Why You’re Not Getting Hired: Insights from Twins with 20 Years of Recruitment Experience

Dan and Tim Barfoot, identical twins hailing from Wiltshire, have shared insights into the common hurdles individuals face in securing employment.

Following extensive experience across different job sectors, the duo made a bold leap that has proven lucrative, amassing millions in the process.

Aged 45, the inseparable brothers have cultivated a competitive dynamic between them, fostering mutual growth and success throughout their two-decade tenure at CMD Recruitment.

The Barfoot twins are now sharing invaluable advice aimed at aiding job seekers in securing their desired positions, emphasizing that success is within reach.

According to Dan, who previously divided his time between the UK and the Middle East before settling back home in 2004, a key element often overlooked is the willingness to heed feedback.

He stresses the importance of open communication between recruiters and candidates, underscoring the symbiotic nature of the relationship.

With a commitment to national standards and localized expertise, the brothers assert their ability to discern the specific needs of companies in the region, thereby guiding candidates accordingly. Additionally, they highlight common missteps made during the application and interview stages that hinder job prospects, such as failing to tailor CVs to match job requirements and neglecting interview preparation, a lapse they caution against, advocating for thorough readiness as a critical component of success.

Operating exclusively within the southwest, CMD Recruitment leverages its familial approach and local network to its advantage, capitalizing on the intimate knowledge of the regional job market.

Benefitting from an extensive network comprised of old acquaintances and local connections, the Barfoot twins boast an unparalleled understanding of the market dynamics, a distinct advantage they attribute to their geographical expertise.

Tim underscores the significance of attentive listening, citing their ability to pinpoint promising career opportunities based on this intimate knowledge. With a clientele that frequently returns for repeat engagements, their familiarity with clients and consistent communication fosters favorable outcomes.

This unique positioning sets CMD Recruitment apart in a competitive industry landscape, offering a compelling value proposition.

Over the course of two decades, the company has facilitated numerous job placements, a testament to its enduring impact in the field. Drawing from their personal journeys, Dan and Tim exemplify a shared understanding of navigating career paths.

Reflecting on their respective educational paths, Dan highlights his departure from academia to pursue a military career, while Tim pursued further studies in the sixth form.

Their shared upbringing fostered a bond characterized by humor, sociability, and a fervent spirit of competition, particularly between themselves. Dan envisioned a military career spanning 22 years, with aspirations of early retirement by 40. However, a decade into his service, he realized a change was imperative and transitioned to a new role overseas. Meanwhile, Tim’s academic journey was cut short due to his penchant for humor, leading him to various retail positions until a serendipitous suggestion steered him towards recruitment.

Observing Tim’s passion for the field firsthand, Dan found himself drawn to the profession, recognizing its allure and potential. Their collective journey culminated in the establishment of CMD Recruitment, boasting a robust team of 18 in-house members and 240 contracted personnel, amassing a staggering 200 years of combined experience.

Dan espouses a belief in the transformative power of confidence, affability, and diligence, underscoring the notion that unwavering dedication can surmount any challenge.

Despite their success, the twins remain deeply involved in the day-to-day operations, actively contributing alongside their team—an approach they deem increasingly uncommon in contemporary business landscapes.

Tim reflects on the personal sacrifices endured, lamenting the missed moments of witnessing his children’s growth, as his demanding schedule often left him arriving home after their bedtime and departing before their school day commenced. However, he finds solace in the realization that these sacrifices have ultimately yielded rewarding outcomes.

Embracing the interplay between Dan’s spontaneity and his own systematic approach, they have forged a formidable partnership, leveraging their complementary strengths to propel their enterprise forward.