Sean Walters

Christchurch recruitment: Death by a thousand cuts

I don't blog about Christchurch much. Odd in some ways given that it's New Zealand's second largest city. In fact, based on the news coverage that the Garden City receives in general, it seems hard to believe that it's almost twice as big (by population) as Wellington. Wellington, being the…

Sean WaltersAugust 1, 2025

Employment Job Boards Politics Sourcing Technology

Drowning in a sea of candidates

Although I could use the data generated by our sophisticated CRM, I, like most recruiters, like to rely on a little thing known as gut-feel. Let's be real, who needs solid, defensible, researched and reasoned information, when we can provide anecdotes, hear-say, speculation, and rumour. If you're an agency leader…

Sean WaltersJuly 25, 2025

Recruitment Work

Remote working or not remotely working?

As some may know, I've been overseas for the past month. Mostly a "holiday", it coincides with my wife attending a conference, the societally-imposed guilt she feels to see her family, and some "me time" in both Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpar. As she is sort-of-working, so am I. A…

Sean WaltersJuly 18, 2025

Human Resources Recruitment Sourcing

Floating around, thinking about recruitment floats

This week I've been floating around a Greek swimming pool in my speedos. Speedos are of course the only choice for the young, European sophisticate. Any man in boardshorts shouldn't be trusted, add a rash vest, and unless they're about to "hang ten" at Mavericks, stick them on the sex…

Sean WaltersJuly 11, 2025

Employment Recruitment Technology

Recruitment for men of a certain age

Last week's blog went down surprisingly well. Writing whilst hungover, drunk, jet-lagged, and sick proved to be a winning formula when it comes to engagement. Given that my blogs seem to be better when I'm not quite myself, I'm starting to think that I'm either a tortured genius, or not…

Sean WaltersJuly 4, 2025

Employment Human Resources Recruitment Sourcing Technology

The future of recruitment. (I’m kidding. There is no future)

I arrived in London this morning at 6am after spending 4 days in Hong Kong. I always love visiting Hong Kong. Even in 2025, if you can see past the cavernous Gucci, Tiffany, and Prada stores, Kowloon still manages to retain a certain 70s Bruce Lee aesthetic. Like many Asian…

Sean WaltersJune 27, 2025

Recruitment

RCSA Awards 2025 – and the winners are…

Last week's blog was probably the most read in The Whiteboard's 16 year history. This would suggest that you all love wallowing in your own and each other's misery more than you do hearing good news. To prove this theory, here's a blog celebrating success* (*if winning awards equates to…

Sean WaltersJune 13, 2025

Human Resources Politics Recruitment Work

More job losses at Robert Walters highlight the cost of (mis)management

It's been another tough seven days at Robert Walters. Regular readers may remember my blog from last November, back when Robert Walters pulled-pin on their Christchurch operation, leaving 7 or so employees without a job just before Christmas. If my sources, and there are plenty of them, are anything to…

Sean WaltersJune 6, 2025

Employment Recruitment Sourcing

How far is too far?

I had a call yesterday from an old candidate down in Wellington. I missed it as I was out peddling my wares to a prospective new client. Before I could call him back, I received the following text from them: "Let me know if you want a topic for your…

Sean WaltersMay 30, 2025

Employment Politics Recruitment

What does a good Recruiter actually bill?

Have you heard the good news?! Jesus Christ died to provide atonement and forgiveness for human sin, fulfilling prophecies and demonstrating God's love and justice. Also, New Zealand's most marginalised and disadvantaged group have received the funding they deserve in yesterday's budget. That's right, private schools will receive an extra…

Sean WaltersMay 23, 2025