Advice Hub

Christmas Podding: Day 12 – Wrapping Presents, Wrapping Interviews, and Carol Singers 🎄

Video

Welcome back to the We Do Grotto, where today’s episode brings festive frustrations, recruitment tips, and some light-hearted laughs.

First up: Wrapping presents – do you DIY or delegate?
DIY struggles: Sellotape on your knee, lost folds, and wrestling with awkwardly shaped gifts (looking at you, Lush Snow Fairy bottles).
Top tip: Stick it all in a box – easier to wrap and less stress.

But what about wrapping up interviews that aren’t going well? Here’s our advice for clients:

  • Be polite and direct. Thank the candidate for their time, explain why the fit isn’t right, and avoid wasting anyone’s time – including yours.
  • Give people a chance. First impressions matter, but nerves can get in the way. Some candidates may take time to warm up, so don’t rush to cut things short.
  • Use tools to streamline. Pre-interview video clips from candidates can save time and ensure alignment before the first meeting.

And finally, the ultimate Christmas conundrum: what do you do with carol singers?
🎶 Let them finish? Shut the door? Bribe them to stop? We’ll leave that one up to you.

More from our Advice Hub

Insights

Why Your Finance Team Should Be Your Secret Growth Weapon

5 min read
Published 10 months ago
Finance team

For many businesses, the finance function is still seen as the team that keeps the books balanced, ensures compliance, and delivers the monthly reports.And while those things are essential,...

Read More
Insights

If I Wanted to Find the Best Recruiters, This Is What I’d Look For

4 min read
Published 7 months ago

If I stripped everything back and ignored the branding, the content, the claims and the noise, this is the question I’d ask:
Are they actually good at getting people jobs?
Because when you remove...

Read More
Insights

How Long Should It Take to Hire a Financial Controller in the UK?

6 min read
Published 2 months ago

One of the most common questions we hear from hiring managers is: “How long should it take to hire a Financial Controller?”
The honest answer? Longer than most businesses expect.
Many...

Read More
Insights

Can We Talk About Control Freaks Please?

5 min read
Published 2 years ago

Thanks for taking the time to read this! The fact that you’re here means it’s our responsibility to keep you engaged.
To be honest, I’m writing this for myself (therapy, if you will), but the...

Read More
Insights

Before You Change Jobs in January, Read This

4 min read
Published 9 months ago

There’s something about the new year that makes people want to start fresh. New goals, new routines – and for many, a new job role. January is one of the busiest times in recruitment. But...

Read More
Insights

“We’ll Revisit This in September”: The Most Expensive Sentence in Hiring

5 min read
Published 1 month ago

“Let’s park it until September.”
It’s a phrase heard in boardrooms across the UK every August. It sounds sensible. Practical, even. Holidays are in full swing, key decision-makers are away,...

Read More