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Writer's pictureRenata Bernarde
Nov 4

Think Like a Recruiter

Episode 263 - Finding the Right Job and Building a Personal Brand




Professionals face an ever-growing set of challenges as they navigate career transitions, seek advancement, or re-enter the workforce. Finding the right position and standing out as a candidate can be challenging, even for experienced professionals.


Recently, I had a conversation with Russell Ayles, a recruitment expert with nearly two decades in the industry, specializing in retail, fashion, and e-commerce. Our discussion shed light on themes that resonate deeply with the corporate professionals I coach. These include the importance of transparency in the hiring process, the value of personal branding, and a rising emphasis on ethics in recruitment practices. As we discussed these topics, I couldn’t help but reflect on how they connect to broader trends shaping the current employment landscape.


Transparency in Hiring: An Essential for Professionals and Employers


Transparency has become a buzzword in recruitment, but it’s about more than feel-good rhetoric. For professionals and employers alike, transparency in the hiring process is now essential. In today’s market, a lack of open communication breeds mistrust, which can be disastrous for both parties.


One of the key takeaways from my discussion with Russell was his advice on the timing of critical conversations about salary, flexibility, and work-life balance. Many professionals hesitate to bring up these topics, fearful that they’ll be disqualified before getting a real chance. But Russell emphasized the importance of establishing rapport first—demonstrating your value to the employer before diving into specific needs. Once an employer understands your potential, they’re far more likely to work with you on terms that align with your values and personal priorities.


For corporate professionals, this advice is crucial. If you’ve spent years building a career, you have the experience and skills that are worth negotiating for. In today’s job market, there is room for candidates to expect clarity from the start. At the same time, it’s fair to communicate openly about your priorities. After all, if an employer isn’t willing to meet you halfway, that’s often a signal of broader issues within their culture.


Personal Branding: Your Secret Weapon in a Competitive Market


As we spoke about LinkedIn, personal branding, and the importance of a consistent professional image, Russell’s insights confirmed what I often tell my clients: in a world where attention is scarce, standing out is a non-negotiable. Your LinkedIn profile isn’t just a resume—it’s a platform where you can showcase your voice, values, and achievements.


Building a strong personal brand requires intentionality. It means consistently sharing content that reflects who you are, highlighting your unique skills, and engaging with others in a way that feels genuine. In our conversation, Russell shared how LinkedIn has become a crucial tool, even for people who don’t love social media. While LinkedIn might not drive direct business, it provides an invaluable way to start conversations, build relationships, and ultimately warm up connections that could lead to job opportunities.


For corporate professionals, personal branding is no longer optional. The professionals I work with often find that building a strong brand can open doors they didn’t know existed. It’s a way to attract the right kinds of job offers, connect with people who align with your values, and make a memorable impression in a crowded market.


Ethical Recruitment: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever


We also discussed an often-overlooked aspect of the job search experience: the ethical considerations of recruitment practices. Many companies claim to value ethics in their operations, but few apply the same standards to their hiring processes. Candidates are increasingly aware of this, and they’re paying attention.


Russell shared insights from his own rebranding of his business, now called “Etisk,” which is Swedish for “ethical.” His dedication to ethical practices is part of a growing movement in recruitment—one that prioritizes candidates’ experience as much as that of customers. This approach is particularly relevant today, as job seekers become more vocal about their experiences online. A poor candidate experience isn’t just a loss for the candidate; it’s a reputational risk for the employer. As Russell pointed out, treating candidates as customers strengthens brand loyalty and improves long-term business success.


For professionals navigating today’s job market, paying attention to how companies treat their candidates can provide crucial insights into their cultures. If an organization makes it difficult for you during the hiring process, what might it be like to work there? The demand for ethical recruitment is not just about checking a box—it’s about companies recognizing that candidates are evaluating them just as closely as they are evaluating candidates.


The Bottom Line: A Holistic Approach to Job Searching


As I reflect on these themes, I am struck by how they align with broader changes in the job market. Today, corporate professionals are more discerning. They aren’t just looking for a paycheck—they’re looking for meaningful work in environments where they are respected, valued, and empowered to negotiate terms that align with their lives. Personal branding, transparency, and ethical practices are not just “nice-to-haves”; they are essentials that define success in the current employment landscape.


If you’re a corporate professional on the lookout for a new role, think about the bigger picture. Advocate for yourself by being transparent about your needs. Build a personal brand that speaks to your unique strengths and values. And don’t settle for companies that fail to align with your standards. Your job search is more than a process—it’s an opportunity to shape your future and align your career with your


About our Guest, Russell Ayles


Russell Ayles, founder of Unrivalled Agency, embarked on his recruitment career by chance, and it’s been an incredible journey ever since. Over the past 18 years, Russell has worked with some of the most iconic retailers around the globe, sourcing top talent—from entry-level Buying Assistants to C-suite executives—who have helped shape the worlds of fashion, retail, and digital.


Russell’s experience spans the classic British high streets to Australia’s vibrant retail landscape. Along the way, he became increasingly aware that the recruitment industry was prioritizing speed and cost over quality, leading to quick fixes rather than lasting results. Driven to make a change, he launched Unrivalled Agency to redefine the recruitment experience.


With extensive experience from working in recruitment agencies and leading in-house talent teams for brands like ASOS, House of Fraser, Britvic, Immediate Media, and General Pants, Russell understands the nuances of effective talent acquisition. Unrivalled Agency offers more than just recruitment services—it’s a journey where both clients and candidates feel seen, heard, and valued. Russell’s mission is simple: raise the bar in recruitment, one connection at a time.


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