Identical twin brothers, Dan and Tim Barfoot, from Wiltshire, who operate a prosperous recruitment firm, have unveiled the primary challenges individuals face in securing employment.
Having engaged in diverse professions over the years, the 45-year-old twins opted for a daring leap that ultimately proved lucrative.
Inseparable since birth, they thrive on igniting each other’s competitive spirit. For two decades, they’ve jointly managed CMD Recruitment.
The Barfoot twins are now offering valuable advice to assist job seekers in securing their desired positions. According to Dan, a key aspect often overlooked is the willingness to listen.
Drawing from his experience of commuting between the UK and the Middle East, he emphasizes the importance of feedback and maintaining a receptive attitude towards recruiters.
“You’ve got to be able to take on feedback and listen to what the recruiters are saying,” Dan asserts.
Recognizing the significance of a symbiotic relationship between recruiters and candidates, Dan underscores their commitment to providing tailored advice based on their expertise.
“Recruiters like us know what is best for them and we will only advise on that,” he adds. Furthermore, he stresses the necessity of adapting one’s CV to align with the job requirements and recommends including a covering letter to compensate for any skill gaps.
“People don’t change their CV to make it match the role [they’re applying for] better if they have the skills,” Dan explains. Failure to adequately prepare for interviews, he asserts, is another prevalent mistake that hinders job prospects.
“Failing to prepare for the interview; as my favourite saying goes: ‘Fail to prepare = prepare to fail,'” he highlights. Operating solely in the southwest, CMD Recruitment leverages its familial structure and local familiarity to its advantage.
Thanks to their extensive network, comprised of old school friends and local acquaintances, the Barfoot twins possess unparalleled insight into the market.
Tim highlights their geographical advantage, asserting, “As we have that geographical knowledge more than other recruitment businesses, this gives us the expertise to know where someone’s next role can be – so listening to us is key.”
Their recurrent collaborations with familiar faces contribute to their success, as Tim explains, “Often, we work with the same people over and over again, and as they already know who we are, as well as talking to the same person, it’s likely to help yield better results.”
This distinctive approach sets CMD Recruitment apart, offering a unique selling proposition in a competitive industry.
Over two decades, the company has facilitated countless job placements, leveraging the founders’ personal experiences.
Reflecting on their school days, Dan shares insights into their diverse strengths: “During school, I was the more athletic one and Tim was more academic; he went to sixth form and I left to join the army.”
Despite our distinct personalities, we shared a common sense of humor and competitiveness, particularly with each other. Originally, I intended to serve for 22 years and retire early at 40. However, after a decade, I realized it wasn’t my path, opting for a role abroad.
Meanwhile, Tim’s journey took a different route after being expelled from sixth form for his humor. He ventured into retail until a family friend suggested recruitment, a field he embraced wholeheartedly.
Witnessing his passion firsthand, I quickly recognized my own enthusiasm for the industry.
Presently, with a team of 18 in the office and 240 contracted per day, boasting a combined 200 years of experience, we believe that confidence, approachability, humor, and dedication are keys to success.”
“We maintain a hands-on approach, actively participating like any other team member, a rarity in today’s business landscape,” noted Dan.
Tim shared his personal sacrifice, admitting, “I missed out on watching my kids grow up, a challenging decision.”
His son would already be in bed when he returned home, and he’d be up before his son left for school.
Nevertheless, the sacrifice has yielded rewarding outcomes.
Tim acknowledged the synergy between his impulsiveness and Dan’s methodical mindset, stating, “Together, we’ve formed a formidable team.”
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