Meet people2people: David Mclaren

Tammy Harvey • April 30, 2017

Our ‘Meet people2people Series’ introduces our readers to the vibrant team which makes up people2people. Today’s interview is with David Mclaren, a consultant with our Senior Finance Recruitment team in Brisbane. Born and bred in the UK, with multi-cultural parentage including an English mother, Irish father, Scottish wife and now so called Aussie daughters, I have worked in recruitment for over 20 years. I have specialised during this time in the qualified accounting and finance market, my wife being a qualified Accountant. This is now my 6th year in Brisbane and I can safely say we have acclimatised to the Aussie culture, as well as weather.

What’s the most challenging part of your job? Finding that right candidate for the job – not just skills, but personality and fit are equally if not more important. You can learn a skill, you can’t change your personality.

What are the main qualities you look for in a resume? On top of the usual spelling and grammar and detailed information, I also look at hobbies and interests, which can often make someone stand you out from the crowd, as well as the most recent duties and responsibilities.

What’s your most valuable interview tip? Check out your interviewer, understand the company’s product or service offering, research their competitors and see what the market is saying about them . Then make sure you can relate your skill set specifically to the job for which you are applying and highlight the relevant achievements suitable to the role.

Rugby league or rugby union? With my English hat on – Union, but I have enjoyed being educated in how good league is since being over here in Australia

What’s your favourite spot in Brisbane / Queensland? There are so many places we’ve been to and many different experiences we’ve enjoyed as a family. To see the turtles hatching at Mons Repos and the excitement of my two daughters, would be hard to beat though. If you are looking for work or would like to hire staff, get in touch with me by calling 07 3118 0125, emailing me at david.mclaren@people2people.com.au, or connecting with me on Twitter@p2pDavid. I look forward to hearing from you.

Find the job you love I Find the right talent
Get in touch with people2people

Australia   I   United Kingdom

In business since 2002 in Australia, NZ, and the United Kingdom, people2people is an award-winning recruitment agency with people at our heart. With over 12 offices, we specialise in accounting and finance, business support, education, executive, government, HR, legal, marketing and digital, property, sales, supply chain, and technology sectors. As the proud recipients of the 2024 Outstanding Large Agency and Excellence in Candidate Care Awards, we are dedicated to helping businesses achieve success through a people-first approach.



Share insights

Recent articles

By people2people December 20, 2025
Skills-first hiring is gaining momentum, with 85% of organisations now using it in some form. However, challenges around assessment, training and leadership alignment continue to limit consistent adoption. Explore what’s driving the shift and how employers can make skills-based hiring work in practice.
By Aiden Boast December 14, 2025
Australia’s latest Wage Price Index shows wage growth steady at 0.8% for the September 2025 quarter and 3.4% annually. Explore what this means for real wages, labour market conditions, and employer planning for 2026.
By Aiden Boast December 7, 2025
A detailed breakdown of Australia’s 2025 employment landscape, exploring hiring trends, AI’s impact on job search and recruitment, shifting candidate expectations, and strategic insights to help employers prepare for 2026.
By Leanne Lazarus December 1, 2025
A comprehensive look at how Australia’s 2025 workplace legislation shaped HR practices, covering wage theft, sexual harassment reforms, psychosocial risks and the right to disconnect, with insights to prepare for 2026.
By Liz Punshon November 23, 2025
Explore why burnout is rising across Australia, the workplace factors driving it and what leaders can do to support wellbeing, reduce stress and create healthier work environments.

Latest Media Features


Get in touch

Find out more by contacting one of our specialisat recruitment consultants across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Contact us