Navigating a successful career in recruitment requires expertise, resilience, and a keen understanding of industries’ evolving needs. Simon Cutsforth, senior consultant in engineering at Consortium Professional Recruitment, has spent nearly two decades developing that expertise, becoming a go-to resource for candidates and companies alike.
We spoke with Simon to understand his career journey, the unique challenges and rewards of engineering recruitment, and what he sees as the industry’s future.
How did you get started in recruitment, and what led you to engineering?
After graduating in business management, I explored several career paths, from accountancy to general management. A friend who’d just started in recruitment shared insights into the profession – the fast-paced environment, people-centred approach, and earning potential – and I was immediately intrigued.
While looking for recruitment roles, I was offered a position in education recruitment. However, engineering felt like a better fit, and soon, I secured a role in engineering recruitment in Leeds.
After gaining a solid foundation in my first role, I quickly realised my values didn’t align with the company’s approach, so I moved on. Engineering recruitment stuck with me, and I enjoyed the complexity and satisfaction of helping technical professionals secure rewarding roles.
What do you find most challenging and rewarding about engineering recruitment?
It’s been 17 years now, specialising in technical, engineering, and maintenance recruitment. Recruitment depends on many shifting factors. Changes in a candidate’s personal circumstances or a client’s business needs can alter everything overnight.
Skills shortages and fierce competition for talent also make it challenging, but the rewards make it worthwhile.
Hearing the excitement of a candidate landing their dream job is incredibly fulfilling. Each placement has unique challenges, so picking just one is hard. What’s important is creating a positive impact for both candidates and clients – helping clients solve staffing issues and candidates advance their careers.
What trends are you seeing in the current engineering job market?
There’s a skills shortage across all levels. Many companies now recognise this and invest in training and development to retain and upskill their workforce. The pandemic prompted many to reevaluate work-life balance, which has led to increased hybrid working options in roles like design and project management.
However, roles involving 24/7 shift work remain harder to fill despite salary increases. The competition for talent will only intensify, with counteroffers and salary inflation becoming more prevalent. AI and digital talent platforms will grow, but local knowledge and an experienced recruiter’s insight remain irreplaceable.
What advice would you give to aspiring engineers entering the field?
Basic preparation is essential – research companies, understand the roles, and show up with drive and enthusiasm. Many companies prioritise fit and attitude over technical skills alone. 3D design skills, maintenance expertise, and continuous improvement (CI) capabilities are highly sought after.
How can companies improve their approach to hiring engineers?
Speed and agility in the recruitment process are critical. Engineers often receive multiple offers, so if a candidate fits, act quickly.
Beyond competitive salaries, companies need to show commitment to career progression, training, and genuine appreciation for their staff. Relying solely on CVs rather than understanding the candidate’s full potential is a mistake.
A site visit is essential to let candidates see the environment and culture firsthand. It’s also important to convey why your company is a great place to work – remember, interviews go both ways.
What keeps you motivated, and how do you stay informed about industry trends?
I enjoy working with engineers, who are often passionate and interesting people. Building relationships with both candidates and clients keeps the work dynamic and fulfilling.
We stay on top of trends through site visits, daily conversations with industry professionals, and utilising market insights provided by our research team. Experience is the biggest teacher in recruitment, but our team shares market knowledge to stay ahead.
What are your long-term goals in engineering recruitment?
To establish Consortium as the go-to engineering recruitment partner in the region, with a team dedicated to matching the best talent with top-tier companies. While automation will play a role, nothing replaces the personal insights a seasoned recruiter brings. We’ll continue leveraging technology, but recruitment’s heart will always be about people.
