Episode 68 - One Client, One Candidate at a Time: Up’s and Downs in the Recruitment Industry with Zag Dutton

Episode 68 - One Client, One Candidate at a Time: Up’s and Downs in the Recruitment Industry with Zag Dutton

In today's episode, I welcome, Zag Dutton, 30-year recruitment industry veteran and the founder of Career Connections Canada, and we're talking all about the current up's and downs in the recruitment industry. Zag offers a fresh perspective on the flexible lifestyle choices favored by many temporary workers today, and highlights the necessities that other temporary workers have. She also discusses the importance of being approachable and accountable, emphasizing integrity and respect as cornerstones of building lasting relationships with both clients and candidates.

As we really get into the up's and downs, we talk about the challenges small businesses face with technological evolution, particularly AI. The key takeaway? Embrace tech advancements that truly add value instead of chasing every shiny new tool. 

The episode wraps up with an exploration of honesty and integrity in recruitment, where Zag stresses the importance of candid conversations with candidates, even when delivering tough news. Her commitment to respect and genuine interaction proves that sincerity holds a powerful place in the recruitment process.  

Key Moments:

• The 2 types of temporary workers.

• Stay in your lane!  You can't be all things to all people.

• The effects of US politics in Canada.

• As a small business, you can never afford to stand by and do nothing.

Favorite Quote: 

"Every situation is different, and being a small business allows us to respond quickly and tailor solutions without the bureaucracy of larger organizations."

• Zag

 

Connect with Zag:

Zag Dutton, the Founder and President of Career Connections Canada Inc., established the company in 1995 as a recruitment firm specializing in permanent (direct hire) placements across all levels of staff, primarily within the pharmaceutical industry. Over the years, responding to client demand, the company expanded its services to include temporary placements, catering to a diverse range of industries beyond pharmaceuticals such as manufacturing and 3PL. Today, Career Connections stands as an award-winning boutique recruitment firm, providing comprehensive solutions for permanent, temporary, and contract staffing needs. As 2025 approaches, Zag and Career Connections are gearing up to commemorate 30 years of successfully bridging Great People with Great Companies.

 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zagdutton/

Email: [e-mail]

 

Connect with Suky:

I’m Suky an adrenaline junkie who celebrates every single win. I believe we must celebrate and collect all our wins along the way as it fuels forward momentum to ensure we exceed our goals. When we fuel forward momentum, complacency simply can not settle in.

With over 25 years of experience working in the staffing industry, 16 of those working with global recruitment companies, I bring the knowledge and experience of working in 18 countries and successfully navigating through numerous “recession” cycles.

Companies often get so focused on the bottom line that they forget that we are in the “people business”.