3 Recruitment Experts You Absolutely Can't Miss in 2025!
Recruitment is not just about filling vacancies—it’s about connecting people, discovering talent, and ensuring progress. Some recruiters and recruitment experts excel so much that they become a source of inspiration for everyone in the industry. Today, we highlight three recruitment experts who truly make a difference. These experts understand exactly what it takes to create impact and inspire others.
Hande Depeli (Most Influential Recruiter of 2024)
If you manage to fill no fewer than 61 vacancies within one quarter, even during times of extreme scarcity, you absolutely deserve all the praise. And that’s exactly what Hande Depeli achieved at Dura Vermeer. Her impressive achievement made her unanimously chosen as the Most Influential Recruiter of 2024—a title she fully deserved by winning both the jury and public award!
Hande combines her international experience, gained in Istanbul, with her deep roots in Delft, giving her a unique perspective on diversity and inclusion. Her personal approach revolves around genuine attention to candidates: a clear, honest recruitment process where everyone feels heard and understood.
What truly sets her apart is that she actively involves colleagues in recruitment. By helping them strengthen their personal brand and leveraging referral bonuses and creative flyers, she successfully filled an impressive 61 vacancies. Additionally, she provides inspiring LinkedIn training sessions to young professionals and even helps students aged 12 to 16 discover their talents and map out their career paths.
Most Influential Recruiter of the Year
The title of Most Influential Recruiter of the Year is more than just an award; it is recognition of exceptional achievements and a profound impact on the recruitment industry. This prestigious title is awarded annually to the recruiter who has contributed most to the development of the profession. The winner is chosen by both a professional jury and the public, making the honor even greater.
In 2024, it was Hande Depeli who claimed this coveted title. Her impressive achievements at Dura Vermeer, where she filled no fewer than 61 vacancies in a quarter, made her the undisputed choice for both the jury and public award. Hande was even declared the overall winner, a testament to her influential role in the sector. Her unique approach and dedication make her a true inspiration for everyone in the recruitment world.
Marcel van der Meer
Ask recruiters where they get their impressive sourcing skills from, and you’ll often hear the name Marcel van der Meer. For over 15 years, Marcel has been making recruiters smarter and more efficient by teaching them how to use technology and AI to find top candidates.
Marcel frequently speaks at international conferences such as SOSU Europe and is known for his energetic and humorous presentation style. He founded Klikwork.nl, a platform full of practical tips and tools that recruiters can immediately put into practice. To date, Marcel has helped over 5,000 recruiters worldwide and collaborated with hundreds of organizations such as YoungCapital, Tommy Hilfiger, and even the Ministry of Defence.
Outside of work, Marcel is loved for his energetic personality and his ability to make complex topics easy to understand. He also enjoys experimenting on his Kamado BBQ, appreciates a craft beer now and then, and keeps up with the latest tech and marketing trends.
📌 klikwork.nl 📌 LinkedIn
Bas Westland
Bas Westland lives and breathes recruitment. For over two decades, he has been connecting professionals to ICT, internet, and e-commerce vacancies with his own company e-people. But that’s just the beginning of his impressive resume. He is also the mastermind behind the Most Influential Recruiter award, which since 2009 has recognized talented professionals. During the last edition, Hande Depeli was recognized as the 'Most Influential Recruiter of 2024', winning both the jury and public award for her impact and successful recruitment approach.
Bas stands out with his distinctive shoes and suits—often colorful—and his equally vibrant personality. With a Brabant accent, plenty of humor, and a clear, sharp vision, he captivates every audience as a trainer, speaker, or event host.
Yet, he too has experienced that entrepreneurship is not always easy: in 2009, his company made a fresh start after bankruptcy. This experience made him stronger and continues to inspire many today. In addition to his work, Bas is passionate about running and shares his thought-provoking vision on recruitment and social media on LinkedIn. His blogs are authentic, personal, and always aimed at sharing practical insights.
📌 baswestland.com 📌 LinkedIn 📌 X
Want to take your recruitment skills to the next level? Check out these experts’ websites and LinkedIn profiles and discover their best tips and insights!
