruiting, and training teams earlier in his career. He spent several years in recruitment across London and the Middle East, specializing in financial markets technology. Sunjay studied Exercise and Sports Science and holds qualifications in personal training and fitness coaching. Outside of work, he enjoys staying active and spending time with his family. With his dedication to creating compelling content, strong technical skills, ability to connect with audiences, and over a decade working in recruitment Sunjay is an asset and we are happy to have him on board. Visit my Amazon storefront at Anisha & Sunjay. Remember, these are affiliate links - you don't pay any extra, but Amazon sends me a few pennies for the referral.   Sunjay Vyas on LinkedIn Behind the Mic - LinkedIn newsletter and community founded by Sunjay and Anisha.   People and Resources Mentioned Jodi Mayer on LinkedIn Circle  James Clear - Atomic Habits   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you’ve been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.  

"Work hardest when times are best, not worst" - this counterintuitive philosophy helped Brock Boyd build a 25-year tech recruitment empire that's survived three major market crashes. When Brock Boyd started his recruitment firm in 1998, he ran his business from his bedroom in a shared house, where suited colleagues would show up to work daily - sometimes while he was still sleeping from late-night prospecting.  Today, 25 years later, he's a member of the prestigious Pinnacle Society leading an international tech sales recruitment practice. Through multiple market cycles - from the dot-com crash to 2008's recession to today's tech slowdown - Brock has built Career Management Inc. (CMI) into a sustainable business while developing wealth-building principles that have given him true financial freedom. Episode Outline and Highlights: [01:49] How a friend needing a ride to a job fair led to recruitment. [04:27] Taking the entrepreneurial leap after just 11 months! [10:47] Recalling the early days: Cold calling from his bedroom while colleagues showed up in suits. [15:26] Discussion of peak performance periods: 1999-2000 and 2021-2022. [18:17] Focus on resilience: Surviving 2002 and the $63,000 bankruptcy challenge [24:22] "I work by far the hardest in the best of times" - Brock's contrarian business philosophy [27:47] Smart financial moves most recruiters miss: The "two boulders" theory [38:51] How to retire early as recruiters: The three key factors [54:56] Tech stack deep dive: What works in modern recruitment [1:03:19] Understanding market cycles: "It's like winter and spring will come" Building a Recession-Proof Tech Sales Recruitment Practice After being hired by a staffing firm, Brock launched his own business after only 11 months! He had a fascinating story of finding his way into permanent staffing without really having much of a background before starting his recruitment firm. From solo operator to leading an international team, Brock has built Career Management Inc. (CMI) into a sustainable practice over 25 years. Starting with just three clients in 1998, he strategically evolved from general sales to specialized tech sales recruitment. Here is his firm’s current structure: 3.5 full-desk recruiters (US-based) 2.5 candidate-focused recruiters International support team across Argentina, Colombia, Philippines, and India Support staff handling administrative and database work Below are the key success factors that helped his business thrive over the years, through multiple market cycles, including the dot-com crash, the 2008 recession, and the current tech slowdown, while growing sustainably through each recovery. Early specialization in tech sales (higher fees vs general sales) Lean operations during growth years Strategic investment in revenue-generating tools Counter-cyclical work approach: highest effort during boom markets Maintaining core tools during downturns while cutting non-essential costs Personal Finance & Wealth Building for Recruiters A topic that resonates well with me is how Brock gives value to personal finance and wealth building for people in the recruitment industry. Most successful recruiters earn exceptional income, yet struggle to build lasting wealth in the long term. Brock has been a great example of turning his recruitment earnings into true financial freedom through disciplined investing and smart money management. He shared his mindset and strategies on how he balances his investment strategy with different instruments and risks.  Below are some core best practices he shared on the topic of personal finance: Keep lifestyle expenses well below earnings, especially in good years Never invest more than 10% of total assets in any single investment Maintain substantial cash reserves to buy assets during downturns Focus on three key areas: work earnings, investment earnings, and lifestyle costs "The further below your earnings your lifestyle and spending are, the faster you're going to get to financial freedom. And the closer they are, or God forbid they're overlapped in the wrong direction, then the further away that is." This disciplined approach has helped Brock build sustainable wealth through multiple market cycles while many recruiters, despite high earnings, struggle with long-term financial security. “Working Hardest in the Best of Times” "Work hardest when times are best, not worst" - this counterintuitive philosophy helped Brock Boyd build a 25-year tech recruitment empire that's survived three major market crashes.  Brock’s work ethic revolves around maintaining resilience through challenging times while recognizing the role of external factors. Uniquely, Brock works hardest during prosperous times, moderately during stable periods, and least during downturns. He views this approach as a strategic response to the opportunity cost, focusing energy where returns are likely highest. This pragmatic mindset helps him stay balanced and focused despite industry fluctuations. Disclaimer: This podcast does not provide financial or tax advice; listeners are encouraged to consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.   Brock Boyd Bio and Contact Info  Brock has served as President/Chief Executive Officer since founding Career Management, Inc. in April 1998. His aggressive pursuit of face time with the staffing industry’s leading experts led him to become the youngest member on the Board of the National Association of Personnel Services in 2001. To date, Brock has completed over 500 successful searches. In May of 2000, he was featured in the NAPS newsletter for his accomplishments and vision.    In addition, he received his CPC (Certified Personnel Consultant) designation in 2003. He has also produced and delivered seminars on interviewing skills (for candidates seeking positions as well as hiring managers). He has been hired to deliver sales training to multiple companies as well as consulting several companies on the process of building/hiring a sales organization from scratch.   Brock graduated from Old Dominion University where he was a NCAA Division I Collegiate Wrestler. He lives in Vienna, VA with his wife and son. Brock Boyd on LinkedIn  CMI (Career Management Inc) website  People and Resources Mentioned Bullhorn (ATS) LinkedIn Recruiter LinkedIn Sales Navigator Prospect Ladder  Lusha  ZoomInfo  Pinnacle Society  S&P 500 Index   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you’ve been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.

From being laid off at 5 weeks postpartum to generating nearly $700K in 14 months, Julia Arpag demonstrates how embracing change can lead to extraordinary success. After launching Aligned Recruitment, she developed a unique retainer model that transformed client relationships and created predictable revenue while building a remote team that serves clients internationally. Julia founded Aligned Recruitment, specializing in tech recruitment for small and medium-sized businesses. Join us as she shares her journey from unexpected layoffs to building a thriving recruitment practice.   Episode Outline and Highlights [01:28] Journey into recruitment through college admissions. [03:17] The layoff that sparked entrepreneurship - 5 weeks postpartum. [08:11] Starting the business part-time during maternity leave. [16:49] Developing a unique monthly retainer model. [21:02] Creating trust through a generous partnership approach. [25:10] Building and structuring a remote team. [30:34] International recruitment strategy and market focus. [39:41] Handholding new clients. [49:26] Detailed breakdown of successful sales campaigns.  [54:14] Running multiple lead generation campaigns. [57:15] Faith, family, and building with purpose.   Reimagining the Recruitment Business Model Julia developed a distinctive monthly retainer model that transformed how she partners with clients: "A lot of recruiters only charge fee-based. So they're like, wait, you want me to pay you before you've given me a hire? Like, that's psychotic... I want to be your go-to recruitment partner for the entirety of the existence of your business." Julia's retainer model in recruitment operates on a monthly subscription-like approach, charging clients based on the number of roles they need to fill rather than per placement. Here's how it works and its unique benefits: How the Retainer Model Works: Flat Monthly Fee: Clients pay a monthly retainer based on the estimated time and effort required to fill their roles. Per-Role Pricing: The fee scales with the number of roles, offering discounts for higher volumes (e.g., five or more roles). Flexible Engagement: Clients can start with a single role to test the service and then expand based on their hiring needs. Transparent Estimation: Julia provides upfront estimates for time-to-fill, often under-promising and over-delivering. This approach translates to unique relationships, repeat business, and client trust building as summarized below: Cost Efficiency: Clients avoid paying steep, one-time placement fees, even if multiple candidates are hired for a single role. Trust and Partnership: The model fosters long-term relationships, positioning Julia as an extension of the client’s team rather than a transactional vendor. Predictability: Fixed monthly costs provide budget certainty, even for complex or ongoing hiring needs. Comprehensive Support: This option is ideal for smaller businesses without in-house recruiting teams. It offers a "fractional recruiter" who handles all hiring needs without the risks of permanent staff. This model balances generosity with strategic value, prioritizing trust and repeat business over short-term gains.   Building a Systematic Sales Campaign Despite never closing a deal before launching her business, Julia developed a systematic sales approach that helped her reach nearly $700K in 14 months. She shares her exact process: Lead Research: "I have someone on Fiverr... charges me 10 bucks for 50 lead needs" with clear parameters: Companies with under 200 employees Currently hiring software engineers Contacts from C-suite and engineering leadership Multi-Channel Campaign: Step 1: Sends personalized Loom videos via email (using Apollo) Step 2: Runs a parallel Dripify connection-only campaign on LinkedIn Step 3: After connection acceptance, follow up with LinkedIn selfie videos "My theory is it's more personal... I think LinkedIn selfies are reminiscent of more personal messaging platforms where people feel like it's like their buddy Julia just dropping in to check in how their Tuesday's going." When running active campaigns, Julia commits to sending 20 personalized outreach videos daily or 100 per week. She also runs a separate automated Dripify messaging campaign targeting past client contacts, doubling down on what's working since many of her clients come from previous relationships. This systematic approach, combined with genuine relationship building, has helped her consistently win new business without traditional hard-selling techniques.   Remote Team Building and International Recruitment From solo founder to a team of four, Julia has built a remote-first practice that serves clients internationally. Starting with contract recruiters during her maternity leave, she strategically evolved her team structure based on business growth. Today, her team includes a Director of Talent Acquisition managing client delivery, an Operations Manager, and a Sourcer based in South Africa (hired through Remote First as EOR), all working virtually. "I employ them through an employer of record, an EOR. And I use Remote First... my entire team is remote. No one else is based here in Atlanta." This flexible team structure allows Julia to scale based on client needs while maintaining quality delivery through specialized roles - proving you can build a successful recruitment business without a traditional office-based team. Are you also interested in building a remote setup for your recruitment business?   Julia Arpag Bio and Contact Info Julia Arpag is the CEO & Founder of tech recruitment firm Aligned Recruitment. We've been in business since August 2023, are fully bootstrapped, have closed over $500k in new business, and are scaling fast.    We specialize in hiring for SMBs (10-200 employees) in the tech industry. We have clients in custom software development, platform management, real estate investment, and security hardware, to name a few.  I'm also a foster parent to two teen boys, a mom to two little boys, a wife, and a proud transplant to Atlanta from upstate NY. Julia on Linkedin Aligned Recruitment Website link People and Resources Mentioned Dripify LinkedIn Recruiter LinkedIn Sales Navigator Recruiter Flow (ATS/CRM) RemoFirst (EOR platform) Apollo Fiverr Loom   Connect with Mark Whitby Get your FREE 30-minute strategy call Mark on LinkedIn,  Mark on Twitter: @MarkWhitby Mark on Facebook Mark on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach   Subscribe to The Resilient Recruiter If you’ve been enjoying the podcast, please take two minutes to leave a review. Your review is greatly appreciated because it helps us attract a bigger audience and help more recruiters.