The managing director of Office Angels predicts that an emphasis on the personal touch will be the dominant operational trend in recruitment over the next 20 years.

Speaking to Recruiter on Office Angels’ 20th anniversary last week, Paul Jacobs said the recent trend of placing barriers between customer and business, “in which you’re not allowed to see anybody”, is doomed to failure.

“Technology can enhance a business, but people looking for a new job want to be guided by someone who knows what they’re doing,” he said. “As we assist people from their first job to retirement or beyond, developing bonds is going to be even more important.”

Jacobs began his recruitment career in 1976 and joined Office Angels in 1990, four years after the company’s creation.
Office Angels placed 10,000 candidates in permanent positions during 2005. Company turnover was £130m.