Antal International founder and chief executive Tony Goodwin urged his operatives from around the world to achieve saturation coverage of their markets in 2011 by specialising in disciplines - such as accountancy, sales & marketing, IT and engineering — backed with sector knowledge.

Giving the opening address at the recruitment firm’s annual global conference on Friday, Goodwin said that 2011 would be “a phenomenal year” for the company, which enjoys particular success in emerging markets. By overlaying the focus on disciplines “straight across the market, that means no corner of the market is untouchable”, Goodwin said.

Other pillars of the Antal operation as outlined by Goodwin include an emphasis on database growth, telephone work and being passionate about interviews. “Six interviews a week is a minimum if you want success. Ten is the target,” Goodwin said.

He also warned his global corps to “beware of anti-social networking” and to use the phone to differentiate themselves in making contact and building relationships. “I can’t believe it — people don’t answer their phones anymore. It’s bloody ridiculous,” he said. “Answer your phones; it will differentiate you. People still have to talk to each other.”

He joked that the internet’s inventors’ “idea of a good night out is sitting alone in their rooms”.

In closing, Goodwin urged his team to take advantage of the current economic climate and hire good people. He added: “Take risks, don’t play God and don’t pull up the ladder.”