In the fast-paced world of digital marketing and technical recruitment, the landscape can often feel like an emotional rollercoaster. Right now, there seems to be a pervasive sense of negativity among recruiters in Australia. But let me tell you—this is nothing compared to the challenges faced during the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), when the recruitment market was frozen solid. Back then, even securing a call centre job was a big win, and the digital and tech recruitment industry came to a standstill.

Fast forward to today, and while the market might not be booming, it’s far from the desolate wasteland it was during the GFC. There are roles and fantastic opportunities out there, just waiting for the right candidates. What’s needed now more than ever is a dose of sunshine, a positive mindset, and an attitude that refuses to give up. Positivity isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity in today’s digital marketing and technical recruitment environment.

The Power of Positivity in Recruitment

Positivity matters. It’s not just a feel-good concept; it’s a powerful force that can transform how we approach our work. In digital marketing and technical recruitment, where the stakes are high and the challenges many, maintaining a positive mindset is crucial.

When the market is tough, it’s easy to get bogged down by negativity. You might start doubting yourself, questioning your strategies, or feeling disheartened by the slow trickle of job opportunities. But here’s the thing: your mindset shapes your reality. If you allow negativity to take hold, it will impact your performance, your interactions with clients and candidates, and ultimately, your results.

Conversely, a positive mindset can turn challenges into opportunities. It can help you see the potential in every situation, even when things aren’t going according to plan. It can inspire you to think creatively, push through tough times, and keep going when others might give up.

The Direct Correlation Between Moving Your Body and Positivity

There’s a direct correlation between physical activity and maintaining positivity and mental toughness. It’s something I’ve experienced firsthand, and I can’t stress enough how much of a difference it makes. Staying active is a non-negotiable part of maintaining my mental resilience and staying positive, especially in a challenging recruitment market.

I try to swim three times a week, lift weights twice a week, and go on a decent bushwalk every weekend. These activities aren’t just about keeping fit—they’re about keeping my mind sharp and my spirits high. There’s something about pushing your body that helps clear the mental cobwebs, reduces stress, and puts things into perspective. It’s a way to recharge, refocus, and come back to the recruitment battlefield with renewed energy and positivity.

In digital marketing and technical recruitment, where the pressures can be intense and the stakes high, having that outlet is crucial. It’s about more than just physical health; it’s about mental fortitude. When you’re feeling good physically, you’re better equipped to handle the ups and downs of the job, maintain a positive outlook, and keep pushing forward, even when the going gets tough.

Lessons from the GFC: The Dark Days of Recruitment

Let’s take a trip down memory lane to the GFC, a time when the recruitment market was, to put it mildly, bleak. Jobs were scarce, companies were cutting back, and the future seemed uncertain. As someone who was in the thick of it, I can tell you that it was a time that tested every recruiter’s resolve.

Back then, there were literally no jobs. The few that did exist were often in areas like call centres—roles that, while important, weren’t exactly at the cutting edge of digital and tech innovation. The recruitment market was stagnant, and it felt like the entire industry was holding its breath, waiting for something—anything—to change.

But even in those dark days, the sun eventually came out again. The market recovered, opportunities returned, and those of us who stuck it out were stronger for it. We learned that resilience, perseverance, and a never-say-die attitude are the keys to surviving—and thriving—in tough times.

The Reality of Today’s Market: Opportunities Are Out There

Fast forward to today, and while the digital marketing and technical recruitment market might be challenging, it’s nothing compared to what we faced during the GFC. Yes, there are obstacles. Yes, it might take a little more effort to find the right opportunities. But the opportunities are there.

In digital marketing and technical recruitment, roles like SEO specialists, AI developers, and paid media marketing experts are still in demand. Companies are still looking for top talent to drive their digital transformation efforts, innovate, and lead the way in a rapidly changing landscape. The key is to stay positive, stay focused, and keep pushing forward.

If you’re a recruiter feeling the weight of today’s market, remember this: you’ve got this. You’ve faced challenges before, and you’ve come out the other side. The same will be true this time. It’s all about mindset—believing in yourself, your abilities, and the opportunities that are out there.

Positivity Breeds Success: The Impact of Mindset on Performance

One of the most important lessons I’ve learned over the years is that positivity breeds success. When you approach your work with a positive mindset, you’re more likely to see the possibilities rather than the obstacles. You’re more likely to take risks, innovate, and find creative solutions to problems.

In digital marketing and technical recruitment, this mindset is invaluable. When you believe that opportunities are out there, you’re more likely to find them. When you believe that you can make a difference, you’re more likely to do so. And when you refuse to give up, even when the going gets tough, you’re more likely to succeed.

This is a lesson I’ve seen play out time and time again. Take my mentor, Glenn Dobson, for example. Glenn is an ultra-marathon runner, a Kona Ironman competitor, and someone who never, ever gives up. When the going gets tough, Glenn has a saying: HTFU. I’ll let you figure out what that stands for, but the point is clear—no matter how tough things get, you have to keep going. You have to push through the pain, the doubt, and the fear, and keep moving forward.

The Importance of a Never-Say-Die Attitude

A never-say-die attitude is more than just a motivational slogan—it’s a mindset that can make all the difference in recruitment. In an industry where rejection is a regular occurrence, deals fall through, and the landscape is constantly shifting, the ability to persevere is crucial.

When you refuse to give up, you send a message to your clients, your candidates, and yourself: you’re in this for the long haul. You’re committed to finding the right match, no matter how long it takes. You’re determined to succeed, even when the odds are against you.

This attitude is what separates the good recruiters from the great ones. It’s what allows you to keep going when others might throw in the towel. And it’s what will ultimately lead to success, even in the toughest of markets.

Starting Your Own Business: A New Opportunity

If you’re feeling the weight of today’s market, consider this: maybe it’s time to create your own opportunity. Maybe the challenges you’re facing are pushing you towards something new, something bigger. Starting your own business in digital marketing or tech might be the next step in your journey.

Positivity, mindset, and a never-say-die attitude aren’t just important in recruitment—they’re essential for entrepreneurship as well. When you believe in yourself and your vision, when you approach challenges with optimism, and when you refuse to give up, you’re setting yourself up for success.

So, if you’ve ever thought about striking out on your own, now might be the time. The market may be tough, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. With the right mindset, the right support, and a commitment to never giving up, you can turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s opportunities.

The Correlation Between Positivity and Reality in Recruitment

It’s easy to get caught up in the negativity, especially when the market is challenging. But the reality is that positivity has a direct correlation to success in recruitment. When you approach your work with a positive mindset, you’re more likely to find opportunities, make connections, and close deals.

This isn’t just wishful thinking—it’s backed by experience. Over my 26 years in digital marketing and technical recruitment, I’ve seen firsthand how positivity can turn things around. It can change the way you see the market, the way you interact with clients and candidates, and the way you approach your work. And it can lead to real, tangible results.

So, if you’re feeling discouraged, if you’re hearing negativity from every corner, take a step back and reset your mindset. Remember that you’ve been through tough times before, and you’ve come out stronger. The same will be true this time.

You Got This: A Message to My Fellow Recruiters

To all my fellow recruiters out there, I want to say this: you got this. The market might be challenging, but you have the skills, the experience, and the mindset to succeed. Positivity isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. It’s what will carry you through the tough times and help you find the opportunities that are out there.

So, when the going gets tough, remember Glenn Dobson’s mantra: HTFU. Keep pushing, keep believing, and never, ever give up. The opportunities are out there, waiting for you to find them. And with the right mindset, you will.

The future is bright, let’s go there together!

Let us help you build a Brilliant team in Digital.

Big Wave Digital are experts in Digital Recruitment Sydney

At Big Wave Digital , Sydney’s leading digital, blockchain and technical recruitment agency, we have deep connections, experience and proven expertise, and the ability to achieve a win for all parties in the challenging recruiting process. We can connect to highly coveted digital and tech talent with the world’s best employers.

Keiran Hathorn is the CEO & Founder of Big Wave Digital. A Sydney based niche Digital, Blockchain & Technology recruitment company. Keiran leads a high performance, experienced recruitment team, assisting companies of all sizes secure the best talent.