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Candidate Testimonials

Grace is a very friendly, proactive consultant who regularly takes the time to contact me and update me with potential positions as well as taking a genuine interest in me as a person. I thoroughly recommend contacting Grace and registering yourself with her as you will definitely feel the benefit of her warm, friendly approach!
Mark H, Industrial Engineer

Fantastic communication and helpful in preparing for my interviews.
Tony M, Senior Controls Engineer

Post pandemic, with a gap in my CV, I experienced an arduous job hunt lasting around 3 months. I was extremely fortunate to meet Grace early June 2022 after applying for a position through Optima. Throughout the process I had come in contact with several recruitment agents, Grace has been by far the best recruiter I have had the opportunity to work with. 

This was the first time in my career that I had experienced a difficult job hunt. Over the past months I have had several negative experiences with other recruiters and some frustrating knock backs. Grace has established and maintained weekly (at times daily) communication with me while we worked together.  All communication has been professional, friendly, trustworthy and extremely helpful. At times Grace has kept me going during those days where things were starting to look hopeless. Her proactive work has brought forward some great opportunities and she has given sound and considered advice throughout. 

Its been a pleasure to work with Grace and I cannot recommend her enough. 

Thank you for all your help, I wish you all the best.
Sam E, Production Engineer

From initial contact from Oprima through to offer and acceptance of the contract I was kept informed of the progress at each stage. Probably one of the quickest placements I've had in 17 years of contracting
Steven M, Quality Consultant

Eloisa Lucketti - went above and beyond to find me a role. From looking for what I wanted, to understanding what I would like for my next career move. Nothing short of 1st Class professionalism, brilliant sense of humor and nothing short of amazing when it comes to working around a persons busy life to find them there job!....Keep it Up!
Adam M, Mechanical Design Engineer

My initial call with Grace gave me a really god insight into the role. I subsequently applied, and Grace led me through the process and kept me informed every step of the way. She was on hand whenever I had a question, and always followed up when she said she would -  which is not always the case with recruiters. With Grace, it felt personal. Exactly how it should be. Thank you.
Lee K, Production Manager

Excellent candidate centric recruitment process. Great Job Grace!!
Grace is an exceptional recruiter. She did a great job of matching my skills to the role. At pre interview stage she provided me with a useful insight into the hiring company, its challenge and expectations of the role and the candidates. Her positivity is infectious and she inspires confidence. She doesn't believe that recruitment is a 9 to 5 job and happily supported me out of hours to fit around my schedule. 
All in all Grace made this a very easy and enjoyable process which resulted in an excellent  outcome.  Well done and thank you ever so much Grace.
Geoff H, Supply Chain Manager

I spoke to Grace about another advertised job.  Once we had talked she approached another of her clients and found a role that pretty much exactly matched my personality.  She supported me through the 3 interview process and I found the whole process one of the easiest processes from start to finish that I've experienced for a senior role.
Louisa V, Business Manager

Great role, and excellent communication between myself and Kyle.
I wouldn't hesitate to do business with Kyle again.
Daren W, Quality Consultant

Throughout the whole recruitment process, Grace has been both efficient in terms of speed of response to any updates, but also effective at doing it at the right time. A pleasure to work with! Thank you
John C, Production Manager

Having worked at my existing employer for over 7 years for personal circumstances I needed to find a job closer to home, I came across Kyle on Linked In and throughout the whole process was fantastic. It was a breath of fresh air to deal with a recruiter who offered full transparency about the proposed roles and Kyle did not try any pressure tactics throughout, on top of this Kyle offered me great personal advice and went above and beyond to help my transition go as smoothly as possible. Would highly recommend.
Jamie O, Controls & Commissioning Engineer

Grace got in contact with me regarding an opportunity. She promptly arranged phone calls and interviews after the initial chat over the phone. Any questions were answered or relayed to the relevant person/team and was helpful in bottoming issues and queries.

Grace is very easy and lovely to talk to. She is very succint and looks for updates whenever possible.

Would recommend to anyone looking for a recruiter to make the journey pain free.
John P, Continuous Improvement Engineer

A real pleasure to work with, Kyle was very easy to work with and as requested gave me honest feedback and learning points. I embraced his interview advice 100% this enabled me to drive the process and to find out a bit more about the company core values which was important to me.
A very pleasurable experience indeed, and would definitely not hesitate in recommending Kyle to hone your skills in compiling your CV through to pre-interview advise and approach a very good listener indeed.
Brian D, Quality Manager

During my time at Wartsila Valves / Shipham Valves, at times things were uncertain, but, despite that, Kyle was not only instrumental in me getting 2 contract extensions, but a pay rise was negotiated with my client, too.
Mark T, Quality Manager

Kyle has represented me twice over the last couple of years when I was seeking new, challenging experiences.
He listens to a Clients requirements and presents well tailored opportunities.
I was given extensive background information and preparation material for all the positions I applied for and immediate support in regards to any issues I encountered. With Kyle's assistance I was recently successful in my application for a Senior Quality role with Costain. Administrative complications during the process were ably negotiated by Kyle.

I can honestly recommend Kyle as an individual who demonstrates a high level of professionalism and integrity in his dealings with Clients.
Robin S, Senior Quality Engineer

I have worked with Kyle for many years and Kyle was instrumental to my successfully applying to 3 roles, 2 of which he was the recruiter and one of which he was not. Here lies the difference between a great recruiter and Kyle: Kyle helped me in my research and review of interview techniques for a role he made no money on. I know I can call Kyle anytime if I need advice on recruitment.
Lilian C, Quality Manager

Grace kept me updated throughout the recruitment process and made sure I was prepared for each stage. She contacted me before and after each stage and ensured that I had all the information I required.
Gary W, Production Manager

Danielle has kept me informed on the whole process and when the case started to be slightly more complicated, she arranged and adjusted the solution that was great for both sides.
The communication was always not only very informative and professional but also cheerful and friendly.
Pawel C, Control System Engineer

I was recently placed to work through Optima and had the pleasure of dealing with Danielle. She was utterly professional during the whole process and is like a breath of fresh air. She always spoke highly of her boss Kyle, and it is clear to see that Optima is a great place to work. I would implore anyone thinking of dealing with them to go for it!
Peter M, Control System Engineer

Grace is an excellent recruiter. I would certainly work with her again. Throughout the entire process Grace displayed professionalism and was very informative regarding the role from the outset. One thing that set Grace apart from other recruiters was her excellent communication throughout the process.
Ciaran B, Production Engineer

Having been in contact with many recruitment consultants recently I've found Grace to the most pro-active. She really took the time toget to know me and fully understand exactly what I was looking for in my next role. Her communication was excellent,follow up emails and phone calls were on the day agreed and very regular. I can say that if I or the organisation I work for have a need for recruitment's consultants in the Grace will be the first person I contact.
Wayne C, Continuous Improvement Manager

I worked with Grace and she stands out head and shoulders above most consultants, An excellent communicator, extremely personable, takes time to understand the needs and requirements of the roles and individuals creating Win-win scenarios. A dedicated hardworking individual whom its a pleasure to work.
Gordon K, Site Manager

I had my first dealings with Grace around 6 months ago and she has been a constant source of encouragement ever since. Unfortunately, I wasn't successful in managing to secure the role that she put me forward for but that did not stop her.
Grace has been in contact every few weeks throughout my time 'between jobs'. Always asking how I was and where I was up to in the job market.
Never one to give up, she has tried her very best to find me a role that suits my skills and circumstances.
Now that I am back in employment, she is still in touch and genuinely interested in my progress at my new company.
It's so great to know you Grace.
Stephen U, Production Manager

Grace is utterly unique as a recruiter in my experience - totally approachable, comms always on point, wouldn't BS you if she knew how and you've got more chance of winning the lottery than having her ghost you (are you listening pretty much every other recruiter anywhere?). We never managed to get to a successful placement (Covid saw to that) but Grace never stopped trying or checking up on how I was doing and how I though the market was looking (see, smart as well as nice) - once there's no placement fee in the offing most recruiters have already headed for the hills. As you can tell, I can't recommend Grace highly enough and if I ever need to find another role (or recruit for one) I'll be straight on the blower to her (whichever recruiter she's working for). Don't ever change Grace 😊
Gary P, Programme Manager

Worked with Danielle during my recent search for employment, every time I spoke with Danielle she was positive, professional and polite. She worked hard to secure me an interview and to help prepare me for the meetings with the potential employer at every stage. I would definitely recommend Danielle for people seeking work and in fact I already have!
Rob M, Continuous Improvement Engineer

Grace throughout the process has been extremely friendly, informative and professional. She gave me insights into the role, the interviewer which I think have been crucial in getting this role. I look forward to working with Grace in the future.
Ryan P, Production Manager

Absolutely excellent! Initial call was with Kyle (he placed me in my previous role) Dani was just starting with Optima. Dani and I had a detailed review of what I had done, my experience and what I wanted! A Quality Manager role In Blackpool Great wage (no travel) Can go to gym in morning before work (but still won’t) Spot on all the way! Thanks Team Optima!!
Diane H, Quality Manager

Grace did a great job keeping me informed, specifically with information and advice about my interview.
Ian S, Production Manager

Grace is a fantastic, thorough and knowledgeable consultant. She is both honest and trustworthy, she does what she says she is going to do when she says she is going to do it.
Lee C, Production Manager

In a competitive market, Recruitment Consultants need to stand out from the crowd, more so now than before COVID-19.  The days of promising the earth but then disappearing the get the next quick win are gone for now and a more long term, considerate and personal service is required.  After all, it’s the candidates that actually earn the fees and support the brands reputation.  For me, Optima Consultancy Services, Grace in particular, has done just that.  Grace communicates with me pro-actively, whether good, bad or indeed no news.  Grace is always cheerful, trustworthy and insightful into market conditions.  I look forward to success with Optima Consultancy Services and continuing this relationship for many years to come.
Nigel B, Business Executive

What stood out for me was Kyle's enthusiasm and honesty. I'd been looking for the right role for a while and Kyle's no nonsense, to the point posting caught my eye. After a brief initial chat, it was clear we were on the same page and the whole process moved quickly from then on with Kyle keeping the momentum going using clear communications and chasing both sides when necessary.
Paul W, Quality Manager

I am pleased to recommend Kyle Davies having worked with him through the last 9 to 10 years. He's has always been there to help and assist with my employment needs.
The best way to describe Kyle is he always gone that extra mile to match my experience to what an employer is looking for.
Greville R, Quality Manager

Kyle has represented me twice over the last couple of years when I was seeking new, challenging experiences. He listens to a Clients requirements and presents well tailored opportunities. I was given extensive background information and preparation material for all the positions I applied for and immediate support in regards to any issues I encountered.
With Kyle's assistance I was recently successful in my application for a Senior Quality role with Costain. Administrative complications during the process were ably negotiated by Kyle.

I can honestly recommend Kyle as an individual who demonstrates a high level of professionalism and integrity in his dealings with Clients.
Robin S, Quality Manager

I have recently had the pleasure of working with Kyle in order to secure employment for myself. In his capacity as Recruitment Consultant, Kyle proved to be a confident & capable individual, who demonstrated total integrity & professionalism throughout each stage of the process. Communication was of the highest order & I would have no hesitation in recommending the use of Kyle's services a in the future.
Chris R, General Manager

I spoke to Ryan a couple of months ago when I first decided to look into switching positions. He gave me excellent and genuine insight into the market. I will definitely contact Ryan again in the future when the need arises.
Graeme S, Controls Engineer Contractor

During my period of unemployment, I found Kyle to be very supportive, enthusiastic and professional in his approach towards ensuring I was back in employment as soon as possible. At a time when I needed help, Kyle made a difference and ensured I remained positive.
This young man is trustworthy, knowledgeable and has become a frend at a time when it mattered. I have no reservations whatsoever in recommending this dynamic, make it happen, young man.
Trust him and you will not be disappointed.
Chris E, European Director

I had the pleasure of working with Ryan for a contract position I worked through Optima. The process was easy, well communicated, and easy flowing. I would highly recommend Optima; their professional but friendly way of work is second to none!
Jamie W, Mechanical Design Contractor

I was at risk of redundancy and a friend recommended Kyle to me. 
As soon as I spoke with Kyle, I felt positive energy and support. He asked about my background, my current role and responsibilities and suggested I fill in a form where I could fill in any blanks we missed and he also asked me to record a short video to boost my profile. I had quite a few interviews lined up already, but Kyle still set a time to call me back every 2 weeks and provided fantastic support. 
One of his analogies was so strong, I’ll never forget it. I asked if I should accept a lower salary because of COVID, he said: “Is Bentley going to reduce the price of their car because of it? Of course not, so neither should you”
I listened to Kyle and luckily received an offer as Head of CI with an even better salary.
I highly recommend working with Kyle as he will go through a thorough process, whilst still retaining that level of empathy and support.
Masoud Z, Head of CI


 

 



Testimonials are on their way.

Questions You Should Ask During the Hiring Process
14.12.2023
As a candidate, you should aim to find out as much as you can about a job, and this goes beyond simply asking what your day to day would be like. It means finding out about everything from company culture and the onboarding process to the possible opportunities for career development.
How Hiring Managers Can Make Their Recruitment Process More Equitable and Inclusive?
07.12.2023
Recruitment can sometimes be prone to bias, leading to a non-inclusive strategy. Did you know that men are twice as likely to get hired, regardless of the hiring manager's gender? This blog explores how recruiters and hiring managers can make their interview and assessment process as well as their candidate attraction strategy more equitable and inclusive.
DIY Recruitment: A Guide to Running Effective Referral Campaigns and Utilising Your Network
30.11.2023
With cost reduction a key theme amongst UK businesses many are turning to innovative and cost-effective methods to find the right talent. DIY recruitment, or Do-It-Yourself recruitment, is gaining popularity as businesses seek to take matters into their own hands. In this article, we will explore two powerful strategies to help companies recruit themselves: running effective referral campaigns and utilising their networks for headhunting.
How to Ensure Your Video Interviewing is Up to Scratch
23.11.2023
The way we work and conduct business has undergone a significant transformation in recent years, especially when it comes to recruiting. The traditional methods of recruiting - which largely focused on meeting candidates in person, and asking questions face to face - are no longer the only option.
How to Sell your Business Through a Good Job Description to Attract the Best Talent?
16.11.2023
Suppose you’re a hiring manager looking to recruit successfully, in that case, it is important to understand that the key to initially attracting the best candidates is to write a powerful job description that sells the organisation to the candidate; this is key to getting the best talent to apply for the role. This blog will explore how to write successful job descriptions that attract talented candidates.
Flexi-Time: A Winning Solution for Attracting Manufacturing and Engineering Talent
02.11.2023
The manufacturing and engineering industries have long been the backbone of the global economy, producing the products and innovations that drive progress. Yet, attracting and retaining top talent in these sectors has never been more challenging. However, there's a flexible alternative that can make your job offerings stand out in a competitive job market: Flexi-Time.

My Testimonial

We approached Optima during our search for technical roles within the business, Kyle and the team were great in helping us shape our needs and hone in on the type of person we actually needed, rather than just what the job description had in its text.
From the outset, Optima presented us with candidates that really did not need shortlisting by ourselves, and the shortened our process significantly. Optima remained in contact with the candidates and us to ensure that any issues were managed, and that initial telephone interviews were conducted at pace, so we could down select.
Helping the candidates prepare for interview by giving them the “story” of our roles, meant that interviewees were well prepared before face to face interviews, and understood not only the current task, but the direction we wanted to go in the future, which ensured our side of the process was easy to conduct.
Post recruitment by managing candidate contact, Optima ensured we worked with candidates through to joining us, preparing them for smooth onboarding and reducing the time it took to get to know the business.
Ops Manager @ AE Aerospace
About Kyle Davies
I had the pleasure of working with Ryan for a contract position I worked through Optima. The process was easy, well communicated, and easy flowing. I would highly recommend Optima; their professional but friendly way of work is second to none!
Jamie W, Mechanical Design Contractor
About Ryan Lockett
Absolutely excellent! Initial call was with Kyle (he placed me in my previous role) Dani was just starting with Optima. Dani and I had a detailed review of what I had done, my experience and what I wanted! A Quality Manager role In Blackpool Great wage (no travel) Can go to gym in morning before work (but still won’t) Spot on all the way! Thanks Team Optima!!
Diane H, Quality Manager
About Dani Montgomery
In a competitive market, Recruitment Consultants need to stand out from the crowd, more so now than before COVID-19. The days of promising the earth but then disappearing the get the next quick win are gone for now and a more long term, considerate and personal service is required. After all, it’s the candidates that actually earn the fees and support the brands reputation. For me, Optima Consultancy Services, Grace in particular, has done just that. Grace communicates with me pro-actively, whether good, bad or indeed no news. Grace is always cheerful, trustworthy and insightful into market conditions. I look forward to success with Optima Consultancy Services and continuing this relationship for many years to come.
Nigel B, Business Executive
For Grace Brewer