Open Diary Friday: Real conversations, real insight, real value
21 March 2026 
Automotive recruitment specialist Glen Callum Associates is opening up its teams’ diaries on the last Friday of each month to give anyone in the sector, from candidates and hiring managers to HR leaders and business owners, the chance to have a straight, honest conversation about hiring and careers – with no agenda and no obligation.
Glen Shepherd held the first session in January, and Kayleigh Bradley (pictured) held the second in February. The feedback from across the sector has been clear. People value the opportunity to step away from the noise and talk openly about what’s really happening in the market.
Commenting, Glen Shepherd said: “Each discussion has been different, but the common thread is simple, people want practical insight from someone who sees the aftermarket hiring market every day. That, in essence, is what Open Diary Friday is all about.”
Kayleigh Bradley added: “There’s no pressure to move roles or open vacancies. It’s simply a chance to talk through what’s on your mind, whether that’s careers, hiring plans or how the market is shifting.
“We launched the initiative because many people in the aftermarket tell us the same thing – there’s plenty of commentary in the market, but not always enough straight talking grounded in day-to-day reality.”
One theme that the teams say keeps coming up from candidates is visibility, particularly around CV positioning and how recruiters actually identify potential hires.
“Candidates often tell us they’re unsure why applications sometimes appear to go quiet,” added Glen. “In many of our conversations, we’ve been able to explain how shortlists are really built and what makes a profile stand out. Often, it comes down to small adjustments and clearer positioning. For several people, understanding how the process works behind the scenes was a genuine light-bulb moment.”
From the employer and HR side, salary benchmarking continues to be front of mind.
“Many clients tell us they’re working hard to stay competitive in the market while also maintaining internal balance across their teams,” Kaleigh explained. “We’re seeing businesses look more closely at how offers are structured and where flexibility sits. These are not always straightforward decisions, but they are conversations happening across the aftermarket right now.”
Recruitment can sometimes feel transactional. But in reality, the strongest hiring and career decisions come from context, timing and open dialogue.
Open Diary Friday has been designed to give people access to experienced aftermarket recruiters without any pressure attached. Whether someone is actively hiring, quietly considering their next move, or simply trying to sense-check the market, having that early conversation often brings useful clarity.
Open Diary Friday will continue on the last Friday of every month throughout 2026, with different members of the company’s senior recruitment team taking part, including Robert Cox, in the upcoming session at the end of March.
More details, including session timings and how to access the team, can be found on the company’s website.