More Than Recruitment: Why Being a Trusted Consultant Matters

 Callum Howard, Divisional Lead heading up our Construction and Commercial Team,  recently shared experiences that highlight what being a trusted adviser really looks like.

More Than CVs and Job Ads

Callum Howard, Divisional Lead

“Last week reminded me why our work is so much more than CV finding or job advertising.

From the outside, recruitment can look like matchmaking: connecting people with jobs. But in reality, so much of what we do is consultancy. Helping both clients and candidates make confident, informed decisions. Two conversations stood out for me.

1. Supporting a Candidate’s Career Progression

A long-term candidate I placed years ago got in touch after being told they were in line for a promotion. They weren’t sure what salary they should aim for, or whether their current package reflected market value.

I pulled market data, shared comparable salaries across similar roles, and talked through potential career paths with them. It wasn’t just about the numbers –  it was about giving them the confidence to negotiate from a position of knowledge.

2. Helping a Client Shape Their Team

A client rang me, not to kick off a new hire, but to get advice: Should I hire a junior and train them up, or go for an experienced professional who can hit the ground running?

We discussed their team structure, long-term goals, budgets, and the bigger picture we’re seeing in the Offsite/MMC market. The decision they made wasn’t based on gut instinct.  It was rooted in strategy and market insight.

The Value of Trusted Advice

Behind every CV or job ad, there’s a layer of consultancy that makes the difference. Whether it’s a candidate wanting clarity on salary expectations or a client deciding on team growth, we’re here to provide perspective that helps people move forward with confidence.

Even if you’re not actively hiring or job hunting, get in touch. Talking to people every single day gives me a unique, real-time view of the employment market that goes far beyond job boards.”

At ARV Solutions, our experienced team is passionate about the construction and manufacturing industries, working across all sectors with particular expertise in Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and Offsite. It’s this depth of knowledge, combined with our consultative approach, that enables us to give both clients and candidates the clarity and confidence they need to succeed.

We’re currently preparing our new Salary Guide, which will be launched at Offsite Expo. This guide will provide invaluable insight into salaries, market trends, and career opportunities across the sector.

If you’d like a conversation about your next career move, your hiring strategy, or simply to get a clearer view of the market, come and talk to us. We’d love to share our expertise and help you plan with confidence.