Mindset, persistence, and building genuine relationships are key to recruitment success. Shayna Chan, our Principal Consultant, came to appreciate this during her seven years in the industry. She started her career as an in-house HR professional, but seeking more than data entry and admin tasks, she took a chance on recruitment and never looked back.
Since joining Nicoll Curtin Singapore, Shayna’s determination and people-first mindset have set her apart, earning her Highest Perm NFI and Best Newcomer awards in her first year. Her commitment to exceptional customer satisfaction is reflected in her impressive Net Promoter Score of 90 and the positive feedback she consistently receives from candidates:
“Shayna consistently goes above and beyond to provide prompt and reliable communication, while effectively facilitating the interview process. She keeps me well-informed with timely updates.”
Here are five takeaways from her recruitment journey:
1. Build confidence by being authentic
Instead of trying to match louder voices early on in her recruitment career, Shayna leaned into her strengths: being prepared, being genuine, and being reliable.
“You don’t need to fit a mould,” she says. “In the beginning, I approached things more transactionally. However, as I built confidence along with a deeper understanding of the market, I shifted to a consultative approach, providing insights on trends and salary expectations.”
Shayna doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations when necessary, whether to help clients position themselves to attract the right talent or guide candidates in securing the role.
She believes her growth has come from being honest about what she doesn’t know. “Stay curious, ask questions, and let your authenticity guide your progress.”
2. Find the right team for success
For Shayna, finding success in recruitment often depends on being surrounded by people who actively support your development. “You really feel the difference when you're in a team that values openness and collaboration,” she explains. “Being surrounded by leaders and colleagues who invest in coaching and create a positive, encouraging culture can unlock strengths you didn’t even know you had.”
This kind of environment boosts confidence, motivation, and engagement, setting the foundation for growth.
Shayna also encourages doing your research early on when choosing a recruitment company. “Engaging with various individuals within the organisation you're interviewing with is crucial to understanding their culture and ensuring it aligns with your values,” she says. “Additionally, gathering insights from industry professionals outside of the company can provide valuable perspective on whether the company’s reputation and environment align with your career goals.”
3. Build relationships, not just placements
In a target-driven environment, focusing on quick wins is easy, but building real connections with clients and candidates leads to better outcomes over time. Understanding motivations, goals, and concerns on both sides creates trust and encourages repeat business.
Shayna centres her approach on genuine relationships. “You need to see the person behind the profile,” she says. “That’s how you create meaningful connections. Often, I act as a bridge, softening communication and facilitating mutual understanding between both sides.”
Shayna has placed some candidates multiple times throughout their careers, demonstrating the trust she has built with them over time. They know she genuinely understands their goals and can rely on her honesty when presenting opportunities. Even candidates she has not yet placed have recommended her to their friends because of the positive experience they’ve had working with her.
Instead of rushing to close deals, take the time to align with what each person truly needs. “Being consistent and transparent builds partnerships. And when people trust you, they come back, or refer someone else.”
4. Set clear goals to stay focused
Shayna emphasises that setting clear goals can make all the difference in recruitment. When targets are broken down into manageable steps, staying focused becomes easier, especially in fast-paced environments.
She sets weekly and monthly goals to stay on track and maintain momentum. “It’s about having a plan and checking in regularly. Big goals can feel overwhelming, but if you break them down, you keep moving forward.”
Her approach turns ambition into action. Instead of relying on luck or waiting for results, build success through structure and consistency, one step at a time.
5. Leverage tech without losing trust
AI tools can help speed up parts of the recruitment process, such as identifying where candidates with specific skills are located or generating reports for clients. Shayna mainly uses AI to support research and sourcing, but is still exploring how to fully integrate it into her routine.
“I look for ways to enhance our existing processes and make them more efficient,” she explains. “Rather than seeing AI as a shortcut, I treat it as a tool that frees you to focus on building trust and stronger relationships with clients and candidates.”
