How to succeed as a newbie recruitment consultant

Jody Collings was a hotel manager before beginning her career with Just Recruitment Group Ltd, where she oversees the trainee scheme. She shares her tips to help newcomers thrive

    There’s a sense of excitement when you know you’ve found the perfect person for a vacancy.  

I’ve always loved dealing with people. I think that’s crucial if you want to work in recruitment. You have to be interested in people, and want to understand what makes them tick. That’s how you match candidates to jobs.

Recruitment is a two-way process. It’s not enough to understand a candidate’s needs. You also have to establish a rapport with employers, in order to grasp precisely what they’re looking for.

When I work with our trainees, I concentrate on their communication skills. If you can’t hold a conversation with someone, this isn’t the industry to work in. So much of what we do relies on listening, then responding to what you’ve been told.

Training is vital, but you can’t teach everything. I didn’t follow a formal training programme when I started working at Just Recruitment four years ago. I learnt on the job, and picked up skills by observing colleagues.

Our trainee scheme is intended to equip the next generation of recruitment consultants. It’s a real privilege to be involved in mentoring this group of new recruits. They’re all eager to learn, and ask loads of great questions.

You can’t be half-hearted about working in recruitment. Ours is a hard-nosed, demanding industry. If you succeed, the rewards are fantastic. But you really need to crave them if you’re to thrive.

Effective recruiters have inquiring minds. Yes, we tend to be great talkers. But unless we know what our clients need, and what our candidates are looking for in a job, we won’t stand any chance of bringing the two together.

Our trainees are like sponges. They’re so eager to learn that it’s a joy to work with them. We offer a mixed programme to build their skills, and they’re already showing great potential.

It’s great to be involved in an innovative training programme. The recruitment industry hasn’t always been good at bringing on fresh talent. Just Recruitment’s new trainee scheme is at the vanguard, and I’m proud of what we’re achieving.

I still get a buzz out of placing a candidate. There’s a sense of excitement when you know you’ve found the perfect person for a vacancy. If you lose that thrill, there’s probably not much point turning up for work.

Enthusiasm, commitment, hard work and determination. They’re the characteristics I’m trying to instil in our trainees. Get them under your belt, and you’ll have a bright future in recruitment.

© Copyright Just Recruitment 2018

If you liked this article you may like to read: Six of the best reasons to work in recruitment

You may also like: How do you choose the best recruitment agency for you?

Jobs currently available

New job
CMM Inspector (Late Shift)
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Halstead, Essex
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913362
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking a CMM Inspector with previous experience using a CMM, preferably using Inspect 3D software (preferred but not essential) to join a company based in Halstead, Essex.

The role will involve working in the company’s Machining Inspection department working the Monday to Friday late shift (3.00pm to 11.00pm).

Objectives of the job:

Assist the Quality Manager, Quality Department, Engineering Dept. and Departmental Supervisors in improving a high standard of quality/inspection requirements needed within the CNC Machining environment.

Main duties to include:

  • First off Dimensional and Visual inspection of Machined products.
  • Production running checks of the above-stated.
  • SPC and key characteristic dimensional and final visual inspection.
  • Roaming inspection of Machined components.
  • Full dimensional inspection of both cast and machined products for First Article Inspection Reports (F.A.I.R.s).
  • Liaise with departmental supervisors and PED/NPI regarding production loading to ensure that production requirements are met.
  • Assist with departmental administration when required (maintenance of job card criteria).

Skills and qualifications required:

  • Established history working within quality environments, particularly with previous CMM experience.
  • 3 years minimum experience is preferable when undertaking this role.

Essential skills needed:

  • To be able to read and understand a technical drawing.
  • Interpret CMM reports at a level where they can explain any required adjustments to Machinists.
  • Use basic measuring equipment, such as Verniers, micrometres and gauges.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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New job
Electronics Hardware Design Engineer
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Gillingham, Kent
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913361
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking an Electronics Hardware Design Engineer for a manufacturing company based in Gillingham, Kent.

You will be working within the company’s Electronics Engineering team, developing electronic designs to fulfil customer and legislative requirements within the challenging context of a high-volume, high quality and harsh manufacturing environment - with Electronic Control Unit products for use in the current portfolio and for future propulsion systems.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Develop new electronic designs for Electronic Control Units
  • Evaluate customer and internal requirements and identify gaps in current products
  • Prepare product designs to meet internal and customer requirements
  • Develop complete schematics, Bill of Materials and other technical documentation
  • Develop a worst-case analysis for each requirement
  • Create and maintain Electrical DFMEA
  • Apply BOD, BOP and defined engineering standards procedures and methodologies to execute project activities
  • Provide technical assistance to PCB ECAD teams
  • Release design documentation
  • Support Validation teams during the Design Validation and Process Validation phases
  • Support Test teams located in the Manufacturing Plants
  • Prepare reports, technical presentations and status for internal and customer use
  • Ensure reports and presentations include clear analysis and summaries for decision-making
  • Define, prioritise and execute tasks required to meet project objectives (cost, quality and timing)
  • Escalate risks and issues to core team members and management in a timely manner
  • Apply problem-solving in the execution of project activities
  • Maintain and update Bill of Design guidelines
  • Ensure that designs meet cost targets, manufacturability requirements and end-of-line recycling targets
  • Develop and maintain test equipment

Required skills/experience include:

  • Proven electronics design experience
  • Experience with Functional Safety ISO26262 and FMEDA
  • Experience with Electrical DFMEA
  • Experience with effective problem-solving methodologies
  • Experience in automotive electronics hardware development
  • Software tools: MS Office, ECAD programs (XPedition Enterprises preferred), Simulation tools
  • Fluent in English speaking and writing

Required qualifications:

  • University Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or suitable equivalent qualification and experience

This role offers excellent benefits including a generous relocation allowance.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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New job
HR Advisor
Sector: Recruitment and HR
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: Tiverton, Devon
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913357
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking an experienced HR advisor to provide high-quality, locally focused HR advice and service as well as work on group-based projects – for a company based in Tiverton, Devon.

Hours of work:

Monday to Friday – 30-35 hours per week, to be worked over 5 days.

The company will consider candidates looking for school working hours (min 5.5 hours daily) and can offer flexibility on working hours, however, daily support is required to meet operational objectives.

You will be based in Tiverton, working independently and will be responsible for providing vital generalist day-to-day operational support, including but not limited to delivery of the HR goals as well as objectives, absence management, employee relations matters and support for Line Managers.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Providing support to colleagues and managers working within the company’s policies and procedures to achieve positive outcomes.
  • Undertaking exit interviews for leavers and administrating the leaver’s process.
  • Auditing and reviewing HR policies, procedures, and documentation on a regular basis in line with legal obligations or business requirements.
  • Overseeing and assisting with investigations, disciplinary and grievance processes to endeavour to resolve at an informal level wherever possible. Escalating all processes to the HR Manager for initial input.
  • Preparing template letters, documentation and forms necessary for the HR Admin team to complete for employees (eg invitations to hearings, flexible working requests, letters of correspondence etc).
  • Supporting the company and the HR Manager with improving attendance for all employees including long-term sick leave.
  • Assisting the HR Manager with the upkeep of company policies and procedures and implementation of new/amended procedures.
  • General HR-related tasks/project work as directed by and with the consultation of the HR Manager.

Key skills/experience required:

  • Experience from a generalist background is essential to apply HR practices throughout the cycle of employment.
  • Competent in dealing with employee relations matters, grievances, performance and disciplinary.
  • Managing absence both short and long-term with knowledge of occupational health.
  • Compiling and updating company procedures and applications in practice.
  • Adaptable, self-motivated, team worker with a can-do attitude.
  • Minimum CIPD Level 3 in Human Resources Practice or similar or substantial professional experience.
  • Excellent communicator both written and verbal.
  • Administration experience and preparation of contractual documentation.
  • Use of Microsoft Office suite including Teams, hosting meetings online.
  • Organising in-house events, training events for example.

The role offers excellent benefits – discussed on application.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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