‘Meet The Experts’ is a series that delves into the minds of our colleagues at Carlin Hall. Join us as we talk with our industry leaders about their experiences, insights, and strategies for navigating the competitive landscape of talent supply within the Executive Search industry.
As a Principal Consultant at Carlin Hall, Tamlyn Burl has built a reputation for excellence. With a background in agency recruitment and a specialization in recruiting for the exec search sector, Tamlyn offers a unique perspective on the trends and challenges within rec to rec.
Q: Can you share a bit about your background and how you got started in the recruitment industry?
I started out in agency recruitment as a 360-billing consultant, working across functions in the Financial Services industry.
Q: What pivotal experiences or moments shaped your career path within recruitment?
In terms of pivotal moments in recruitment, Carlin Hall’s shift from recruiting for the contingent recruitment agency sector to focusing exclusively on supplying into the Executive Search industry stands out.
Q: Could you elaborate on your areas of specialization and the types of clients you typically work with?
I specialize in recruiting for the Executive Search industry at all levels, from graduate entry-level roles to more senior positions in various functions and markets. I advise, consult, mentor, and ultimately seek to secure great new roles for all of my candidates.
Q: Can you share some memorable placements or projects that stand out in your career?
Some of the most memorable placements are those where candidates initially express interest in working in a particular sector but end up in something entirely different after multiple interviews. I always encourage candidates to keep their options open and have conversations, as you never know where they might lead. Other memorable placements involve candidates who take a few years working with me before we find the perfect role for them – that’s real satisfaction once those placements are made!
Q: What are some of the significant challenges you’ve encountered in your career, and how have you overcome them?
Significant challenges – such as the 2008 banking crisis and the Covid pandemic – stand out, during which everyone suddenly stopped hiring globally, leaving us flooded with great candidates we couldn’t place. However, we kept our heads down, rode the wave, and emerged from those challenges stronger than before.
Q: From your perspective, what are some emerging trends or shifts in the executive search industry, and how do you adapt to them?
Emerging trends, alongside the push for more diversity in executive search firms, include a recent focus on meeting neurodiverse candidates. Neurodiverse candidates bring unique perspectives and problem-solving skills, which can encourage more creativity and innovation in teams.
Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to build a successful career in executive search?
I would advise developing strong interpersonal skills, as executive search is a relationship-driven industry. Also, strive to gain a deep understanding of the industries you work in, including market trends and key players, and stay updated on best practices in sourcing techniques, candidate assessment methods, and industry trends. Build a strong network, focus on quality, and be patient and persistent, as executive search can be a challenging and competitive field.
Q: Looking ahead, what do you envision for the future of executive search, and how do you plan to stay at the forefront of the industry?
I believe technology will continue to play a significant role in executive search, particularly in areas such as data analytics, artificial intelligence, and automation. I foresee the field becoming more global in nature, which is why we recently hired a Consultant to focus solely on the international market, expanding our reach and capability abroad.
If you’re looking to build a successful career in executive search, Tamlyn invites you to collaborate with her at Carlin Hall. With her expertise and guidance, you can navigate the industry’s trends and challenges and achieve your career goals. Contact Tamlyn today to learn more about the opportunities available at Carlin Hall.
