Would You Hire Someone You’ve Never Met?

March 16, 2020

As an early(ish) adopter of video and live digital interviewing, implementing it via Odro (thanks guys!) a few years back, I’m a big advocate. There’s no doubting the value that it can add to both candidates and clients but I won’t list them as I’m not here to sell the benefits of it, I’m simply pondering whether in the current climate, it can and will actually negate the need for the standard ‘face to face’ interview stage and help ensure recruitment processes don’t stall, or not. So my question is this; how many clients have ever actually made a decision to hire based on remote or video interviews alone, and how many candidates have accepted such an offer, without ever meeting in person?



I’ve of course heard many stories of global and pan-european businesses hiring in this way for international hires; conducting business in this way is second nature to many employees in such businesses, with the need to liaise with colleagues and suppliers from across the globe on a daily basis and video conferencing a standard part of the working day. However, in my 17 years in marketing recruitment I must admit I have never seen it happen; not on any recruitment process I’ve managed, nor in any of the teams I’ve lead.

Maybe that’s because I work primarily with UK based SMEs, that it’s simply not in their DNA to recruit in this way and it’ll take a big leap of faith for them to embrace it to that degree. Absolutely, such businesses appreciate it’s value at an earlier stages of the process, or conversely at the final decision stage if, but only if, a face to face has already taken place and logistics mean that it’s been impossible to get candidate and the required decision makers together in one place. Maybe if I was transacting with more London centric, technology driven organisations I’d think very differently. Not suggesting it can’t, shouldn’t or isn’t done, but I believe many of businesses out their will struggle to adapt and move away from the need to complete, at some point in the process, a ‘traditional’ face to face interview. Likewise, many of candidates I work with want to see and experience a business, to get a feel for it’s culture, atmosphere and general vibe, as well as the team they’d be part of, before they make the decision to accept an offer.


Would love hear your thoughts, as candidate or a client, and if you have ever offered or accepted a position, what industry it was for.

Next Chapter Recruitment


Salary Scales
By Holly Wilkinson November 12, 2025
Why It Matters Talking about money can feel uncomfortable but it’s one of the most important parts of the hiring process. Your salary expectation sends a message: it tells an employer how you value yourself and where you see your level of contribution. Pitching it right is about balance , go too low, and you risk underselling your worth; go too high without context, and you might price yourself out of contention. Being open, informed and confident in that conversation shows self-awareness, professionalism and credibility, all qualities employers notice and respect. How to Talk About Salary with Confidence Do your homework Before the interview, research average salaries for your role, level and location. Market rates can vary significantly between agency and in-house, or between Milton Keynes and London. If you’re unsure, we can share real-time local salary benchmarks so you walk in informed. Give a realistic range It shows flexibility while setting clear expectations. If your research suggests £40k–£45k, it’s fine to say, “I’m ideally looking for something around the mid-40s, depending on the role and responsibilities.” Frame it around value, not just numbers Explain why your expectations sit where they do, link them to results, ROI, leadership experience, or specialist knowledge. For example: “I’ve managed multi-channel campaigns with £500k+ budgets, consistently delivering ROI, so I’m targeting roles around the £50k mark.” This shifts the focus from cost to contribution. Don’t undersell yourself If you say you’d “take less for the right role,” there’s a good chance you’ll be offered less. Employers typically work within budgets, not above them so set your expectation confidently and let your experience justify it. Consider the whole package Salary is important, but benefits, flexibility, progression and culture can all make a huge difference. Be ready to discuss the overall value of the opportunity, not just the pay packet. Be mindful of proof Some employers may ask for evidence of current or previous salary, such as a P60 or recent payslip. It’s not a trap, it’s part of ensuring internal parity. Just make sure your expectations align realistically with your documented history and market value. Employer Perspective Most employers set a salary range before a role goes live. If your expectations fit that window, the process moves smoothly. If they don’t, it’s better to clarify early than waste anyone’s time. And remember: once you’ve put a figure on the table, it’s rarely possible to negotiate significantly higher later so preparation really does pay off. Final Thought Salary conversations don’t need to be daunting. With the right insight and preparation, they can be empowering. Know your worth. Be honest about your expectations. And let your recruiter help position you in the best possible light, we’ll share market data, guide you through the discussion, and make sure you’re representing your value with confidence. Talk to us about salary benchmarks and negotiation advice
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Why It Matters Rejection hurts and there’s no getting around that. You put time, energy and hope into an opportunity, only to hear “we’ve decided to move forward with another candidate.” But in a competitive market, where marketing and digital roles attract hundreds of applications , rejection isn’t a reflection of failure, it’s feedback, redirection and part of the process. The truth? It’s not about how many no’s you get. It’s about how you respond to them because that’s what shapes your next “yes.” How to Handle Rejection and Move Forward Ask for feedback Don’t be afraid to ask why you weren’t selected. Sometimes it’s about fit, team dynamics or timing ,not your ability. Constructive feedback gives you clarity and helps you improve how you present yourself next time. If you’ve worked with us, we’ll always ask on your behalf and be honest about what we hear. Don’t take it personally It’s easy to think, “What did I do wrong?” But remember, recruitment is often about nuances, one candidate might have slightly more experience with a tool, or a particular cultural fit. It’s rarely black and white. Reframe rejection as redirection Every “no” gets you closer to the right opportunity. Think of it as refining your path rather than blocking it. Many of the candidates we’ve placed in career-defining roles started with a rejection or two but each one helped them refine their story, focus their search and prepare better for the next. Keep your momentum The hardest part after rejection is not losing motivation. Take a day to reset, then get back into action. Keep learning, keep applying, keep connecting. Every interview builds experience and confidence and you never know when the right door will open. Zoom out — one role doesn’t define your career Your career is a long game. You’ll have highs, lows and everything in between. What matters is consistency, curiosity and resilience. Marketing and digital are fast-evolving industries, those who stay adaptable and open always bounce back faster. Employer Perspective Hiring managers often make decisions between two or three excellent candidates. Missing out doesn’t mean you weren’t good, it means someone else was a slightly better match for that brief, at that time. And here’s the thing: we’ve seen candidates who were runners-up get called back six months later when the perfect opportunity arises. A “no” today can still be a “not yet.” Final Thought Rejection isn’t the end of your story, it’s just another chapter. The next opportunity might be the one that changes everything. If you’ve had a setback, talk to us. We’ll help you review feedback, strengthen your approach and get you in front of the roles where you’ll genuinely thrive. Talk to us about your next move
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By Holly Wilkinson November 12, 2025
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