I caught up with Andrew Cleary, Manager of Employer Services at DeakinTALENT in Deakin University. With over a decade in recruitment and a deep understanding of the evolving job landscape, Andrew brings clarity, humility, and warmth to every conversation. From supporting students to navigating industry change, his journey reflects the power of people-first thinking in the world of work.
📍Q: You’ve worked across recruitment and employer services for over a decade. What first drew you to this space, and what keeps you energised about it today?
Andrew: “After University I was abit unsure how to take the next step and ended up on a working holiday teaching English. I had never really heard of a career recruitment however some friends from university as well as some people in the rugby team I was playing in, worked in the industry, and gave me a really good insight into the opportunities as a Recruiter. Understanding what the role entails and been able to link this to my internal motivation, helped me secure my first position. Once I got into recruitment, I realised how dynamic it was. You’re constantly learning about different industries, roles, and people. It’s like solving a puzzle. You connect the dots, you make a real impact, and that feeling of helping someone take their next step? That never gets old.”
📍Q: You’ve seen recruitment evolve over the years. What’s changed the most in how employers and candidates connect and what hasn’t changed at all?
Andrew: “One of the biggest shifts is around candidate care. It’s become more visible and more valued, it’s not just a process anymore; it’s part of how an organisation shows who they are. The candidate experience reflects the brand. But what hasn’t changed is the human side of it. At the core, it’s still about understanding people, their motivations, their stories. That’s timeless.”
📍Q: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to students or recent grads navigating their career path in today’s job market?
Andrew: “Be persistent. Be resilient. And most importantly, figure out what motivates you. What gives you energy? Let that guide you. Don’t force a path that doesn’t feel right. This is a journey, not a race. Take active steps, be open, and give yourself permission to figure it out along the way.”
đź“ŤQ: One message for the world?
Andrew: “Follow your passion. Do what you enjoy, and if you can, build a career around it. Life’s better when you love what you do.”
✨Key Takeaway:
Andrew’s story is a reminder that careers aren’t built overnight, they’re shaped through curiosity, resilience, and people. Whether you’re recruiting, mentoring, or job-seeking, connection is the thread that ties it all together. His journey shows us that meaningful impact doesn’t always come from big gestures, but from understanding, showing up, and helping someone take that next small step.
