Sam Hyde

When did cutting corners become a recruitment strategy? Lately, we’ve come across agencies sending candidates to clients after a quick 5-minute chat - no proper registration, no interview, no background checks. Just… “Here’s someone who might be okay. Good luck!” There are so many things wrong with this: * It’s not fair on the candidate, who deserves to be properly prepped and supported. * It’s not fair on the client, who’s trusting you to do your due diligence. * And it’s not fair on the industry, which relies on professionalism, trust, and relationships. Recruitment is more than matchmaking. It’s about understanding people, vetting thoroughly, and delivering quality - not speed over substance. To the recruiters out there holding the line and maintaining standards - thank you. Let’s protect the integrity of our profession!

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Give context on your next General Counsel CV. Many CVs I have received recently lacked any details about the companies listed. A small tweak can make a huge impact. ➡️ Include a brief company overview under each role on your CV. Not every recruiter or hiring manager will know the size, scope, or industry of your current or past employers. Providing context highlights the relevance of your experience and makes your achievements stand out. What to include in a company overview? ✳️Is it a listed company, PE/VC-backed, or privately owned? ✳️Is it a UK-based or global organization? ✳️Does it operate in a regulated sector? ✳️Is it a large, established business or a fast-growing scale-up? ✳️Does it serve B2B or B2C markets? ✳️Who are its target customers? ✳️What’s the company’s size (revenue, headcount, or geographic reach)? Without this context, your CV might not immediately convey your suitability, even if your experience is spot-on. Examples of company overviews: ✳️A venture capital-backed B2B fintech startup with 150 employees, delivering payment solutions to small and medium-sized enterprises across Europe. ✳️A PE-backed SaaS platform that scaled from 100 to 500 employees across EMEA, North America and APAC, with 50% YOY revenue growth and exit valuation of $2billion. ✳️A publicly listed global B2C healthcare company with $5B in annual revenue, providing medical devices and services to hospitals and clinics worldwide. This simple addition can elevate your CV and help you stand out! #generalcounsel #inhouselegal #careertips

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"We use a PSL" 🥱 Many companies rely on a Preferred Supplier List (PSL) for hiring, this can seriously hurt your chances of securing top talent in niche areas! Here’s why: 🔍 Niche roles require specialist knowledge. Generalist recruiters on your PSL may not have access to the right network—or even fully understand the role. 💡 Speed matters. The best candidates in specialised markets don’t stay on the market long. By the time your PSL catches up, top talent is gone. 📉 You limit innovation. New, agile, and highly-specialised agencies aren’t on your PSL—but they often have the most relevant connections. 🤝 True partnerships > compliance. Hiring managers need flexibility to engage with recruiters who truly get the market, not just the ones on an approved list. Bottom line: If you're hiring for niche or hard-to-fill roles, it might be time to rethink the PSL-first approach. The cost of missing the right hire can far outweigh the comfort of sticking to the list. #Hiring #Recruitment #TalentAcquisition #NicheRoles #PSL #HiringStrategy #FutureOfWork

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