John Cotton (Accounting Recruiting Pro): The Real Reason Top Performers Ignore Your Firm.

Click here for further information and the downloadable resources:

https://www.criticalfewactions.com.au/podcast/John-Cotton-Recruitment-Tips/

What if the one thing holding back your firm from attracting the best finance talent has nothing to do with pay? In today’s episode, we uncover the overlooked reasons why top performers keep scrolling past your job ads—and what you can do to change that fast.

This episode features John Cotton, an accounting recruiting pro who’s spent over a decade finding the perfect fit for leading professional firms across Australia. If you’re a business owner or CEO wondering why your recruitment efforts aren’t landing the cream of the crop, John reveals the hidden pitfalls and how to fix them. From LinkedIn profile hacks to interview must-dos, this conversation is all about standing out in a crowded job market.

What you’ll learn

• Hidden Hiring Mistakes: The simple oversights that push top-tier candidates away.
• Network for Success: How building and nurturing relationships on LinkedIn can drastically improve your candidate pool.
• Employer Expectations: Why understanding a candidate’s true value—beyond just CV bullet points—leads to better hires.
• Due Diligence on Both Sides: Practical tips for employers and candidates to research each other before signing the dotted line

Highlights

00:00 - Introduction & John’s Background

01:00 – Why Networking & LinkedIn Trump Job Boards

07:09 – Interview Prep & Stand-Out Tactics

21:22 – Advice for Millennials in the Job Market

27:27 – How to Work with Recruiters Effectively

30:28 – The #CriticalFewActions™ to improve your business

If you found this conversation valuable, don’t forget to Subscribe to the channel, leave a comment, and share this episode with your peer business leaders. Your support helps us reach more CEOs who want to improve their organisation performance and its value, and it keeps the conversation going.

Stay in the loop with show updates and exclusive content: https://www.criticalfewactions.com.au/podcast/John-Cotton-Recruitment-Tips/

Download the Episode Summary & John’s Contact Details: https://www.criticalfewactions.com.au/podcast/John-Cotton-Recruitment-Tips/

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Find out more here: https://www.criticalfewactions.com.au/ceo-masterclass-book-a-call-with-john/

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Get access to exclusive #CriticalFewActions™ content here: https://www.criticalfewactions.com.au/podcast/

Oh, and every time I talk to someone like John, I’m reminded that recruitment isn’t just about finding someone to fill a seat—it’s about real people looking for real opportunities. When you nail that match between employer and candidate, the ripple effects can transform a firm’s culture, client satisfaction, and bottom line.

Thanks for watching/listening, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments below.