Turn research into a useful conversation
Course overview · 9 min reading + 5 min practice, estimated
Lead with what you know
Explain the relevant public event and ask a thoughtful question about the associated hiring challenge. Offer something concrete you can actually provide, such as a scoped talent-market map or an initial search discussion. Do not promise access to candidates you have not spoken with.
Qualify before proposing
Find out what the role must achieve, why now, what has been tried, who makes the decision and how a recruitment partner would be evaluated. Confirm the commercial discussion with the right person before beginning work.
Make the next step clear
Record the agreed action, owner and date. If there is no current need, respect that and agree whether future contact would be useful. Measure qualified conversations and agreed next steps alongside activity, rather than celebrating volume alone.
Put it into practice
Write a short first approach using your research brief. Then prepare five discovery questions that would establish whether there is a real opportunity.
Use fictional information and keep your work in your own notes.
Sources and further reading
Original Academy teaching and fictional examples. These references provide context, not endorsement. Edition 2026.09; updated 2026-09-24.
- CIPD: Recruitment
Professional context for the recruitment lifecycle.
- GOV.UK: Set up a business
UK starting point. Business structure and obligations depend on the circumstances.