​What Does It Really Take to Succeed in Recruitment?

At MorePeople, we spend a lot of time talking about careers, talent, and the industries we support, but in this episode of The MorePeople Podcast, the focus turned inward.

Richard Hanwell and Andrew Fitzmaurice sat down to talk about something just as important: what it actually means to build a career in recruitment, what makes someone successful in the role, and why MorePeople continues to grow.

Recruitment: More Than Meets the Eye

Recruitment is often misunderstood. From the outside, it can look like a transactional job - filling vacancies and making placements. In reality, it’s far more complex.

At its core, recruitment is about:

• Building relationships

• Understanding people and businesses deeply

• Becoming a trusted partner within a specialist market

And that’s exactly why MorePeople focuses on being a specialist rather than a generalist. By working within specific sectors, the team can develop real expertise, build meaningful networks, and genuinely impact the industries they serve.

What Makes a Great Recruiter?

There’s no single “type” of person who succeeds in recruitment. At MorePeople, successful hires have come from all kinds of backgrounds - graduates, industry professionals, and experienced recruiters alike.

But there are a few key traits that consistently stand out.

1. Curiosity

Curiosity is non-negotiable.

Great recruiters ask questions - lots of them. They want to understand how industries work, what drives businesses, and what motivates candidates. That curiosity builds knowledge, and that knowledge builds credibility.

Whether it’s understanding supply chains, production challenges, or niche technical roles, curiosity is what turns a recruiter into a true specialist.

2. Resilience

Recruitment comes with highs and lows.

You won’t fill every role. You won’t place every candidate. Deals fall through, and things don’t always go to plan.

The key is learning from those moments and moving forward. Mistakes aren’t the problem, failing to learn from them is.

3. Discipline Over Motivation

Motivation comes and goes. Discipline is what drives long-term success.

There are always parts of the job that are less exciting - difficult conversations, tough feedback, or chasing answers you might not want to hear. The best recruiters lean into those moments rather than avoiding them.

As discussed in the episode, sometimes you just have to “eat the frog”, tackle the hardest task first and move forward.

A Career That Evolves

One of the biggest misconceptions about recruitment is that it becomes repetitive. At MorePeople, the opposite is true.

The role evolves constantly:

• New industries and markets

• New people and businesses

• New challenges and opportunities

As Andrew put it, no two years should ever feel the same. Otherwise, you’re not progressing, you’re repeating.

That evolution is what keeps the role engaging and creates long-term career growth.

The Power of Exposure

A standout benefit of working at MorePeople is the level of exposure.

From early on, consultants are given access to:

• Senior industry leaders

• Influential organisations and trade bodies

• High-level strategic conversations

It’s not unusual to go from an introduction call to sitting across the table from decision-makers shaping entire sectors.

That kind of exposure accelerates learning, builds confidence, and opens doors that simply wouldn’t exist in many other environments.

A Culture Built on Growth

Growth at MorePeople isn’t just about headcount - it’s about impact.

The business invests heavily in:

• Training and development

• Industry engagement

• Marketing and brand building

• New ideas and initiatives

There’s a clear structure and support system in place, but there’s also room for creativity. New ideas are encouraged, tested, and when they work, scaled.

Importantly, the business isn’t afraid of mistakes. Trying something new, learning quickly, and improving is part of the DNA.

Making a Difference in the Industry

Ultimately, recruitment at MorePeople is about more than just placements.

It’s about:

• Helping businesses grow with the right people

• Supporting individuals in building meaningful careers

• Contributing to the long-term success of key industries

When done well, the impact is significant and lasting.

Thinking About a Career in Recruitment?

Whether you’re just starting out or considering a change, recruitment offers a unique mix of:

• Commercial challenge

• Personal development

• Industry exposure

• Career progression

And at MorePeople, you’ll be part of a team that values curiosity, encourages ambition, and supports you every step of the way.

If you’re interested in joining the team, head over to the MorePeople website or get in touch directly. We’re always keen to speak to people who are ready to make an impact.

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