The Power of a Conversation: Why Getting Yourself Out There Matters
We believe recruitment is about people first.
A CV can tell you where someone has worked, what qualifications they have and what experience they have gained.
But it can’t always tell you who that person really is.
It can’t always show their personality, ambition, attitude, potential or what makes them stand out.
That’s why we believe so strongly in the importance of conversation.
Get yourself out there
It’s easy to fall into the routine of applying for job after job.
Find a vacancy.
Send your CV.
Click apply.
Wait for a response.
Then repeat.
But sometimes, the best opportunities come from doing something different.
Pick up the phone.
Go to a careers fair.
Speak to a recruiter.
Connect with someone on LinkedIn.
Visit a company you’re interested in.
Have a conversation.
Getting yourself out there gives people the opportunity to see the person behind the CV.
And that can make all the difference.
Seeing the person behind the CV
Our Permanent Recruitment Team, including Rosie Branford and Hannah El-Najjar, know how important those conversations are.
Recruitment isn’t simply about matching a CV against a job description.
It’s about understanding people.
What are they looking for?
What motivates them?
What are their ambitions?
What type of environment will they thrive in?
What experience might not be immediately obvious from their CV?
Sometimes, a candidate’s CV might not appear to tick every box.
But then you have a conversation.
You discover their attitude.
You hear about something they’ve achieved.
You understand what drives them.
And suddenly, you see something that a CV couldn’t show you.
That’s the magic of people.
Pick up the phone
We’d also encourage candidates not to underestimate the power of a phone call.
An email is useful.
An online application is useful.
LinkedIn is useful.
But there is something different about actually speaking to someone.
A conversation allows you to ask questions, explain your situation, show your enthusiasm and build a relationship.
It also gives recruiters the opportunity to understand you properly.
You become more than just another application in a system.
You become a person we know.
And when the right opportunity comes along, that relationship can make all the difference.
We’re passionate about helping people get out there
This isn’t something we only talk about within our recruitment teams.
It’s something we believe in across Contract Personnel.
Joe Randlesome regularly works with students, schools and colleges, helping people prepare for the world of work through CV advice, interview tips, careers talks and workshops.
He also regularly attends careers fairs, job fairs and networking events, helping people understand that building a career isn’t just about applying for vacancies.
It’s about building relationships.
It’s about having conversations.
It’s about being curious.
And sometimes, it’s about simply having the confidence to introduce yourself to someone and say:
“Hi, can I ask you about what you do?”
You never know where that conversation could lead.
Your first job isn’t necessarily your final destination
We also encourage people, particularly those starting their careers, not to put too much pressure on finding the perfect job immediately.
Your first job can teach you valuable skills.
Your next conversation can introduce you to an industry you hadn’t considered.
A careers fair can open your eyes to opportunities you didn’t know existed.
A recruiter might introduce you to a company that becomes the start of a long-term career.
Careers are journeys.
They rarely happen in a straight line.
That’s why getting yourself out there matters.
Recruitment will always be about people
Technology continues to change recruitment.
The way we advertise jobs is changing.
The way candidates search for opportunities is changing.
AI and automation are becoming increasingly important.
But one thing isn’t changing:
People still need people.
Someone still needs to have the conversation.
Someone still needs to recognise potential.
Someone still needs to listen to what a candidate wants from their career.
Someone needs to look beyond the CV and think:
“There is something about this person.”
That’s what we mean when we talk about seeing the magic in people.
Because behind every CV is a person with a story.
And sometimes, you only discover that story when you take the time to talk.
So, if you’re looking for your next opportunity…
Don’t just send another CV.
Get yourself out there.
📞 Pick up the phone.
🤝 Go to a careers or job fair.
💬 Start a conversation.
🔗 Build your network.
🏢 Speak to recruitment consultants.
❓ Ask questions.
👋 Introduce yourself.
And most importantly, let people get to know you.
Your CV is important.
But it’s only part of the story.
The magic happens when people talk.
At Contract Personnel, that’s what recruitment means to us.
Recruitment That Works For You
01603 764044 – perms@cpl.uk.com
