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Your Recruitment Partner in the South West
Octopus Personnel is a recruitment agency dedicated to connecting job seekers with employers across the South West of England. We specialise in permanent, temporary, and contract roles, offering tailored support to candidates and businesses alike. Our team personally interviews every candidate to understand their skills, experience, and career aspirations, ensuring precise matches for both parties. We utilise innovative tools such as video recruitment and skills testing to streamline the hiring process, saving time for employers while maintaining rigorous standards. Our commitment to integrity, efficiency, and client satisfaction has made us a trusted partner in recruitment.

We pride ourselves on our 100% money-back guarantee if candidates do not meet employer expectations. With a focus on building long-term relationships, we support candidates in securing roles that align with their goals and help businesses find talent that fits their culture. Our services extend to temporary staffing solutions, permanent placements, and guidance on CV writing, interviews, and career development. Operating from our office in Stratton-on-the-Fosse and pop-up locations, we combine local expertise with a dynamic approach to recruitment. Our teams passion for making a positive impact drives us to deliver exceptional results for candidates and clients every day.
Services
Temporary Staffing Permanent Placements CV Writing Support Skills Testing Video Recruitment
Highlights and features
  • We personally interview every candidate to ensure precise role matches.
  • Our video recruitment and skills testing streamline the hiring process.
  • We offer a 100% money-back guarantee if candidates do not meet expectations.
  • Our team provides tailored support for both job seekers and employers.
  • We prioritise integrity, efficiency, and long-term relationships in recruitment.
Associations and certifications
  • GLAA License No OCTO0001
What people say
Excellent service Found me work quickly Professional and friendly team Accurate payment process Helped career change
Services
Temporary Staffing
Octopus Personnel provides flexible temporary staffing solutions, allowing candidates to control their working hours while gaining experience. Employers benefit from accessing reliable, pre-vetted talent for short-term projects or seasonal demands. Our process ensures candidates receive the same rights and conditions as permanent employees.
Permanent Placements
We specialise in permanent placements, connecting employers with candidates seeking long-term career opportunities. Our rigorous vetting process ensures candidates align with company culture and job requirements. Employers gain access to skilled professionals committed to long-term growth and stability.
CV Writing Support
Octopus Personnel offers expert CV writing support to help candidates showcase their skills and experience effectively. Our tailored advice ensures CVs stand out to potential employers. Resources include downloadable guides and one-on-one consultations to refine presentation and content.
Skills Testing
We utilise skills testing to evaluate candidates' abilities objectively, ensuring they meet job-specific requirements. This approach reduces hiring time for employers while maintaining high standards. Tests cover technical competencies, problem-solving, and role-specific knowledge to identify the best matches.
Video Recruitment
Our video recruitment service streamlines the hiring process by enabling employers to review candidate introductions remotely. This innovative method saves time and resources while maintaining personal interaction. Candidates gain a platform to present themselves confidently to potential employers.
People
Sandra Smart
Company Director
Sandra Smart founded Octopus Personnel with a vision to revolutionise recruitment through honesty and integrity. She prioritises understanding candidates' aspirations and employers' needs to create perfect matches. Her leadership fosters a vibrant, inclusive workplace culture.
Anna Wiklinska
Recruitment Consultant
Anna Wiklinska specialises in industrial and hospitality recruitment, connecting candidates with roles in warehousing, production, and events. She values building relationships with job seekers and employers to deliver tailored solutions. Her approach ensures candidates find roles aligned with their skills.
Scruff
Meet & Greet
Scruff, the office dog, welcomes visitors and contributes to a friendly, stress-free environment. His role includes candidate assessment through positive interactions and boosting team morale. He embodies Octopus Personnel's commitment to a welcoming workplace.
Questions
What areas does Octopus Personnel cover?
We operate across the South West of England, including towns like Templecombe, Shaftesbury, Gillingham, and Radstock.
How do I register as a candidate?
Register online by submitting your CV and details via our website or visit our pop-up offices in Gillingham.
What types of jobs are available?
We offer temporary, permanent, and contract roles in sectors like warehousing, hospitality, production, and administration.
How does the payment process work for temporary staff?
Timesheets must be submitted by Monday 10am for Friday payments. Payments are processed promptly via direct bank transfer.
Can employers request specific candidate criteria?
Yes, we tailor our searches to match your specific requirements, including skills, experience, and cultural fit.
What support is available for job seekers?
We provide CV guidance, interview preparation, skills testing, and ongoing support to help candidates secure their ideal roles.
Reviews (5)
Alex Harvey
Dec 26, 2019 Report
I have used Octopus twice in the past where they have been incredibly efficient and helpful. I would highly recommend them to anyone. The staff are all good humoured and always happy to help
Tim The Er
Aug 10, 2019 Report
Big potential for success. A niche market place being the only agency in town. Unfortunately not firing on all cylinders. Big promises, talking the talk with very disappointing results. It all seemed a bit hit & miss with staff/management contradictions. Despite making preferences, my email alerts often advertised, irrelevant job posts which added to the overall frustration. A real shame as a local agency would have been ideal for my needs.
Jonathan Nicholas
Jun 07, 2019 Report
Very friendly and welcoming staff. Thanks to them, I was offered a permanent job at the place I was given agency work. Happily, Ive accepted and the staff at Octopus are over the moon for me. Thank you to all the staff for being so positive and congratulating me on my position. Without them, I dont know where Id be right now. Thank you again
Jess Mason
Dec 21, 2017 Report
My partner has been messed about with being paid, been almost 2 weeks since he done work for them and not been paid still, then we get told they've misplaced his bank details, really reassuring that. Hopefully joe blogs ain't wound up with my bank details.
ThatGuy
Sep 17, 2017 Report
Taking a while to get back to me. So far 2 weeks wait. Urgently needed the work but so far to no avail.