Values-Led Hiring: Why Handley James Believes Recruitment Is About People, Not Just CVs
September 29We often say this, but it’s worth repeating: recruitment is about people, not just CVs.
At Handley James, our approach has always been values-led. What do we mean by that? Simply put, we believe the most successful placements happen when skills, experience, and personal values all align.
In manufacturing and chemical SMEs, this is especially true. These are businesses where leaders don’t sit in ivory towers, they roll their sleeves up, make tough calls, and inspire teams. Technical brilliance without the right attitude, empathy, or cultural fit rarely works long-term.
Over the years, we’ve seen businesses hire purely on technical ability, only for things to unravel later. Why? Because leadership is about more than expertise, it’s about trust, relationships, and the ability to connect across all levels of a business.
For us, values-led hiring means taking the time to really understand:
- Your business culture - What makes you unique and how you work.
- Your future goals - Where you’re heading, and what kind of leader will help get you there.
- The candidate as a whole person - Not just their achievements, but their motivations, style, and values.
This approach isn’t the fastest or easiest, but it is the most effective. When senior hires are aligned with your culture and values, they stick, they thrive, and they transform businesses.
So when we say recruitment is about people, not CVs, it’s more than a slogan, it’s how we work every day.
👉 If you’re looking for a senior leader who not only has the skills but also truly fits your business, we’d love to talk.