Getting to Know the Heartbeat of SONDR: An Interview with Tomas
Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes to connect top talent with incredible opportunities? At SONDR, our recruiters are at the forefront of this exciting process, building relationships, navigating challenges, and making a real impact on people's careers.
We sat down with one of our newest team members to get a glimpse into their world, understand their journey into recruitment, and uncover some of the hidden efforts that go into every successful placement.
Join us as we dive into the insights of a SONDR recruiter, exploring everything from their daily grind to their proudest moments and the unique culture that drives our success.
Q: What is your role at SONDR and how does it connect to the bigger picture?
I’m a recruiter at SONDR, which means I spend a lot of time reaching out to candidates, meeting with clients, and developing my recruiting skills. For me, the bigger picture is about growing professionally—whether that’s here at SONDR or elsewhere in the future. I want to become a well-rounded professional, and I see opportunities here to develop skills like phone outreach and client management. Maybe, down the line, I’ll move into a managerial role within SONDR.
Q: Did you do recruitment before joining SONDR?
Not directly. I actually have my own AI company on the side, where I work with recruitment companies and maintain client relationships. We built an AI tool for recruiters, so I’d already done some client work. I’m still figuring out how to bring some of that experience into my role at SONDR, but for now, I’m focused on learning the ropes and getting to know the team and industry.
Q: What part of the recruitment process do clients rarely see but would be surprised by?
I think clients would be surprised by how much work goes into talking to clients and preparing candidates. It’s not just about sending a CV and hoping for the best. There’s a lot of back-and-forth, relationship-building, and making sure the right fit is found. Sometimes clients question the fees, but there’s a lot of unseen effort that goes into every placement.
Q: How do you make sure candidates and clients both get a seamless experience?
It’s about balance. On the candidate side, we make sure not to overwhelm people with too many calls, but also keep them informed so they’re not left wondering. For clients, it’s about being confident in the candidates we present and communicating clearly—getting to the point without overloading them with information.
Q: What’s one behind-the-scenes detail about SONDR’s way of working that makes a big difference?
The network and relationships we maintain are key. Louis, for example, has been in the industry for years and knows exactly who to call at which company. Managing those relationships and knowing who to talk to is a big part of what makes us effective.
Q: When a new client or candidate comes on board, what’s your favorite part of helping them get started?
I’m still fairly new, so I haven’t had many placements yet, but I enjoy seeing people get excited about new roles. It’s rewarding to help someone take the next step in their career and to keep in touch as they settle into their new job.
Q: What’s your favorite part of speaking to a candidate who’s interested in looking for a new role?
It’s always easier when someone is open to a conversation. Some people are quite closed off, but when a candidate is ready to talk, the conversation flows and you can really get to know them and what they’re looking for.
Q: What has been your proudest moment since joining SONDR?
Probably getting someone an interview on my second day, even though they didn’t end up getting the job. Louis set expectations that it would take a couple of months to start making placements, but I’m driven to exceed those expectations. I haven’t made a placement yet, but there are a few in the pipeline, so I’m excited to see how things develop.
Q: How do you keep on top of all the moving parts in such a busy environment?
Organization is key. I write everything down and set reminders for myself—who to call, when, and why. With so many calls and follow-ups, it’s impossible to remember everything without a system.
Q: What’s the most common challenge you help solve for hirers?
Matching candidates to predefined roles can be tough. Sometimes it’s about finding the right role for a great candidate, rather than the other way around. We use our network and relationships to make those matches happen.
Q: What challenges do you help solve for candidates?
It’s about connecting them with the right opportunities—sometimes roles that aren’t even advertised. By understanding what they want and using our network, we can open doors they might not find on their own.
Q: How would you describe SONDR’s culture in three words?
Hard working, relaxed, and professional. We work hard but also know how to have fun—whether that’s playing tennis with candidates or going out as a team.
Q: What do you do outside of work?
I’m training for Hyrox, I run, play tennis, and keep up an active social life. I prefer water over coffee, have a favorite lunch spot near Bishopsgate, and enjoy a variety of music. It’s important to have balance and enjoy life outside of work.