Ivana Forsdick

I joined Dixon Appointments in 2026 and bring over seven years of recruitment experience, along with a genuine passion for connecting people with roles where they can truly thrive. I specialise in permanent commercial recruitment and pride myself on building strong, long‑term partnerships with both clients and candidates.

Before joining Dixon Appointments, I spent several years recruiting within the construction, property and infrastructure sectors, where I worked closely with clients to place Site and Project Managers, Contract Administrators, Estimators and Construction Managers. Earlier in my career, I worked more as a generalist recruiter within a startup, which gave me a strong foundation in candidate assessment, relationship management, and aligning people with roles that suit both their skills and aspirations.

I also have a background in hospitality management, which shaped my people‑first approach and strengthened my ability to communicate clearly, manage competing priorities, and deliver outcomes in fast‑paced environments. At the heart of my work is a genuine curiosity about people – understanding what motivates them, what they value, and where they will perform at their best.

I’m passionate about recruitment that goes beyond filling roles. For me, the most rewarding outcomes come from honest conversations, mutual trust, and helping people and businesses make decisions that support sustainable, long‑term success.
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Quick Questions:

Favourite way to spend the weekend?

Going away with family and friends is my favourite way to spend a weekend. I love exploring new places, whether that’s camping, hiking, snowboarding, paragliding, bungee jumping, or just relaxing on the beach. It’s that mix of adventure and quality time with my favourite people that really recharges me.
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What is your favourite role to recruit?

I love recruiting roles where I can truly partner with both the client and the candidate, typically mid to senior-level positions where culture fit, long-term potential, and career progression really matter. I enjoy roles where I can go beyond just filling a vacancy and actually add value through insight and guidance.
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Best recruiting advice you’ve ever been given?

Control what you can control.

It’s easy to get caught up in things outside your control, especially in recruitment. I’ve learned that staying focused on what I can influence – my effort, communication, and mindset – is what keeps me moving forward and getting results.
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Best advice for hiring managers?

Be clear on what you want, and equally important, what you don’t want.

Choose your one recruitment agency carefully and take the time to find someone who genuinely understands your values and business. Once you’ve found that person, trust them and build a true partnership.

The best results come when it’s not treated as a transaction, but as a collaborative process. With the right recruiter and a strong level of trust, you’ll get better outcomes, faster.
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Best advice for job seekers?

Don’t lose hope, and always show up.

Consistency matters. Even when things feel slow or uncertain, staying proactive and putting yourself out there is what ultimately leads to the right opportunity.
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Favourite podcast?

I am a podcast lover and listen to a mix depending on my mood:

• Jay Shetty and Mel Robbins for mindset and personal growth
• Andrew Huberman for health and neuroscience
• SmartLess, Good Hang with Amy Poehler, and Armchair Expert for something lighter and entertaining·
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Is there someone you particularly admire and why?

I really admire people who have overcome adversity and created their own path. Especially those who weren’t born into privilege but have built success on their own terms, not by external standards but by what truly matters to them.
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If you could have lunch with any fictional character, who would it be and why?

Peter Pan! I really connect with the sense of adventure and curiosity he represents, and the idea of not losing that sense of wonder as we grow up. I’ve also always loved flying, so that part definitely appeals to me.
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Favourite book (and why)?

I’m a big audiobook listener and love anything around mindset and personal growth.

My all-time fiction favourites are The Picture of Dorian Gray and The Alchemist – both explore deeper themes around identity, purpose, and the human experience.

I also enjoy modern non-fiction, particularly around neuroscience and self-development. Joe Dispenza’s “Breaking the habit of being yourself” is something I regularly go back to.