20 Years On: The Value of Relationships in Recruitment Advertising
I recently reconnected with someone I’ve worked with since the early noughties. We both started out in recruitment advertising during the reign of print, and while his career has taken him to new places, we’ve always managed to cross paths. Even after a four-year gap, it was as though no time had passed. We remembered anecdotes, shared a laugh, and reflected on how much the industry has changed - yet how important relationships remain.
This catch-up reminded me that the value of strong relationships isn’t limited to industry peers. Many of my clients have also been constants throughout my career. All of my current clients have been with me for over five years, and some go back the full 20 - albeit in different guises as they’ve moved companies or taken on new roles. This longevity is a testament to the trust, collaboration, and results we’ve built together.
From Print Deadlines to Programmatic Campaigns
When I started, recruitment advertising revolved around print. Campaigns were sometimes planned weeks in advance, and jobseekers physically flipped through classified ads. Today, digital platforms, programmatic media buying, and data-driven insights dominate. The industry has evolved, but one thing hasn’t changed - the value of strong relationships.
Whether it’s a familiar face from my early days or a client who has worked with me across multiple roles and organisations, these enduring connections provide trust and ease of collaboration that technology simply can’t replicate.
The Power of Enduring Connections
Relationships built over decades offer something unique - a shorthand for working together, mutual trust, and shared values. This applies not only to industry partners but also to clients. Knowing their goals, challenges, and preferences allows me to deliver tailored solutions that truly work.
For my clients, these long-standing relationships mean continuity. Whether they’ve stayed at the same company or moved to new roles, the familiarity and trust we’ve built means we can hit the ground running, saving time and driving better results.
What Has Changed and What Hasn’t
The tools and platforms may have shifted from print to digital, but the fundamentals of recruitment remain the same. It’s still about connecting the right people with the right opportunities. And relationships - with clients, media partners, and even candidates - are still at the heart of successful recruitment advertising.
Gratitude and Optimism
I’m grateful for the connections I’ve made over the years. These relationships have not only shaped my career but also reminded me that no matter how much the industry evolves, the human element remains key.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to see how these connections continue to grow and adapt. In an ever-changing world, it’s the people you work with - clients, colleagues, and partners alike - that make all the difference.
