Starting a recruitment agency is something many recruiters consider at some point in their careers. But turning that idea into a reality requires confidence, preparation, and the willingness to step away from stability.
In this episode of Talent Matters, Dave Jenkins sits down with Nathalie Janger, Founder of Crystal Clear Recruitment, to discuss what it takes to launch a recruitment business after spending nearly 15 years working in the same agency.
Nathalie shares the story behind her decision to go out on her own, the practical steps involved in setting up a new agency, and the realities of the first few months — from early placements and quiet periods to building a brand based on transparency and long-term relationships.
Running a recruitment agency isn’t just about filling jobs. It’s about resilience, trust, and having the confidence to back yourself.
The Leap From Recruiter To Founder
Many recruiters think about starting their own agency, but far fewer take the leap.
After nearly 15 years working in the same recruitment company, Nathalie reached a point where she wanted a fresh start. Internal changes, combined with a long commute and a desire for something new, pushed her to make the decision.
The moment that ultimately tipped the balance came during a lengthy interview process with another recruitment business. When communication stalled, it reinforced her belief that if she wanted control over her career, she needed to build something of her own.
Rather than waiting for someone else to believe in her, Nathalie decided to back herself.
Confidence And Timing Matter
Starting a business often comes down to confidence.
For Nathalie, experience played a big role. Having worked in recruitment for many years, she understood the industry, knew how to build relationships with clients, and had the self-belief to try something different.
That confidence is something many recruiters struggle with. Plenty of people have the ideas or ambition to start a business, but hesitate because they doubt their ability to make it work.
Nathalie’s view is simple: if you want others to take a chance on you, you have to be willing to take that chance on yourself first.
The Reality Of Launching A Recruitment Agency
Starting a recruitment business involves far more than simply placing candidates.
There are practical foundations that need to be put in place first, including:
- Setting up the company
- Choosing an accountant
- Building a website and brand
- Creating a business plan
- Managing costs carefully in the early stages
Many of these tasks are small individually, but together they form the infrastructure that allows a new agency to operate.
One of the key lessons Nathalie shares is that costs often add up faster than expected, which makes having financial reserves important in the early months.
Early Wins — And Quiet Periods
The first few weeks of launching Crystal Clear Recruitment started strongly, with several placements made in the first month.
But the summer slowdown quickly followed.
Like many recruiters experience, seasonal hiring patterns can create periods where activity slows down significantly. For a new business, those quiet moments can feel particularly challenging.
Instead of waiting for new jobs to appear, Nathalie focused on alternative activity — reconnecting with candidates, exploring different opportunities, and continuing to build relationships.
Those efforts helped maintain momentum until the market picked up again later in the year.
Relationships And Personal Brand Matter More Than Ever
One of the biggest advantages independent recruiters have is their personal brand.
Clients often work with recruiters because they trust the individual, not just the agency name. Nathalie’s first opportunity after launching came from an existing relationship — a client who already knew how she worked.
That trust can be powerful.
For smaller agencies especially, relationships often become the foundation of the business. A reputation for honesty, transparency, and reliability can make a bigger difference than large marketing budgets.
Crystal Clear Recruitment was built around those principles, focusing on long-term partnerships rather than transactional placements.
Support And Coaching Can Accelerate Progress
Starting a business can also be a lonely experience. While friends and family may be supportive, they often don’t fully understand the challenges of running a recruitment business day to day. That’s where external support can make a difference.
For Nathalie, coaching and advice from experienced people in the industry provided guidance on everything from business development and marketing to budgeting and planning.
Sometimes it’s not about being told exactly what to do — it’s about having someone to challenge ideas, offer new perspectives, and help refine your approach.
About Nathalie Janger and Crystal Clear Recruitment
Nathalie Janger is the Founder of Crystal Clear Recruitment, a recruitment agency specialising in business support roles across the Greater London region. With more than 15 years of experience in recruitment, she previously managed the permanent division at a regional agency.
