As part of our weekly 'Meet the Team' series, we’re giving you the opportunity to get to know the people behind Fortis Recruitment, gaining insights into their careers and expertise. We’re kicking things off with Anne-Marie Walsh, one of the first team members to join Fortis. With a background in technology recruitment, Anne-Marie has expanded her focus to executive search, senior appointments and the legal sector. Here, she shares her journey, industry tips, and what keeps her motivated inside and outside of work.
I was originally looking for a job in marketing, and the recruiter I was working with pointed out that I seemed very competitive, target-driven, and good with people. She wondered why I hadn’t considered recruitment before, and that’s when the idea clicked.
I’ll be with Fortis four years this December. My favourite thing about working here is the open and transparent culture – I really appreciate being able to
voice my thoughts. I’m also pleased that we’ve retained our flexible working policy. I think many companies talk about diversity and inclusion but then demand a full-time return to the office, which seems contradictory to me. I enjoy a balanced approach, with three days in the office and two days working from home, which is particularly helpful for working parents.
I started in technology recruitment in 2012 and have continued working in tech to some degree ever since. However, since 2015, I’ve focused more on senior appointments and have recently expanded into the legal sector.
We are continuously raising the bar, challenging outdated ways of working in recruitment, and embracing innovative approaches.
We’re making a concerted effort to get back to more face-to-face meetings, which have proved invaluable in developing strong relationships. Listening is one of the core values at Fortis, and it plays a crucial role in understanding the needs and motivations of both candidates and clients. By actively listening, we can tailor our approach, ensuring that we place candidates in roles where they can thrive and help our clients find the right talent to drive their businesses forward.
At the moment, employers are being quite cautious before making hiring decisions. On the candidate side, patience is essential, but it’s also important to make yourself as available as possible for in-person interviews.
Be prepared to be resilient, and don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and reach out to your network.
One of the most rewarding highlights of my career has been securing retained work and, more importantly, seeing former candidates return as clients. It’s such an honour when someone who trusted you with their career journey comes back to you for help in building their own team. It’s a real testament to the trust we’ve built and the positive impact we’ve had on their professional lives. Moments like that make all the hard work truly worthwhile.
Seeing candidates I’ve placed thrive in their roles is incredibly rewarding. It’s also a fantastic job when you’re making lots of placements!
I’m quite busy at the moment, studying for a legal diploma at the King’s Inns and playing plenty of tennis at my local club. I’m also raising a very sporty sixth-class boy and looking after my two fur balls, a dog and a cat. When I can, I love enjoying good food and drinks with friends.
If you're a candidate looking for your next career move or a client seeking the perfect addition to your team, Anne-Marie is here to help. With her deep expertise in senior appointments, along with her commitment to truly understanding your needs, she’s ready to guide you through every step of the recruitment process. Get in touch with Anne-Marie today to discuss how she can support your career or business, and don’t forget to browse the exciting roles she’s currently recruiting for with leading clients.
