We sat down with Honey Hassan, Top Biller at Vallum Associates, to talk about her journey into recruitment and what keeps her motivated in a fast-paced industry. Having been with Vallum for four years, Honey has built a strong reputation for her ability to connect talent with opportunity. She consistently delivers results and creates long-term relationships in the industry.

Tell us a bit about how you got to where you are today.

After graduating, I was eager to explore the corporate world and connect with people I might not have otherwise met. When an internal TA reached out about a recruitment consultant opportunity in Tech, my first thought was, “Wait, you’re telling me I can get paid to network? Sign me up!”

Of course, I quickly learned it was slightly more complicated than that. Recruitment isn’t just about making connections, it’s about understanding people, industries and businesses on a deeper level. Over time, I found that my ability to build strong relationships and my genuine interest in the technology and energy markets helped me carve out my own space in the industry.

The fast-paced nature of recruitment is what keeps me engaged. Every day is different, you’re constantly learning, solving problems, and adapting to market trends. But at its core, it all comes back to people. I love being the bridge that helps candidates find opportunities and businesses secure top talent. It’s incredibly rewarding to see those connections flourish over time.

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned throughout your career?

Can I give two answers? I don’t think anyone at Vallum would believe this was me if I didn’t!

1. Stay inquisitive: knowledge truly is wealth. The best recruiters aren’t just reactive, they’re always looking ahead, staying informed and asking the right questions. The more you understand your market and your clients, the more value you bring to the table.

2. Have a why: without one, the days feel longer and the challenges feel bigger. Recruitment can be tough, and having a purpose, whether that’s helping people grow their careers, making an impact in a niche industry, or hitting personal milestones, keeps you motivated through the ups and downs.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out?

Prioritise genuine connections. I still keep in touch with people I met eight years ago. Some have stayed in the industry, others have taken different paths. I often think about how awkward it would have been if I’d left them on read when all they wanted was a quick chat. Now, they’re either hiring through me or stepping into senior roles I’m placing for.

Beyond that, I’d say: don’t be afraid to ask questions, take every opportunity to learn, and be resilient. Recruitment is full of highs and lows. You can have an amazing month followed by a tough one but consistency and perseverance are key. The people who succeed in this industry are the ones who keep going, even when things don’t go their way.

What’s been your most memorable moment at Vallum so far?

Our holiday incentive trip to Dubai last year! Dubai is one of my favourite destinations and experiencing it with an all-expenses-paid trip made it even more special. It wasn’t just about the luxury; it was about celebrating our hard work as a team and taking a moment to appreciate what we’d accomplished.

That trip was a reminder of why I love working at Vallum. It’s not just about billing numbers, it’s about being part of a team that genuinely supports and celebrates each other.

What keeps you motivated?

Aside from the amazing incentives? For me, it comes down to two things, the people and the challenge.

I love building long-term relationships and seeing the impact of my work. Not just in the short term, but years down the line. When a candidate I placed years ago comes back to me, now in a leadership role, looking to build their own team, that’s an incredible full-circle moment.

Then there’s the challenge, recruitment isn’t easy and that’s what makes it exciting. The markets shift, clients' needs change. No two days are the same. Staying ahead and continuously improving is what keeps me engaged and striving for more.