We’re Professional Matchmakers – But Not That Kind

When we say we’re professional matchmakers, we’re not trying to set you up with your soulmate (unless your soulmate happens to be a steady paycheck and a workplace that doesn’t make you contemplate faking your own death every Monday morning).

But here’s the thing: recruitment really is matchmaking. Skills need to click with requirements. Values need to align with culture. Timing has to work. And sometimes, despite everything looking perfect on paper, there’s just no spark.

You could say we’re your career Tinder, except we don’t rely on filtered photos and bios that say “loves long walks on the beach and Netflix.”

The Problem with Most Recruitment

Let’s be honest about what’s happening out there. Too many recruiters are still operating like it’s 2005:

• Posting copy-paste job ads that could describe literally any company
• “Great opportunity!” calls, with zero context about what actually makes it great
• Pushing candidates into roles because they tick boxes, not because they’ll thrive
• Following up relentlessly but saying nothing useful

It’s recruitment by numbers. Fill the role, collect the fee, move on.

Last year, we spoke to a candidate who had been presented with an opportunity in a “dynamic startup environment”. Turns out “dynamic” was code for “we have no structure, a CEO with weekly mood swings and 70-hour weeks in exchange for equity that may never be worth the paper it’s printed on.” Three weeks into the role, they were begging us to bail them out.

How We Actually Match People

It starts with understanding what really matters – not just what’s on paper, but what drives someone, where they want to go, and how they work best.

Frank Papa, COO of ANU Enterprise, puts it perfectly after almost a decade of working with us: “They know us, they know our culture, they continue to take the time to understand our evolving and changing business needs, and they pay particular attention to sourcing and putting forward candidates that absolutely match the brief, which results in no time wasters.”

That’s the difference between filling roles and making matches.

Here’s what we won’t do: if we wouldn’t take the job ourselves, we won’t try to sell it to you. Full stop.

Why This Matters

When everything aligns, the impact is undeniable. The candidate shows up on day one, genuinely excited. The employer finally exhales, reassured they made the right call. And instead of bracing for the inevitable “this isn’t working” conversation, we get to witness something click beautifully into place.

Just last month we placed Eoghan as CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charities ACT and SE NSW. He told us afterwards: “My first conversation with Elsa made me feel understood. Elliott Gray had my best interests at heart. Elsa took time to listen to my experience, my career goals, and truly understood my career purpose.”

From the candidate side, Thais, who we placed as a private wealth assistant, said: “From day one Madison and Elsa were incredibly welcoming and supportive. They guided me through the process, connected me with good opportunities, and helped me find a job where I feel truly happy. Even after I started they kept in touch to check in on how things were going which really shows the care and dedication that set Elliott Gray apart.”

That’s what happens when the match is right, not just the skills and experience, but the whole picture.

Bad matches waste everyone’s time. Great ones spark transformation.

A professional match builds confidence. It doesn’t just elevate someone’s work life, it transforms their demeanour, sharpens their focus, and often unlocks potential they didn’t know they had. The right fit can ripple outward, improving everything from performance to personal wellbeing.

No Suits. No Scripts. Just Precision Matching.

At Elliott Gray, we don’t do corporate jargon or recruitment theatre. We’ve traded the tired routines for something better: curiosity, honesty, and sound judgment.

So no, we won’t set you up on a date.

But we will help you find work that actually fits your life, not just your CV.

Ready to stop swiping and start matching with purpose?

Let’s talk: contact@elliottgray.com.au | (02) 6176 3430