It’s no secret that the job market is topsy turvy at the moment due to fluctuating trade policy, tariffs, and actual trade wars. I’m not an economist by any stretch, so rather than try to analyze it myself, here is a round-up of recent articles on this subject: Read the rest of this entry »
How Tariffs and Trade Policy are Impacting Recruiters
by Veronica BlattBest Practices for Executive Job Postings
by Liz Carey
Best Practices for Executive Job Postings
Crafting effective executive job postings is an art and a science. For independent executive recruiters, it takes more than just listing job responsibilities to attract top-tier talent. High-quality job postings can not only speed up your hiring process but also ensure you’re attracting candidates who align with your clients’ needs. Here’s a comprehensive guide on best practices for posting jobs that resonate with executive-level professionals. Read the rest of this entry »
Skills Gap and Other Key Issues Facing Candidates in Professional Job Markets
by Veronica Blatt
Today’s guest blogger is Tim Lane founder and director of Park Lane Recruitment based near Manchester UK. Park Lane Recruitment is a specialist recruiting firm in the technology space with niche areas of cybersecurity, fintech, space and defense IT, as well as generic IT sales, tech and managerial. Tim is currently serving as secretary/treasurer on the NPAworldwide board of directors and is a 30+ year veteran of the recruiting industry. In his post below, Tim addresses the current skills gap and other issues making it harder for candidates to find new roles.
So, you’ve got the degree, the ambition, and a LinkedIn profile that screams “hire me!” But as a candidate in the UK or USA’s professional sectors in 2025, you’re probably discovering that landing a job is less like a sprint and more like an obstacle course-complete with AI-powered hurdles and ever-shifting finish lines. Read the rest of this entry »
AI and the Rise of Resume Fraud
by Liz Carey
Resume fraud has always been a headache for recruiters—but the widespread availability of AI has turned it into a full-blown epidemic. From deepfake candidates who pass technical interviews with flying colors to state-sponsored fraud rings targeting Western tech companies, recruiters face unprecedented challenges. If you work with remote tech positions, especially in the software engineering space, understanding these threats is essential to protect your clients and your reputation.
Navigating Salary Negotiations with Confidence
by Kerry Crockett
Talking about money makes a lot of people squirm—but when it comes to your career, avoiding the salary conversation can cost you thousands. The key to confidence in salary negotiations is preparation, strategy, and mindset. It’s not about being aggressive—it’s about knowing your worth and advocating for it. Read the rest of this entry »
Mastering the Art of Employer Branding
by Liz Carey
When was the last time you evaluated your client’s approach to employer branding? For independent recruiters, understanding and teaching clients about employer branding is vital. It goes beyond filling roles; it’s about empowering businesses to attract top talent effortlessly. If you’re a recruiter looking to add more value to your services, helping your clients strengthen their employer brand can set you apart.
Employer branding isn’t just an HR buzzword. It is a strategic practice with measurable impact on recruitment success and retention rates. Whether your client is a startup or a growing company, their employer brand can make or break their ability to hire great candidates. This blog will explore what employer branding entails, why it’s essential, and how independent recruiters can teach their clients the importance of building one. Read the rest of this entry »
Introducing NPAworldwide PowerUp Conferences
by Veronica Blatt
Our recent rebranding included a desire to unite our four primary conferences under a single banner that also ties to our new tagline Placing People Together. We are proud to introduce NPAworldwide PowerUp, our premier global conference designed exclusively for independent recruiting firms. This event is an exceptional opportunity to advance your skills, grow your network, and stay ahead in the competitive recruiting industry. Read the rest of this entry »
What Are Soft Skills and Why Are They Crucial for Career Growth?
by Veronica Blatt
When considering what makes a successful professional, technical expertise often comes to mind first. However, success in the workplace requires more than just technical know-how. Enter soft skills. These are the personal attributes, behaviors, and interpersonal abilities that help you effectively interact, collaborate, and communicate with others. While hard skills relate to your technical and job-specific abilities, soft skills define how you approach work and relationships. Read the rest of this entry »
Building Trust in a Recruitment Network
by Liz Carey
Trust is the foundation of every successful partnership, and in a network of independent executive recruiters, it’s critical. For recruiters working on split placements, trust is not just a virtue; it’s the key to efficient and fruitful collaborations. When mutual respect and reliability are established, placements happen faster, clients are more satisfied, and both parties thrive. But what does it take to cultivate trust within a recruitment network? Below, we’ll discuss its importance, common challenges, and proven best practices to build trust and create lasting partnerships in split placements.
Why Trust is Crucial in Split Placements
Split placements are built on teamwork. Typically, one recruiter works directly with the client, while the other sources top-tier candidates. While this process can offer significant benefits like expanded resources and shared expertise, it demands a high degree of trust between partners.
Trust ensures both parties feel confident sharing candidate and client details, meeting deadlines, and honoring agreements. It creates a safe, productive environment where recruiters can focus on delivering results rather than second-guessing their partner. Conversely, a lack of trust leads to breakdowns in communication, misplaced priorities, and missed opportunities for success.
Put simply, trust transforms split placements from transactional exchanges into collaborative achievements. Read the rest of this entry »
The Most In-Demand Sales and Marketing Jobs in 2025
by Veronica Blatt
The demand for top-tier professionals in sales and marketing jobs is projected to reach new heights this year. For recruiters, this presents a prime opportunity to tap into an expanding talent pool while responding to the evolving demands of global industries. From analytical marketing specialists to highly adaptable sales experts, these roles are redefining the way businesses connect with customers. Read the rest of this entry »