Case Studies - Howard James Recruitment

Case Studies from Candidates and Clients

Hiring Managers: Real Recruitment Success Stories from our Clients

Showcasing how Howard James Recruitment helps small, medium, and large companies overcome hiring challenges and secure top-tier talent.

1. Supporting a Boutique Accountancy Firm

Client Overview:

A growing accountancy practice in Chester with a team of 12, serving SMEs and sole traders across the North West.

The Challenge:

The firm struggled to recruit an Accounts Assistant with both client-facing experience and familiarity with cloud-based software like Xero and QuickBooks.

Our Solution:

Howard James Recruitment conducted a localised search and presented a shortlist within five days. We screened for both technical knowledge and communication style to ensure the candidate could represent the firm with clients.

The Result:

Position filled within 10 days
Candidate now managing 25% of the firm’s client portfolio
Long-term recruitment partnership established

Testimonial:

"They got what we needed straight away. It wasn’t just about skills – it was about the right fit for how we work with clients."
– Partner, Boutique Accountancy Firm

2. Recruiting for a Tech Consultancy Scale-Up

Client Overview:

A tech consultancy based in Manchester with around 90 staff, expanding rapidly across the UK.

The Challenge:

The business needed a Project Manager with Agile delivery experience for a high-profile government contract – and fast.

Our Solution:

We tapped into our project management talent pool and delivered three qualified candidates within 72 hours. We coordinated a two-stage interview process and supported salary negotiations.

The Result:

Project Manager hired within three weeks
Contract delivered on time and under budget
Now on retained terms for all future PM and BA hiring

Testimonial:

"They’re fast, efficient, and understand how we work. Recruitment finally feels like part of our growth strategy."
– Head of Delivery, Tech Consultancy

3. Delivering Senior Finance Talent for a International Bank

Client Overview:

An International bank with thousands of employees globally and a London HQ.

The Challenge:

The client had an urgent need for a Head of Finance. Internal referrals and national agencies had failed to provide a suitable shortlist after two months.

Our Solution:

We activated our senior finance network and discreetly approached high-performing candidates in competing firms. Our consultative approach secured interest from passive talent.

The Result:

Head of Finance placed within 28 days
New hire led the finance team through a successful audit
Now our exclusive partner for all senior hires in the North

Testimonial:

"Howard James Recruitment delivered what others couldn’t – high-calibre, board-level candidates with regional knowledge."
– Group HR Director, Professional Services PLC

Candidates: Job Search Journeys That Changed Lives

Read how graduates, professionals, and senior leaders found career success with Howard James Recruitment.

1. Graduate: Starting a Career in HR

Client Overview:

Sophie, a recent graduate with a degree in Business and HR, seeking her first role in a professional setting.

The Challenge:

With limited experience beyond part-time hospitality roles, Sophie was being overlooked for entry-level HR Assistant positions.

Our Solution:

We helped Sophie reframe her transferable skills and polished her CV. We connected her with a client who values potential and provided interview coaching to build her confidence.

The Result:

Landed an HR Assistant role at a legal firm in Liverpool
Promoted to HR Coordinator within 12 months
Now mentoring other new graduates internally

Testimonial:

"I’d applied to so many roles with no luck – Howard James Recruitment changed everything. They believed in me and helped me believe in myself."
– Sophie, HR Coordinator

2. Career Progression: Moving Up in a Marketing Career

Client Overview:

Adam, a Marketing Executive with four years’ experience, seeking a step up into a managerial role with more autonomy.

The Challenge:

Adam was struggling to find roles that offered leadership without needing 8+ years' experience – despite strong performance in his current role.

Our Solution:

We matched Adam with a growing SaaS company looking for a Marketing Manager to own campaigns and strategy. We supported him through a three-stage interview process, including a presentation task.

The Result:

Placed as Marketing Manager in a £2m turnover tech firm
Delivered a 40% increase in lead generation in Q1
Now managing a team of two and reporting to the CMO

Testimonial:

"Howard James Recruitment found me a role that matched my ambition – and then helped me win it."
– Adam, Marketing Manager

3. Management Role: Stepping into a Senior Leadership Position

Client Overview:

Samantha an experienced Office Manager in the legal sector, looking to transition into a multi-site Operations Manager role.

The Challenge:

Samantha felt stuck in her current role and wasn’t sure how to position herself for broader leadership opportunities.

Our Solution:

We worked with Samantha on career mapping and identified opportunities where her experience aligned with strategic operations. We introduced her to a facilities management consultancy undergoing expansion.

The Result:

Secured Operations Manager role across three offices
Introduced new systems that improved workflow by 30%
Recently shortlisted for a national women in leadership award

Testimonial:

"From career advice to job placement, they guided me through the whole journey. I wouldn’t be where I am now without them."
– Samantha, Operations Manager