Can a recruiter’s greatest success come from redefining the game and putting relationships above all else?

In this episode, Susanna Gray-Jones sits down with Josh Brandon, founder of Qualiteach, to explore the journey of building an exceptional recruitment business.

Josh shares how his purpose, rooted in family and a relentless pursuit of quality, drives him to create a reputable name in education recruitment.

From starting his own company at a young age to the unique challenges of staying boutique, Josh opens up about his early hurdles, the importance of relationships, and the value of caring deeply for clients and staff.

This is a must-listen for recruiters aiming to achieve career success and a meaningful impact in their roles.

Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments

• Josh’s “Why”: Josh shares that his family motivates him daily, while professionally, he aims to be recognized for quality over size in the recruitment world.
• Founding Qualiteach: He discusses starting Qualiteach at a young age, viewing it as “starting a desk” to reduce fear, with support from a mentor.
• Long-Term Focus: Josh explains Qualiteach’s emphasis on long-term placements, inspired by his special education background, to build stability and strong relationships.
• Value of Relationships: He stresses that recruitment success relies on understanding each school’s needs rather than quick, transactional placements.
• Prioritizing Organic Growth and Integrity: Josh advises aspiring entrepreneurs to focus on organic growth, invest in back-office support, and put integrity and care at the forefront, emphasizing that sustainable success goes beyond just billing.

About Josh Brandon

Josh Brandon is the founder of Qualiteach, an education recruitment consultancy he launched in December 2015 with a mission to deliver unmatched service in the sector. With 14 years of dedicated experience in education recruitment, Josh brings a wealth of expertise and a strong commitment to quality, reliability, and trustworthiness.

Under his leadership, Qualiteach has grown to include approximately 40 employees across three regional offices, serving a broad network of schools and educational institutions.

Josh’s approach is rooted in a belief in fostering a positive, supportive work environment where each team member is empowered to reach their full potential.

This culture of encouragement and professional growth has become a cornerstone of Qualiteach’s success, allowing the company to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the lives of both candidates and clients. Whether helping schools find exceptional educators or guiding professionals to fulfilling roles, Josh remains steadfast in his commitment to excellence.

Connect with Josh Brandon:

• Website

• LinkedIn

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What does it take to elevate your recruiting career from average to elite?

In this episode, Susanna Gray-Jones is joined by the esteemed recruitment trainer, Alan Clarke, founder of RecruiterFit. With over 27 years of industry expertise, Alan shares his mission of empowering recruiters to refine their skills and build resilience in a demanding field.

He dives into the art of developing essential recruiting techniques and enhancing softer skills that many overlook, emphasizing how mastering these can elevate one's career from ordinary to elite.

Alan's unique blend of practical insights and motivational guidance helps listeners tap into their fullest potential, pushing beyond perceived limits to succeed in today’s tough market.

They also explore the mindset shifts that separate top-performing recruiters from the rest and discuss why investing in continuous improvement and self-discipline is key to navigating the industry's highs and lows.

Must-Hear Insights and Key Moments

• Getting RecruiterFit – Alan’s mission is to help recruiters build resilience and sharpen both hard and soft skills to elevate their performance.
• Mastering the Basics – Success in recruitment starts with consistently excelling at fundamentals like thorough candidate qualification and understanding the client's real needs.
• Deep Qualifying – Going beyond surface-level motivations, Alan recommends uncovering six or more reasons a candidate wants to move, ensuring a stronger commitment.
• Referrals Done Right – Referrals are strategic when done well. Alan shares tips for framing referral requests that tap into top-performer networks.
• Building Resilience – In a tough market, keep relationships active with long-term thinking, even if immediate opportunities aren’t there.
• Backfill Opportunities – Leverage open roles left by placed candidates. Backfilling is a powerful, often overlooked way to secure new business.

About Alan Clarke

Alan Clarke is an experienced recruitment trainer with over 25 years in the industry, having trained more than 11,500 recruiters across 17 countries. From new consultants to business owners, Alan equips professionals with the essential skills to excel in recruitment, build successful desks, and lead teams effectively.

As the founder of RecruiterFit, he offers a wide range of tailored training programs, from induction to advanced management courses, all aligned with each client’s unique brand and values.

His resources extend beyond the classroom, featuring over 100 online training videos and practical 'Response Handlers' for managing client and candidate calls.

Alan’s dedication to enhancing recruitment standards and his commitment to empowering recruiters have established him as a highly valued mentor and expert in the industry.

Connect with Alan Clarke:

• ⁠Website⁠
• LinkedIn⁠

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• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn Host⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
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