Human Resources

Recruiters, Rivals & the Death Rattle of Desperation

And once again, my hands are tied. This was promised to be a blog with some juicy industry gossip, and it very nearly was. However, after a few conversations yesterday, my editor (I do my own editing) has opted to veto the scoop. The reason: once the dust has settled,…

Sean WaltersAugust 22, 2025

Employment Human Resources Recruitment

Oh! See (G) ya later!

Apologies for the terrible word play, but it is early. Last week I alluded to some big and sad recruitment news, but was asked by people I care about not to blog about it just yet. Demonstrating that I do actually have a heart, the dust has now settled allowing…

Sean WaltersAugust 15, 2025

Human Resources Recruitment Work

I don’t believe in post-placement candidate care. (And I don’t believe in free replacements either).

I have a big bit of news which, out of respect for those involved, I can't share with you this week. Apologies. Instead, I'd like to share one of my less popular views. Given that most of my views fly in the face of sound reasoning, that's quite a statement.…

Sean WaltersAugust 8, 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 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

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 Human Resources Recruitment

High basics & high blood pressure: A curious correlation

Pay rises are great aren't they? A flasher car, a bigger house, nicer wine, hotter partner, stress, redundancy, unemployment, the inability to change jobs. They really are fantastic. And the great thing about a pay rise is that you never go backwards. Each year, and every time you move job…

Sean WaltersApril 11, 2025

Employment Human Resources Recruitment Uncategorized

Ugly clients rear their ugly heads

It's only just occurred to me that this is my last blog of FY24/25. "Thank God" I hear you sigh. And don't worry, the feeling is mutual. This year has been the toughest in a long while for most of us, and it's no easy task writing 700 words each…

Sean WaltersMarch 28, 2025

Employment Human Resources Work

Weighing in on the “open to work” debate.

Yes yes. I know I am very late to the table on this one. Those who know me however will realise that it is within my contrarian nature to intentionally avoid any topic that any normal person may be interested in at any given point of time. Instead, Luxon’s desire…

Sean WaltersMarch 21, 2025

Employment Human Resources Job Boards Politics

Onwards and (soon to be) upwards

This week I attended a “breakfast” event kindly hosted by SEEK. Unfortunately, I have to use inverted commas as it was a croissant and coffee affair as opposed to the feast that TradeMe Jobs puts on. Personally, I don’t eat breakfast during the week unless a job board pays for…

Sean WaltersMarch 14, 2025