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It's time to fix recruitment. One brilliant hire at a time.

We believe the hiring system is broken. Not because there’s a lack of talent. But because there’s a lack of imagination in how we find it.

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Why we started Pollen

We started Pollen because we kept meeting brilliant young people who never got past the CV stage. Nobody had let them show what they could do.

So there's no CV. Everyone does a real task from the role, and you meet the people who nailed it.

Hear more from our founder, Sophie O'Brien

Our vision 

We believe that people should be recognised for what they can do, not where they've been, who they know, or how polished their CV is.​ 

 

Hiring well and doing good aren't a trade-off. We're proving you can have both.

Certified B Corp since December 2025

Recognition

Highly Commended, twice

EISA Awards 2026: SEIS Investee and Entrepreneur of the Year 

BBC Radio 4, The Bottom Line

Listen to Sophie's take on job hunting, and Decisions that Made Me with Evan Davis

Best Boss in Britain

Awarded to Sophie, 2024

House of Lords

The Jobs Foundation's research, Ladders of Opportunity, featuring our impact, 2025

Press or speaking enquiry? Email hello@pollencareers.co.uk

Meet the Pollen team

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​Sophie O'Brien

Founder & CEO

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Karen Whitelaw

COO

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Holly Saunders

Business Development

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Jasmine Bowley

Operations

Want to hire the Pollen way?

Tell us about your role. You'll have a shortlist within a week.

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