What words would you use to describe a recruiter?
Holly asked this question to a focus group before she started Facet.
She said, “bloodsucker, selfish, high commission. You name it. They were just not good. Someone even compared recruiters to canned goods in a pantry. They said recruiters will reach into the back, grab an old can of beans, dust it off, present it to the client, and if the client doesn’t want it, they put it back and you never hear from them again.”
In this episode, Holly shares how her prior experience as a recruiter helped her transform the headhunting business from a transaction mindset to a people-first platform—bringing back humanity to one of the most human-centric businesses.
Episode Breakdown:
01:25—Full Circle: Holly’s return to recruiting and her plans to do it differently this time.
05:40—Recruitment Woes: Putting a price tag on tears? The absurdity of valuing deeply personal moments in headhunting.
07:33—Focus Group Fiasco: Holly’s hilarious and grim findings from focus groups, where recruiters were compared to bloodsuckers and old cans of beans in a dusty pantry.
09:27—Life-Changing Calls: Recruiters can flip your world like a pinball game! One call can turn a dull job into a dream career. Holly shares how making interviews fun can change lives.
11:33—Sharp Eyes for Talent: Recruiter’s superpower in spotting potential. Holly’s story of convincing a woman in her 60s she’s perfect for a role, proving age is just a number.
14:32—AI’s Blind Spot: AI can’t spot empathy and creativity in cross-industry talents. Holly explains how AI would have missed her entirely—she’s not even in the data pool!
20:16—Million-Dollar Career Advice: Holly’s top tips for job seekers—be authentic, build real connections, and network like it’s your job. Reciprocity is core to every relationship.
30:36—Bonus: Podcast Therapy. Holly shares why being interviewed here is a therapeutic experience.
Connect with Us:
- Holly Bond and Vince Chan
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