EP 46 – Mass Spec-Outs Are Lazy. Here’s What to Do Instead w/ Dani-Louise & Kate

What happens when two recruiters say no to spec-outs, ditch the e-shots, and decide to raise the bar in Rec2Rec?

In this episode, I’m joined by Dani-Louise and Kate, Co-Founders of Barkely Ellis Talent Solutions — a Rec2Rec brand built on high standards, strong relationships, and straight-talking honesty.

We get into what Rec2Rec should look like in 2025 — and why most of the industry is getting it wrong. From WhatsApping clients before sending CVs to the hidden cost of not meeting your candidates, this one’s packed with practical lessons and a few mic drops.

We explore:
✅ Why e-shots and spray-and-pray approaches damage your brand
✅ The power of relationships (and what they actually look like)
✅ Candidate-led strategy vs. job-led thinking
✅ DEI that goes beyond tick boxes — parenting, disability & flexibility
✅ Why they meet every candidate before sending them out
✅ The good, the bad, and the brutally honest truth about Rec2Rec today

If you're in Rec2Rec, hiring recruiters, or just want to place better, this episode will make you think twice about how you're operating.

⏱ Timestamps:
00:00 – Who are Dani-Louise & Kate?
04:00 – Working candidates vs. working jobs
08:30 – What markets are candidate-led vs. job-led?
12:10 – Why they don’t do spec-outs or e-shots
18:00 – Meeting every candidate: why it matters
26:00 – Relationship-led Rec2Rec that actually works
30:00 – Market differences: US, UK, Europe
39:00 – What Rec2Rec used to be like vs. now
44:00 – Personal brand, values, and staying human
47:00 – The real problem with “diversity hiring”
54:00 – How to get 1% better in recruitment

🔗 Connect with Dani & KateLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dani-louise-barkley/ & https://www.linkedin.com/in/katiele-kle/Barkely Ellis Talent Solutions: https://www.linkedin.com/company/barkley-ellis-talent-solutions/posts/?feedView=all🔗 Connect with Charles KyriakouLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charleskyriakou1/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charles.kyriakou?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/1-better-recruitment-podcast/id1775201502YouTube: https://youtu.be/rHVh48mNU8ILinkedIn Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7244346543967731712/?displayConfirmation=true