Working in Recruitment.....Could you cut it?
A career in recruitment is not for the faint hearted, but for those dedicated to working hard and smart it can provide genuine job satisfaction as well as numerous other advantages.
For many working in the industry, the 'buzz' of a fast-paced working atmosphere and the benefits that come with a good day at the office make it all worthwhile.
Salary
Salary varies from company to company, as it does in any industry. The average recruitment consultant's income can vary greatly depending on region, performance, and any bonus programmes that may be available. You may be offered a base pay plus a performance-related incentive or commission, depending on your role and previous experience.
The extensive prospects for progression come with additional advantages, with managers earning a basic salary of more than £40,000. It is not unheard of for newcomers to the industry to be able to triple or even quadruple their take-home earnings in their first few years.
Culture
Many people in recruitment enjoy the added incentive of increasing their pay through commission, which can make working a few more hours worthwhile. Working in a recruitment agency can be taxing at times, but this is usually offset by a variety of employee reward schemes and workplace rewards.
These programmes allow employees to express their opinions on how to enhance the workplace, resulting in a transparent culture conducive to a happy working environment.
Employees generally benefit from leading performance coaches and enjoy nights out on behalf of the company as well as weekends away to reward great performance, all of which increase the team's desire to succeed and boost morale.
Competitiveness
Due to its broad appeal to a wide range of skill sets and expertise, securing a graduate or entry-level role in a recruitment firm can be difficult, and demands a motivated approach and a determined mindset.
Soft skills, such as the ability to communicate effectively, manage your own time, and succeed under pressure, are often the most valuable. Because recruitment is a people-oriented profession, being able to establish rapport and solid relationships is crucial.
Previous sales experience may be considered advantageous, but it is not essential, and most organisations provide in-house training as well as rigorous personal development programmes.
If you can demonstrate your ability to communicate with clients and applicants to secure a high volume of successful hires, you may find yourself quickly promoted. Securing a management position allows you to manage your own team, gain a broader set of skills, and improve and develop further.
It should be noted that the industry's competitive environment naturally demands individuals with resilient mindsets; with targets to meet, phone calls to make, and applicants receiving counter offers at the last minute, having a positive mindset and strong will to persevere is essential.
Recruitment once had a reputation for 'fight or flight,' with some consultants finding it difficult to sustain the character strength and emotional endurance required to succeed. Those days are now gone, and many people today consider recruitment to be a vocation. It is incredibly rewarding to help others in finding their dream job.
There’s no such thing as a typical working day
The role is varied, dynamic, and challenging, ranging from talking on the phone with clients to learn about their business goals to meeting with ambitious individuals in person.
Most employment firms work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but this is not written in stone, and the pandemic has forced many to be more flexible. The hours often vary according to your workload and the type of things you are working on. For example, you can be asked to spend one day on-site with a client and another at a meeting or training day, thereby broadening your understanding of a specific industry or skill set.
While you may be required to work in difficult or competitive environments, the recruitment profession can be extremely rewarding. Helping a candidate land their dream job or finding the ideal employee for an appreciative client can provide a great deal of job satisfaction.
Since the summer of 2021, the recruitment industry has experienced extraordinary demand. Clients value the services of recruitment specialists more than ever before since good candidates are in high demand.
Opportunities for progression
Recruitment consultancies are energetic environments where employees help one another to achieve goals. Strong performers with determination to succeed will have limitless opportunities to advance.
Recruiters who continuously exceed their personal goals will frequently be given the opportunity to advance to the level of senior consultant or manager and run their own team or division.
The industry is especially significant for graduates looking for a creative and vibrant workplace. It's the perfect environment to help build professional and interpersonal skills that will set them up for a successful and rewarding career.
Think you've got what it takes?
At James Gray we pride ourselves in nurturing top talent, encouraging progress and rewarding success. James Gray Recruitment is a growing business and as we expand our reach, there are more opportunities than ever to become part of our thriving teams.
Whether you are an experienced recruiter or looking to take on a new career move, we make it our mission to build your skills and turn you into a Rockstar Recruiter!
Think you've got what it takes? send us your CV to getus@jamesgrayrecruitment.com