We sat down with our brilliant team at Maxim Recruitment to learn more about their roles, what they love about construction recruitment and a few fun facts along the way. 

Steve Thomas | Recruitment Director

What does a typical day look like for you?

Fire up the PC, update to do list, review new applications made overnight, speak to great new candidates for evaluation and sent to clients for review.  Do some business development and catch up with what the team are working on and help them optimise their efforts. Maybe grab a sandwich at some point near the middle of all this!
Most importantly, make time to walk the dog around the park if he is with me that day!

What do you enjoy most about working in the construction recruitment industry?

Nearly every day is different and I get to speak to some very interesting high-powered and motivated people.
Occasionally I reflect on the small part I played in the successful construction of a variety of iconic buildings and schemes. I have recruited people who worked on the Burj Al Arab, the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, HS2, the Shatin-Central Rail Link (The East Rail Line Extension) in Hong Kong, major dispute roles in Australia, loads of building and infrastructure projects in Canada and loads of very ordinary, but important housing projects across the UK!

What’s the most rewarding placement or project you’ve worked on so far?

When asked this sort of thing it makes me think of the memorably nice people I placed at the start of their careers who are now high-flying hot shots!  I don’t “kiss and tell” but there are some people who I first knew as an Assistant QS or Junior Estimator who are now national heads of department for major UK consultants or contractors.  There are also people who I secured their first international role, and they have built a life and career in that country ever since.  That gives me a lot of job satisfaction.

What’s your go-to tip for candidates looking to stand out in this industry?

OK so two tips; Get your CV right as so many good candidates don’t spend long enough on their CV and check it over fully.  The first impression has to be right! I wrote about this here.

Let your experience and capabilities do the salary talking!

Too many candidates want to discuss salary before they have established their competences and capabilities with the employer (and therefore their value).  It is always better to show good employers what you can do first rather than talk money and appear overly money motivated from the start!

If you weren’t in recruitment, what would you be doing instead?

That’s a great question!  In truth I have no idea, but I do like the daydream of running a smallholding with lots of dogs and animals around the place.  I’m not sure that it would be viable to run without an external source of income though! 

Describe your job in three words.

Add value quickly

What’s the one thing you can’t start your workday without?

A good chat with my dog, Basil over a large bowl of Weetabix!

Favourite building or structure in the world – and why?

I really like Lincoln Cathedral.  I gather it was the world’s tallest building for over 200 years and as a kid I hated being taken out for a ‘Sunday drive’ to see such tourist destinations.  These days I find it to be quite a feast for the eyes and the walk up to it along the windy cobbled street called “Steep Hill” has loads of excellent shops and cafes along it so it’s a really great day out (if you are middle aged like I am now!).

What’s something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?

No chance!

 
Richard Poulter | Recruitment Director

What do you enjoy most about working in the construction recruitment industry?

The construction industry is full of relatively normal and down to earth people, unlike certain other major industries. 
Having previously worked in the construction industry as a (much younger) engineer, I've made many life long friendships and connections, have always felt like I belong, and can speak the industry’s “language” so I don’t actually feel like I ever left!

What’s the most rewarding placement or project you’ve worked on so far?

I’m fortunate to have had quite a few success stories but the stand outs are the candidates I have placed who have grown a vast part of their career with the one client I placed them with.   

What’s your go-to tip for candidates looking to stand out in this industry?

Write an excellent and truthful CV, without using AI. First impressions and credibility count for everything.

If you weren’t in recruitment, what would you be doing instead?

I've had a passion for boats, sailing and living on the water since a young age so I would say…. yacht delivery captain. 

Describe your job in three words.

Challenging, flexible, rewarding. 

What’s the one thing you can’t start your workday without?

I have to complete Wordle!

Favourite building or structure in the world – and why?

Burj Al Arab An iconic structure which certainly helped to launch Dubai onto the world map. 

Who would play you in a movie about your life – and what would it be called?

Tom Cruise. “Mission Mostly Possible”  😊

What’s something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?

Although not so accomplished, I enjoy cooking! 

 

Nilam Modhwadia | Senior Recruitment Consultant

What does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day in my life as a Senior Recruitment Consultant is a whirlwind of candidate management, client calls, and trying to keep my diary under control (spoiler: it never quite works out that way). I usually start with going through my inbox, catching up on emails, LinkedIn messages, and enquiries before moving on to website applications and forwarding suitable CVs to the relevant consultants. Once that’s ticked off, I attempt to plan my day. Most of my time is spent speaking with candidates; interviewing, assessing, prepping them for client interviewsand then navigating the fun world of feedback, offers, negotiations, and counteroffers. 

On the client side, I’ll jump on calls or meetings to talk through new roles and hiring plans, which then sends me down the rabbit hole of market mapping, LinkedIn detective work, writing job descriptions for our website and contacting candidates using our internal database. I also like to catch up with my candidates and clients after they’ve started their new role to ensure both parties are happy. Between all that, I throw in a bit of marketing—posting jobs, sharing industry insights and writing the odd article. No two days are the same, and just when I think I’ve got the day under control, a client changes the brief or a candidate changes their mind. That’s what makes recruitment fast, unpredictable, and strangely addictive.

What do you enjoy most about working in the construction recruitment industry?

What I enjoy most about working in construction claims and disputes recruitment is how highly specialised and niche it is. Every role is highly specialised, from delay analysts and quantum experts to quantity surveyors, planners, project managers and engineers transitioning into their first disputes roles. Understanding the subtle differences between these roles; the skills, experience and mindset that make someone successful, keeps the work intellectually engaging.
I also enjoy connecting the right people with the right opportunities. Many candidates are making pivotal career decisions, and being able to guide them, offer them interview preparation, advocate for them, and see them thrive is incredibly fulfilling. On the client side, helping consultancies and hiring managers secure talent ang grow their team that can make a meaningful difference on complex, high-stakes, and high-value disputes adds another layer of satisfaction.

What’s your go-to tip for candidates looking to stand out in this industry?

Be a good person! Employers, colleagues, and clients all want to work with someone they genuinely enjoy being around—approachable, collaborative, positive and with strong integrity. In a relationship-driven industry, personality and character makes all the difference. And from a recruiter’s perspective, it’s much easier to champion someone we genuinely enjoy working with and believe in. In short, skills get you in the door, character keeps you there and makes you memorable.

If you weren’t in recruitment, what would you be doing instead?

Unemployed. In all seriousness, probably my original plan - to finish off further legal qualifications and qualify as a solicitor. Although a Professional Food Taster also sounds like fun!

Describe your job in three words.

Rewarding, Relentless, Relationship-driven

What’s the one thing you can’t start your workday without?

Quite embarrassingly, scrolling through TikTok. 

Hugh Duffield | Graduate Recruitment Consultant

What’s your role at Maxim Recruitment, and what does a typical day look like for you?

I’m the youngest full-time employee, which means I’m always learning and open to new ways of doing things. My day consists of speaking to hiring managers in order to figure out what type of candidate they’re looking for and then sourcing qualified individuals through our database and online resources. So it’s about building relationships and understanding the needs of the client as well as the candidate.

What do you enjoy most about working in the construction recruitment industry?

It’s enjoyable working in an industry that’s tangible and always in demand. I don’t think I’d be suited to something overly corporate.

What’s the most rewarding placement or project you’ve worked on so far?

It’s always rewarding to work with candidates who are looking to make “the next step” in their career, so there’s definitely satisfaction in finding someone who I can help with a pay rise and job progression.

What’s your go-to tip for candidates looking to stand out in this industry?

Being straightforward, switched-on, and likeable is a superpower in any industry. 

If you weren’t in recruitment, what would you be doing instead?

Since this is my graduate year, I’d probably be taking things at a much slower pace, maybe working as a farm labourer again. 

What’s the one thing you can’t start your workday without?

My workday is incomplete without a Sudoku puzzle at lunch.

Who would play you in a movie about your life – and what would it be called?

Will Poulter, if we’re going by facial similarities. The other obvious options would be James Buckley/Stephen Graham. 
“Wolf of Queens Road”

What’s something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?

My love of the 1980s BBC miniseries, Barchester Chronicles. 

Liam Thomas | Recruitment Resourcer

What does a typical day look like for you?

I am a Recruitment Resourcer at Maxim Recruitment. Currently, I am working part-time alongside my university studies. My tasks are varied but typically across a week, I would have some database related tasks, some business development related tasks, calling of key contacts and sometimes and a blog to write. My remote, part time role allows me a very flexible working week, as well as diversity in tasks. I do whatever most helps my fellow colleagues and I still have time to socialise and work towards my BA in Philosophy, Ethics and Religion in between.

What do you enjoy most about working in the construction recruitment industry?

Although I am not a full-time consultant, I enjoy being a step in the process to my colleagues making placements. Also when I get to call a candidate or ex-candidate of Maxim, it is great to have a friendly conversation with someone in the construction industry and know that they think highly of our agency and team. To be in a company which I can recognise is helping people is reason enough to enjoy my contributions.

What’s the most rewarding placement or project you’ve worked on so far?

Whilst I have not made a placement myself due to the nature of my position, when the culmination of my small wins have built up and resulted in a placement for a colleague, it is rewarding to me.

If you weren’t in recruitment, what would you be doing instead?

Possibly tutoring in A-level Philosophy and Religious studies.

Describe your job in three words.

Flexible, diverse and satisfying

What’s the one thing you can’t start your workday without?

Any good day whether work or study based begins with either a good coffee or my newfound caffeinated fascination, yerba mate.

Favourite building or structure in the world – and why?

Notre-Dame du Haut, a brutalist chapel designed by Le Corbusier is one of the few buildings in the world that I think about often and can picture clearly as unique and beautiful.

Who would play you in a movie about your life – and what would it be called?

There’s a film called ‘Silence’ starring Andrew Garfield. Sometimes people say I look like him in that film. I like Andrew Garfield and I like the name ‘Silence’ for a film.

What’s something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?

Although I am now vegetarian, I have previously eaten fried grasshopper and prawns’ eyeballs!

 Katie Kennan | Specialist Recruitment Consultant & Resourcer

What does a typical day look like for you?

I am a specialist recruitment consultant and resourcer.  A typical day for me is working alongside Steve, our Director in the Leicester branch and the rest of the recruiting team to source candidates for the roles we are filling.  We have many client companies who come back to us over and again for all their resourcing needs, so we get to know these companies really well and know exactly what they are hoping to find.  This makes my role very satisfying, as I want to find the perfect candidate for them. 

What do you enjoy most about working in the construction recruitment industry?

I enjoy meeting people.  I am a sociable person and as well as working with the Maxim team, I get to network in the construction industry catch ups in Leicester and most importantly, I get to meet online lots of people from all over the world; both candidates and clients.  Finding out about what makes people passionate in their roles within recruitment is very interesting, and it is a pleasure to introduce candidates to clients, sharing their expertise and promise with prospective employers.

 What’s the most rewarding placement or project you’ve worked on so far?

I particularly like recruiting candidates in Canada.  I find the client companies in Canada very personable, yet professional.  Finding one amazing candidate for a favourite client company in Vancouver is definitely one of my highlights.  Hearing that he has progressed well and moved into managerial roles within that company makes me proud!  It is a good feeling, creating the synergy that sparks.

What’s your go-to tip for candidates looking to stand out in this industry?

Be honest.  Sell yourself, with evidence of things you have done well and are proud of. Be inquisitive.  Do your research on a company who are interviewing you.  Think about how you can add value to that company and make yourself the ONE they want to employ.

If you weren’t in recruitment, what would you be doing instead?

I would definitely be in a role where I get to talk a lot!  To meet people and find out about them.  I am interested in what makes people ‘tick’ and if I can help them in any way, that gives me great job satisfaction.  

What’s the one thing you can’t start your workday without?

A tidy desk, a to do list and a cup of tea.

Favourite building or structure in the world – and why?

I love the Art Deco era from the 1920s-30s.  Buildings like the Chrysler Building, or the Empire State Building have symmetry and repetition which appeals.  Of course, in Leicester we have the Athena and what used to be Blunts Shoes showcasing some beautiful art deco designs.

Who would play you in a movie about your life – and what would it be called?

It would be called ‘The To Do List’  and I think perhaps Drew Barrymore would play me well!

What’s something your colleagues would be surprised to learn about you?

Perhaps that I used to sing in a band with a gaggle of teachers in the pubs and clubs of Wanchai, in Hong Kong.