Why Meeting with Recruiters Can Significantly

Behind the Desk: Getting to Know Daniel Williams

Behind the Desk: Getting to Know DanWelcome to the first instalment of Behind the Desk—a new series designed to help you get to know the consultants behind our business. First up is our Business Manager, Dan Williams. From his journey into the world of finance and accountancy recruitment to his thoughts on the future of the industry in Yorkshire, Dan shares personal insights, professional lessons, and even a few light-hearted confessions (including his go-to karaoke song!). Whether you’re a client, candidate, or colleague, this Q&A offers a great chance to get to know Dan a little better—both in and out of the office.Understanding the Journey: Personal Insights and InspirationsCan you tell us a bit about your career journey so far? How did you end up in finance and accountancy recruitment?I’ve always had a keen interest in people-focused roles, which naturally led me to a career in recruitment. I started my journey in Sales where I developed strong relationship-building and analytical skills. Over time, I realised that finance and accountancy recruitment was the perfect fit—it allows me to connect talented professionals with the right opportunities while staying engaged with the ever-evolving financial landscape. It’s been a rewarding journey, and I enjoy making a real impact on businesses and candidates alike.When you’re not working, how do you like to spend your time? Any hobbies or interests?Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my wife and two young daughters who keep me on my toes! I also enjoy watching football and supporting the Might Reds! (Liverpool). I also try to hit the gym and stay fit and healthy, which helps me unwind and stay balanced. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received is "Listen more than you speak—which is key to understanding people is key in any industry". This has stuck with me throughout my career, especially in recruitment, where building relationships and maintaining trust is crucial. It’s a reminder that persistence, adaptability, and a genuine approach always pay off in the long run.Industry Perspective: Lessons and Approaches in RecruitmentWhat do you enjoy most about working in recruitment, especially in the finance and accountancy sector?The most rewarding part of recruitment, especially in finance and accountancy, is being able to connect talented professionals with opportunities that genuinely align with their skills and career goals. The finance sector is always evolving, and I enjoy staying up to date with industry trends while building long-term relationships with both candidates and clients. Seeing the positive impact a great hire can have on a business—and knowing I played a part in that—is incredibly fulfilling.What’s one thing you wish more people knew about working in recruitment?I wish more people understood that recruitment is much more than just matching CVs to job descriptions. It’s about understanding people, businesses, and industries at a deep level. A good recruiter is a consultant, advisor, and problem-solver, working behind the scenes to create the right fit for both clients and candidates. There’s a lot of strategy, relationship-building, and market insight involved, making it a dynamic and rewarding career.What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned since starting in this industry?One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of resilience and adaptability. Recruitment is a fast-paced industry where things don’t always go as planned—candidates decline offers, roles get put on hold, and market conditions shift. Learning to navigate these challenges while staying focused on long-term success has been invaluable. It’s all about persistence, building trust, and staying proactive in an ever-changing environment.Lunch Laughs and Career WisdomWhat’s your favorite lunch to have at the office?A Meatball sub from the deli!What’s your go-to karaoke song (or the one you secretly love to sing)?My singing voice is best appreciated by the hard of hearing! And for those brave enough to endure my rendition of Livin’ On A Prayer, you might want to reconsider your life choices!If you could turn back time and give yourself one piece of advice at the start of your career, what would it be?I’d tell myself to focus on building genuine relationships and not stress too much about immediate results. Recruitment—and career success in general—is a long game, and the connections you build today can open doors in ways you don’t always expect. Also, don’t be afraid to take risks and step out of your comfort zone—it’s where the best opportunities are!The Future in Focus: Aspirations and Industry OutlookWhat excites you the most in your career right now?Right now, I’m excited by the fast-paced evolution of the finance and accountancy sector and how recruitment is adapting to it. There’s a real demand for top talent, and it’s rewarding to help businesses find the right professionals while supporting candidates in securing roles that align with their career goals. The industry is always changing, and staying ahead of trends—whether it’s new regulations, digital transformation, or shifting job market dynamics—keeps things fresh and challenging.What do you think the future holds for finance and accountancy recruitment in Yorkshire?Yorkshire’s finance and accountancy sector continues to grow, with more businesses investing in specialist roles and embracing hybrid working models. I see a strong demand for skilled professionals, particularly in areas like financial analysis, risk management, and digital finance. As companies focus more on automation and data-driven decision-making, the need for top-tier talent will only increase. Recruitment will need to stay agile, building deeper partnerships with businesses to help them attract and retain the best people in an increasingly competitive market.If you could change one thing about the industry to improve it for candidates or clients, what would it be?I’d love to see even greater transparency and communication throughout the recruitment process. Sometimes candidates feel left in the dark after an interview, or clients don’t always have clear insights into candidate expectations. Improving communication and setting better expectations on both sides would make the process smoother and more efficient. Recruitment works best when it’s a true partnership, and fostering trust and openness benefits everyone involved.We hope you enjoyed getting to know Dan and gaining a glimpse into his journey, insights, and personality. Behind the Desk is all about celebrating the people who make our team special, and we’re excited to continue the series with more of our brilliant consultants. Keep an eye out for the next feature—you might just discover something new about the person on the other end of the phone (or email)!Thinking About Joining the Team?If Dan’s story has inspired you and you’re interested in building a career in recruitment with a supportive, people-focused team—we’d love to hear from you. We’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who want to make a real impact. Get in touch for a confidential chat about life at our company and the opportunities we have available.Check our our Careers Page

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Why Meeting with Recruiters Can Significantly Boost Your Chances of Landing the Right Role.

In the competitive world of recruitment, it's easy to think that submitting your CV online is all it takes to land your next role. However, there's one key step that many job hunters overlook — meeting with a recruiter. Whether it’s in person or virtual, meeting with a recruiter can considerably improve your chances of being shortlisted for the right role. Here’s why:

1. Personal Connection and Relationship Building

One of the biggest advantages of meeting a recruiter, preferably face-to-face, is the personal connection you create. While a CV provides an overview of your qualifications, a meeting gives you the chance to showcase your personality, enthusiasm, and communication skills directly to us.

Recruiters are people too, and we make decisions based on more than just qualifications. We want to ensure that the companies we recommend you to are the right cultural and value fit. A direct conversation lets you express your motivations, career goals, and values, allowing the recruiter to match you with employers who align with your aspirations. Thus, less time wasted meeting employers who are not suited to your long-term career.

Additionally, meeting with one of our recruitment consultants before starting your job search provides an opportunity to experience an interview-like situation. This helps you address any nerves or confidence issues, ensuring you are well-equipped and prepared to deliver your best interview and secure your ideal role.

2. Better Understanding of Your Skills and Experience

Our recruiters are meticulously trained to examine your career history by asking you targeted questions that go beyond what’s written on your CV. They can explore your achievements in greater depth, uncovering experiences and skill that might not be immediately obvious in your application. This in-depth discussion helps us to understand the full picture of your abilities, ensuring confidence in presenting you to potential employers.

Often, candidates miss out on opportunities because their CV doesn’t reflect their full potential. A meeting ensures all your strengths, skills and relevant experience are communicated to potential employers in the most effective way to land the right role for you. Failing to do so may leave you at a disadvantage compared to other candidates who have already met with us.

3. Tailored Career Advice and Feedback

As recruitment consultants, we don’t just act as intermediaries between job seekers and employers; we are also valuable career advisors. By discussing your career ambitions in person, we can give you bespoke advice on how to improve your CV, enhance your interview performance, or even position yourself more effectively in the job market.

Furthermore, we can provide real-time feedback on your strengths and areas for improvement, ensuring you're always ready for the next opportunity. A recruiter’s insight is a resource that could be the difference between a successful job application and a missed opportunity.

4. Greater Opportunity for Matchmaking

When we meet with you, we are armed with the knowledge we have gained over our many successful years to find roles that align with your skills, personality and values. For over 30 years, we have been working closely with businesses in Yorkshire and beyond to understand their specific requirements and the unique traits they seek in candidates.

Our deep understanding of these businesses extends beyond their immediate needs; we also learn about their culture, work environment, and what they are like as employers. This comprehensive approach allows us to match candidates with roles where they can truly thrive, ensuring a harmonious fit that benefits both the candidate and the employer. By prioritising this matchmaking process, we help build lasting professional relationships and contribute to the long-term success of both parties.

5. Increased Trust and Confidence

It is our professional responsibility to represent you and advocate for your candidacy. If we haven’t met you personally, it can be hard for us to build the confidence to represent you effectively. Meeting you in person gives us a much clearer sense of your professionalism, attitude, and future career potential.

If you are meeting with us after already being informed about a role, we are here to answer any questions you may have about the position or the company with complete honesty, ensuring transparency about the opportunity. This approach not only helps you feel more confident in your application but also reassures the us about your understanding and enthusiasm for the role. By fostering clear communication, we aim to make the application process smooth and successful for both parties.

Two people shake hands over a desk with a laptop, documents, and coffee cups. The setting suggests a professional agreement.

6. Increased Visibility and Priority

The job market is often crowded, and candidates can easily get lost in the shuffle. When you meet with us, you’re giving yourself the opportunity to stand out. We are far more likely to prioritise candidates we have met and connected in person with over those we’ve only spoke to over the phone.

In addition, the candidates who we haven’t met are put to the back of the queue when it comes to being put forward for jobs. The sooner we meet you and evaluate your abilities, the sooner we can advocate for you when speaking to clients.

Meeting with us provides an opportunity to make a lasting impression, distinguish you from other candidates and showcase your unique qualities and potential contributions you can provide for any future employers.

7. Access to Exclusive Opportunities

Many of our clients have relied on our services for years, building strong, trusting relationships with us. Because of this, they often provide us with exclusive access to new job opportunities before they have been advertised elsewhere. Having that initial meeting with us at the earliest opportunity allows us to recommend you to roles before they have even been made available to the rest of the general public.

On top of that, clients often give us full exclusivity on their current vacancies. So, if you’ve already been met and screened by us, you’ll get immediate access to these opportunities, meaning less competition and less time job hunting.

8. A Partnership in Your Job Search

Ultimately, when you meet with us, you’re not just handing over your CV and hoping for the best. You’re building a partnership with the North’s leading independent finance and accountancy recruitment consultancy which will last you your whole career.

At Sharp Consultancy, all of our recruitment consultants are experts in their own specialist sector of finance and accountancy recruitment. We become your ally in your job search, working with you to identify the right roles, preparing you for interviews, and supporting you throughout the entire hiring process.

This partnership can be incredibly valuable, especially in a job market where competition is fierce. With our consultant’s specialist knowledge and valuable connections, you have a better chance of landing a role that truly aligns with your career aspirations.

On a final note

While applying for jobs online can certainly yield results, meeting with one of our recruitment consultants is a game-changer. Not only does it increase your chances of being put forward for the right opportunities, but it also helps you stand out, receive tailored advice, and form a relationship with someone who’s invested in your success.

If you’re serious about your job search and want to maximise your chances of landing your next role, take the time to meet with a recruiter. It could be the key that unlocks the door to your ideal job.

Looking for your next career move in finance or accountancy? At Sharp Consultancy, our expertise lies in matching your potential with the perfect temporary, interim, or permanent position. With a well-established presence in Leeds and Sheffield, our seasoned team of consultants extends their services across Yorkshire and beyond. Don't wait for opportunity to knock, reach out to us TODAY and let's chart your career path together.