Recruitment, theres more behind a CV and a job

Evie Irons: Behind the Desk

In our latest Behind the Desk feature, we sit down with Evie Irons. Evie recently joined Sharp Consultancy as a Consultant within our Leeds office, working as part of our Transactional Temps team.Having made the move into recruitment, Evie brings a strong commercial foundation and a genuine passion for building relationships to her work supporting temporary finance professionals across Leeds.In this edition of Behind the Desk, we spend some time getting to know Evie - exploring her journey into recruitment, the lessons she's learned so far, and the perspective she brings to supporting finance professionals.Getting to Know Evie: Background and InspirationEvie's path into recruitment started with a degree in Business Management and Marketing, chosen because she wanted to understand how businesses operate and how they build relationships with customers. It was during her time at university that the people-focused side of business really caught her attention, and she began looking for a career that let her combine commercial thinking with building genuine relationships. Finance and accountancy recruitment stood out for exactly that reason. "These roles are critical to every organisation, and the market is fast-paced and constantly evolving," she explains. "I enjoy learning about different businesses, understanding their hiring needs, and matching them with candidates."Starting a new career can be a big step, and Evie admits the industry has surprised her in a few ways. She expected recruitment to be mainly about filling vacancies, but has come to learn it's really about building trust, with both clients and candidates. The pace has been another eye-opener; priorities can shift quickly, and adapting to that has pushed her to become far more organised and flexible than she might have expected going in.Industry Perspective: Lessons and Approaches in RecruitmentAsk Evie what she's found most rewarding so far, and it comes back to people. Working with graduates, much like herself, and helping them land roles that genuinely fit has been a particular highlight. "Starting your career can be challenging, so it's great to support people through that process and help them take the next step." The same goes for clients, understanding what they're looking for and finding the right person for their team, knowing that a good match makes a real difference on both sides.The reality of recruitmentIt's also given her a clearer view of what recruitment actually involves. A common misconception, she says, is that the job is just matching CVs to vacancies. In reality it's about building relationships, understanding what both candidates and clients truly want, and finding a fit that lasts, while supporting candidates through a process that can otherwise feel stressful.When it comes to what makes someone stand out in transactional finance, Evie points to reliability, attention to detail, and strong organisational skills, alongside good communication, since the role means working across different teams and managing expectations. A positive attitude, adaptability, and a genuine willingness to learn round it out, qualities she believes matter even more for candidates early in their careers.Where the market is heading?Being at the start of her recruitment career has also given Evie a sharp read on today's job market, and competition is the word that comes up most. Candidates need to stand out through the right skills, a positive attitude, and a genuine willingness to learn, and she's noticed employers increasingly looking beyond experience alone, valuing adaptability and potential to grow within a role.She's equally clear on what candidates value most from a recruiter: honesty, communication, and a sense of being genuinely supported throughout. For Evie, that means taking the time to understand what someone is really looking for and offering guidance, rather than simply putting them forward for any available role. Trust and keeping people updated, she says, make all the difference.If she could change one thing about the hiring process, it would be communication and feedback. Candidates are too often left unsure of where they stand, and clearer updates throughout would make the experience better for everyone involved.Beyond the Desk: Life Outside WorkOutside of work, Evie makes time for the people and places that matter to her. She's originally from near the Peak District and loves getting out for walks there whenever she can, alongside catching up with friends and family and the odd spot of shopping. Her free time has recently gained a new focus too, in the form of a puppy she's spending plenty of walks and quality time with.Given the choice of anywhere in the world, Evie would book a flight to New York without hesitation, drawn by the atmosphere, the landmarks, and everything there is to see and do, from Central Park and Times Square to the food, shopping, and culture the city is known for.Closer to home, the one thing she always makes time for is her friends and family, whether that's a catch-up, a walk, or simply relaxing together. It's her way of switching off and keeping a healthy balance outside of work. Since joining the business, Evie has brought energy, curiosity, and a genuine care for candidates to the team. Her people-first approach and eagerness to learn make her a valuable addition to the Leeds office.We're pleased to welcome Evie to the team and look forward to seeing her desk continue to grow in the months ahead.--At Sharp Consultancy, we're committed to giving our people the support and platform they need to build a rewarding career. If this sounds like the kind of path you'd like for yourself, take a look at our Careers page to find out more.

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In recruitment, it's easy to become focused on numbers. Vacancies filled. CVs sent, interviews arranged, fees generated.

A man with red hair and a beard, wearing a white shirt, smiles in front of a plain purple background

While all of this is important, they have never been the driving force behind my approach to recruitment.

For me, it has always been about people and the relationships built along the way.

Working within the interim market, I have the privilege of speaking to finance professionals and businesses every day each with unique needs and circumstances. What I've learned is that the most successful placements rarely come from a quick CV send. They come from understanding people, building trust and taking the time to genuinely listen.

Building Relationships with Candidates

Every candidate has a story.

Some are actively searching for their next opportunity. Others are exploring the market for the first time in years. Many simply want advice on where their career could take them next.

My role isn't just to match a CV to a job description. It's to understand what motivates someone, what they enjoy in their role, what challenges they're facing and what they want their future to look like.

A successful placement isn't just about securing an offer. It's about ensuring the opportunity aligns with a candidate's career goals, values and aspirations.

That means having honest conversations, offering guidance when needed and sometimes advising candidates that a role isn't the right fit for them. While that may not always lead to an immediate placement, it builds trust, and trust is the foundation of every lasting professional relationship.

Becoming a Trusted Partner to Clients

Two people in business attire sit outdoors on a bench, one holding a tablet and gesturing, suggesting a discussion or meeting.

The same principle applies when working with clients.

Every organisation is different. Every finance team has its own culture, challenges and objectives. Understanding these factors is just as important as understanding the technical requirements of a vacancy.

I believe the best recruitment partnerships are built through regular communication, transparency and a genuine desire to help businesses succeed.

That means taking the time to understand not only the role itself, but the wider business, the team dynamics and the long-term goals of the organisation.

When clients trust that you understand their business, recruitment becomes more effective, more efficient and ultimately delivers better results.

The Value of Long-Term Relationships

Some of the most rewarding moments in recruitment

A businessman climbing a ladder with icons representing success, while three colleagues cheer from below against a blue sky.

come from seeing relationships develop over time.

Candidates who were once placed into entry-level finance roles progress into management positions. Clients who initially needed support with a temporary assignment return years later seeking advice on team growth and succession planning.

These long-term relationships are a reminder that recruitment is not a one-off transaction. It's an ongoing partnership built on trust, consistency and delivering on promises.

Why It Matters

In a world where technology continues to transform how businesses work, relationships remain the one thing that cannot be automated.

People want to work with someone who listens, understands their challenges and genuinely cares about helping them achieve their goals.

Whether I'm supporting a candidate with their next career move or helping a client secure the right talent for their team, my approach remains the same: build relationships first and placements will follow.

Because at its heart, recruitment has always been, and always will be about the people behind the CV’s and Job descriptions.