A few weeks ago, Jackie Cory Recruitment marked a significant milestone — 10 years in business.
For founder Jackie Cory, the anniversary is about far more than longevity. It is a chance to reflect on a decade shaped by courage, relationships, resilience and a genuine belief in people.
The business was born in 2016 when the company Jackie was working for in Gqeberha closed. Rather than step back, she decided to take the lead and start her own recruitment company. With few established local contacts, she built the business from the ground up — knocking on doors, meeting HR and financial managers, and earning trust one relationship at a time.
Asked what Jackie Cory Recruitment was built on, her answer is simple:
“Courage.”
Over the past decade, recruitment has changed dramatically. Jackie remembers newspaper adverts, piles of printed CVs, card index systems and calls made from a Telkom landline. Today, cloud-based systems, Microsoft Teams and artificial intelligence have transformed the industry.
But one thing has remained unchanged: the human connection.
A qualified social worker who also studied psychology, Jackie has always believed that recruitment is about more than matching qualifications to a job description. It is about understanding the person behind the CV — their goals, motivations, strengths and potential.
“We want candidates to know that we care about them and that they are not just another commodity,” she says.
That personal approach has helped create long-standing relationships with both candidates and clients. Some candidates placed by Jackie have gone on to senior leadership positions, while others have later returned as clients themselves.
The company’s most challenging chapter came during Covid-19, which forced the team to restructure, work remotely and rapidly adapt its systems. It was difficult emotionally and financially, but it also transformed the way the business operated and reinforced the importance of resilience.
Today, one of Jackie’s greatest sources of pride is her team. She describes the culture as “caring and collaborative, generous and empathetic” and takes enormous satisfaction in watching her consultants grow in confidence and ability.
Reflecting on the past decade, Jackie sums it up in three words:
Resilience. Faith. Hope.
Now, the focus is firmly on the future. Jackie Cory Recruitment is growing its national placement work, has reintroduced soft-skills training and hopes to expand into international markets.
While technology and AI will continue to change recruitment, Jackie believes the human element will always matter.
Her vision is for Jackie Cory Recruitment to remain the go-to recruitment partner for candidates and clients — known for professionalism, care and a consistently personal experience.
To the clients, candidates and team who have supported the journey, Jackie’s message is one of gratitude.
Ten years ago, Jackie Cory Recruitment began with courage. A decade later, it stands on trust, relationships and the many lives touched along the way.
And the next chapter is only just beginning.