Blog
How I Found an Exceptional Engineer – and What It Taught Me About Talent
Friday 30th January 2026
Danny Bastone
A few months ago, I was tasked with finding an engineer for a highly specialised role. It wasn’t just any role, this was for a team working on complex surveying projects, where technical expertise had to meet creative problem-solving. The client had already struggled to fill it for months, and honestly, I knew this one wouldn’t be easy.
I started where I always start: by listening. Not just to the job description, but to the people who would be working with this engineer every day. I asked questions about the team dynamics, the challenges they faced, the qualities they valued. The answers shaped everything. I wasn’t just looking for a skill set, I was looking for someone who would thrive in that environment.
Then came the detective work. I sifted through my network and CRM, looking for candidates who had the right mix of experience and attitude. But this role was niche, and the usual channels weren’t yielding much. So I picked up the phone, reached out to people I hadn’t spoken to in years, and explained exactly what the role was, what the team was like, and why I thought they might be a fit.
And then it clicked. One candidate stood out, not just because of her experience, but because of her curiosity and problem solving mindset. I spent time getting to know her, understanding her motivations, and preparing her for the process ahead. By the time we arranged the interview with the client, she was ready, confident, and informed. The client was impressed, the candidate was excited, and we made the placement.
What this experience reminded me is that finding great engineering talent is never transactional. It’s about relationships, trust, and insight. It’s about seeing people for who they are, not just what’s on their CV.
The “perfect candidate” isn’t always the one who ticks every box, it’s the one who will grow, innovate, and thrive in the team you’re building.
Over the years, I’ve learned that these placements aren’t just wins on paper. They’re the result of listening, persistence, and a genuine interest in people’s careers. And they’re what make this work so rewarding. Because at the end of the day, recruitment isn’t about filling roles, it’s about connecting the right people with the right opportunities, and helping both individuals and companies reach their full potential.
