Square Peg, Round Hole
Ever tried to force a square peg into a round hole?
It doesn’t work, no matter how hard you try.
In recruitment, that square peg represents a candidate who isn’t right for a role.
The round hole? A vacancy demands a certain type of person, skillset, or mindset. Trying to force the two together is painful for everyone involved: the company, the candidate, and, ultimately, the recruiter’s own credibility.
I’ve understood this deeply since the start of my career when I served as a Military Recruiter in the Armed Forces Careers Office in Leeds. Working alongside colleagues from the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, our role wasn’t just about getting people into the military but ensuring they were a strong potential fit.
We asked at every step, “Is this person right for the role?”
When I left the Army and started Demob Job, that value became the foundation of everything we’ve done for the last twenty years. I’ve always believed recruitment isn’t about simply filling roles, it’s about solving problems and adding value to the companies we support across the UK.
Unfortunately, not everyone in this industry operates that way.
Many recruitment agencies operate on the ‘numbers game,’ sending many CVs and hoping one will stick.
That’s where the square peg, round hole problem repeatedly shows up.
At Demob Job, we do things differently. We still ask, “Is this person right for the role?”
Sometimes, a candidate may seem ideal regarding experience, qualifications, and background at first glance, but once we dig deeper, we realise it’s not the right match.
We don’t believe in trying to force the fit. The cost of getting it wrong, to the company’s operations, to the candidate’s confidence, and our reputation is too high.
Instead, we believe in integrity-first recruitment. We’re not just here to fill vacancies but to solve recruitment challenges by delivering the right people for the right roles.
Square peg, square hole!
If you’re a military engineer preparing to transition out of your uniformed career, I’d love for you to submit your details to us. We understand your background and could help you find the right role.
Reach out to us by visiting this link:
