25 QUESTIONS FOR 25 YEARS IN PROPERTY RECRUITMENT

An Interview with Allison Dalrymple:

How things have changed in property recruitment since 2001…

 

1. What was your job title when you first started?

Recruitment Consultant.

 

2.What year did you begin and what do you remember most about that first week?

2001 – complete information overload. Learning how people behave, how to read between the lines and what to really listen for, not just what was being said!

 

3.What did a “normal” working day look like back then?

• 8.30am morning meeting
• Check the one office computer for emails
• Open the post for CV’s
• Check fax machine
• Calls to clients and candidates, if you couldn’t reach someone, you left a voicemail (and people actually listened to them!)
• Face to face interviews – the diary was always full
• 6.30pm finish

 

4.What technology did you rely on most when you started?

The landline telephones.

 

5.What’s something you used to do at work that would feel completely outdated now?

Sending a fax!

 

6.What was considered a big career win 25 years ago?

A full diary of interviews built entirely on recommendations and reputation.

 

7.What’s the biggest change you never saw coming?

In-house talent acquisition teams becoming so widespread.

 

8.Which skill has mattered most throughout your career?

Communication, both on the telephone and face to face.

 

9.What advice would you give your younger self on day one?

People lie! Trust your instincts.

 

10.Who had the biggest influence on you early in your career?

My first job in estate agency was with a small independent on the Isle of Wight. My mentor, Charles Smallman, taught me the value of honesty, integrity and outstanding customer service.

 

11.What’s the best piece of professional advice you’ve ever received?

Never be afraid of the phone.

 

12.What’s a mistake you made early on that helped shape how you work today?

Believing I could remember every candidate’s details without notes. I should have bought shares in Pukka Pads!

 

13.What moment made you realise this was a career, not just a job?

When I realised I was unintentionally interviewing everyone around me, no one was safe!

 

14.What’s your proudest professional achievement?

Placing candidates who were once trainees and seeing them now running successful teams or companies, it’s like watching your kids grow up in slow motion!

 

15.What role or responsibility didn’t exist when you started but is essential now?

Social media & digital marketing.

 

16.How has the industry changed for the better?

It is more inclusive, more flexibility and far more focused on culture, wellbeing and long term fit rather than just ticking boxes.

 

17.What part of the job has stayed exactly the same?

People buy people. You can have the best deal going, but if they don’t like or trust you, it’s not happening!

 

18.What’s something people outside the industry often misunderstand?

That recruitment is “just matching CVs”. It is about psychology, trust, timing and relationships.

 

19.What keeps you motivated after 25 years?

I still get a buzz when someone secures a new role. I love helping clients, enjoy meeting new businesses and really value the loyalty of those I have worked with for many years.

 

20.What do you enjoy most about working with people today?

I enjoy that even after 25 years, I still learn something new from every person I meet and sometimes, they end up teaching me more than I teach them!

 

21.What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve had to adapt to?

Candidates today have higher expectations around flexibility, work-life balance, and culture. Adapting to those conversations while still delivering for clients has been a learning curve.

 

22.What would surprise new starters about how things used to be?

Hierarchy! Juniors were juniors, you learned every part of the role before being trusted to do things independently.

 

23.What advice would you give someone just starting out now?

Attitude is everything, be curious, listen carefully and be prepared to learn.

 

24.What are you most grateful for in your career so far?

I’m grateful for every late night, early morning, awkward coffee, and endless phone call because somehow all that chaos turned into amazing people, great memories, and a career I wouldn’t swap for anything.

 

25.Looking ahead, what excites you about the future?

Watching the next generation grow, evolve and succeed, knowing I had a tiny part to play.