Hayden Smith - Senior Recruitment Consultant

At GOOSE Recruitment, we celebrate the achievements and ambitions of our team members. Meet Hayden Smith, our Senior Recruitment Consultant specialising in MRO & Technical Services.

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What first attracted you to a career in recruitment, and what led you to join GOOSE?

I had a great experience in recruitment while living in New Zealand. When I moved to the UK, a mutual friend mentioned GOOSE Recruitment, highlighting its excellent company culture and success. This motivated me to continue my recruitment career with them. I was particularly drawn to GOOSE Recruitment because of my interest in the aviation industry, especially helicopters.

You’ve progressed to Senior Recruitment Consultant in under a year—what do you think has been the key to your success?

My genuine passion for the industry has been a key driver of my success. I’ve also found that actively engaging with the sector—whether by attending industry events, building strong relationships, or staying informed on market trends—has been instrumental in my growth. Immersing myself in the field has allowed me to better understand the needs of both clients and candidates.

Moving into aviation recruitment can be a big learning curve. What have been the most valuable lessons you've learned so far?

Learning to handle job rejections was something I had to prepare for. Instead of taking rejection personally, I learned to move on quickly, understanding that sometimes it’s due to external factors. I realised that truly understanding candidates’ backgrounds is crucial when making placement decisions.

GOOSE attends major industry events—what has been the most impactful event for you so far?

MRO Europe was invaluable for making connections with the right people without any barriers. The event is particularly beneficial for the roles I hire for, as I specialise in MRO Recruitment. It was also a great opportunity to travel internationally and get out of the office.

What has been your proudest moment since joining GOOSE?

I’ve had many proud moments at GOOSE, including winning back-to-back ‘Best in Class – Financials’ awards for the rookie category, which recognised me as the top biller in that quarter. However, my proudest moment was advancing to Senior Recruitment Consultant by hitting all my targets.

How would you describe the team culture and the support you’ve received in your career progression?

I’m very fortunate to be part of a supportive and collaborative team. We constantly bounce ideas off each other, and everyone is always willing to listen to each other’s opinions.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in recruitment?

Get to know your market thoroughly, and cultivate resilience and patience. These are essential skills for success in recruitment.

As you step into a senior role, what are your goals for the future?

As I step into a senior role, my goal is to build on my success and continue progressing in my career. I am committed to making a positive impact on both my candidates and clients, ensuring they receive the best support and opportunities. At the same time, I want to contribute to the growth and success of GOOSE, helping to strengthen its position in the industry.

Looking back on your first year, what advice would you give to yourself when you first started?

I would tell myself to focus on understanding where my time is best spent—being efficient is crucial. Finding the right talent for clients is key, and developing the ability to navigate the talent pool to identify top candidates is a valuable skill. I’d also remind myself to invest time in researching the industry, as having strong market knowledge helps in making well-informed decisions and providing the best possible service.

If you're interested in a career with GOOSE, please get in touch by filling out the form below. 

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