Earlier this month experienced Insurance recruitment professional and Broking specialist Bailey De Souza joined the Haylo People team. Originally from the UK, but now based in Sydney Bailey took the time to sit down with Haylo Director and Co-Founder Danielle Marshall and answer a few questions about himself, his approach to recruitment and his take on our Insurance industry.

Bailey tell us about your career and how you got started in recruitment?

I began my recruitment career at the age of 14, working part-time whilst still at school. Over the next seven years I specialised in recruiting mid to senior level individuals for Insurance brokerages across the UK.

How has the insurance recruitment industry changed since you started?

There has definitely been change since I entered the industry, here are the the main ones I’ve identified:

• Remote & Flexible Working. The rise of remote work has transformed recruitment practices, allowing companies to access a broader talent pool and offering candidates more flexibility in their work arrangements. Similarly, the insurance industry has adapted to remote operations, with more insurers offering digital services and flexible coverage options.
• Technological Advancements. The evolution of technology has significantly transformed recruitment practices. Innovations such as applicant tracking systems and online job boards have revolutionised candidate sourcing, screening, and assessment processes, enhancing efficiency and efficacy in identifying top talent.
• Focus on Diversity & Inclusion. There’s a greater emphasis on diversity and inclusion. Recruitment efforts now prioritise building diverse teams to foster innovation and better serve diverse customer bases.

Not all recruitment companies are the same, so what questions should a client ask when choosing one?

Choosing the right recruitment agency can be hard, but I believe that by asking some basic questions clients can get real insight into a recruitment agency’s expertise, core values and how they operate. Here’s some questions I’d recommend asking:

• Industry Expertise. What industries do you specialise in and what is your experience recruiting for roles similar to ours?
• Recruitment Process. Can you walk us through your recruitment process, from candidate sourcing to placement?
• Candidate Pool. How do you attract and assess candidates? What strategies do you use to ensure we have access to top talent?
• Timeline & Expectations. What is the typical timeline for filling a position and how do you communicate progress throughout the process?
• Fee Structure. What are your fees, and how are they structured? Are there any additional costs we should be aware of?
• Technology & Tools. What technology and tools do you use to support your recruitment process and how do they benefit us as clients?
• Diversity & Inclusion. How do you ensure diversity and inclusion in your candidate pool and hiring practices?
• Client-Candidate Relationship. How do you maintain relationships with both clients and candidates throughout the recruitment process and beyond?

How do you measure success?

For me, it’s all about the people. When teams I recruit for are thriving and people I place in new roles are happy then I know it’s a job well done. Of course, metrics including retention rates are very important from a business perspective, but so it personal feedback from all stakeholders.

Why did you move to Australia?

After taking a sabbatical and traveling the world, I found that Australia felt like a home away from home. The welcoming people, pleasant weather, and abundant opportunities made it an ideal destination for me to settle in and pursue new experiences and challenges.

> Connect with Bailey De Souza