Running a recruitment agency can be a challenging yet rewarding experience, and opening one during a global pandemic adds a whole new level of complexity to the equation.

I've experienced firsthand the ups and downs of operating in the current business climate. As we celebrate our 2nd anniversary, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on our journey and share some insights into what it's really like to run a recruitment agency during these unprecedented times.

Ups

• Helping people find employment: One of the most rewarding aspects, is the ability to help people find meaningful employment. With so many people struggling to find work due to the pandemic, it feels good to be able to make a difference in someone's life.
• Adapting to change: The pandemic has forced businesses to adapt to new ways of working, and recruitment agencies are no exception. From remote interviews to virtual onboarding, we've had to pivot our operations to meet the changing needs of our clients and candidates. This has been a challenge, but it's also been an opportunity to learn and grow as a business.
• Building relationships: Building strong relationships with clients and candidates is essential for any recruitment agency, and the last two years has given us the opportunity to connect with people in new ways. With so many people working from home, we've had to rely on video calls and other digital channels to stay in touch, but this has also allowed us to build deeper connections with our clients and candidates.

Downs

• Economic uncertainty: The past two years has created a lot of economic uncertainty, which has made it challenging for recruitment agencies to plan for the future. With businesses struggling to stay afloat, there are fewer job opportunities available, which means we must work harder to find the right candidates for our clients.
• Increased competition: As a small agency, trying to stay in competition with the large or even global agencies has been a real challenge. This has put pressure on us to differentiate ourselves and provide a higher level of service to our clients and candidates.
• Mental health challenges: The past two years has taken a toll on everyone's mental health. With so much uncertainty and stress, it can be challenging to stay motivated and focused on our work. We've had to find new ways to support our team and maintain a positive work environment despite the challenges we're facing.

Despite the challenges we've faced over the past two years, I'm proud to say that Harbour City Recruitment has not only survived but thrived. We've built strong relationships with our clients and candidates, and we've helped hundreds of people find employment during a very difficult time. As we celebrate our 2nd anniversary, I'm grateful for the opportunity to do meaningful work and make a positive impact in the lives of others.

Looking ahead, there's no doubt that the recruitment industry will continue to face challenges as we navigate economic uncertainty. However, I'm confident that HCR has the resilience, adaptability, and dedication needed to succeed in the years to come. As we move forward, we'll continue to prioritise our relationships with clients and candidates, embrace new technologies and trends, and stay focused on our mission of connecting great people with great opportunities.