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
Fitter/Labourer
Sector: Property and Construction
Salary: Competitive
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913696
About the role

Just Recruitment is looking for a Fitter/Labourer based near Colchester, to join a nationwide, manufacturing-based construction company known for delivering high-quality solutions and excellent customer service. With a wealth of industry experience, they understand the importance of producing top-quality products for their clients.

Ideally, you will have groundworks experience and a fencing background.

You will be travelling to sites to support the team leaders and will be involved with a lot of heavy work such as digging, lifting and manual labour.

Role requirements include:

  • Willing to work long hours
  • Physically able and willing to do manual labour
  • CSCS card is a must
  • Manual labour experience is preferable
  • A driving licence is essential
  • Happy to stay away from home as required
  • Other site-based tickets, such as Ipaf and SSSTS, are advantageous

Benefits include:

  • Competitive basic salary plus overtime
  • 20 days of holidays plus bank holidays
  • Lots of progression is available, as this company like to promote within
  • Opportunity to be put through training courses

This is an excellent opportunity to join a vibrant company on a full-time, permanent basis.

 

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

 

Read more
New job
Field Service Technician (York/Darlington)
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: Discussed on application
Location: York, Darlington
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB03
About the role

Due to continued growth, one of the world's leading providers of vehicle washing technology is recruiting a Field Service Technician to support customers in the York / Darlington area.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 40 hours per week plus 1 in 3 weekend cover.

The role involves the service and installation of car and commercial valet equipment. You will be responsible for all aspects of planned and reactive maintenance, servicing and repairing equipment, maintaining van stock to required levels, and completing job sheets accurately.

Role requirements include:

  • You will have an Electrical or Mechanical engineering qualification
  • Be willing to travel and stay out overnight as and when required
  • Be willing to take on additional training and relevant courses, including evening courses that the company may pay for
  • Can work on your own initiative or as part of a team, and have problem-solving skills
  • Have a valid, clean UK driving licence
  • Good people skills, presentable and able to liaise directly with customers
  • Be punctual and able to keep accurate and timely documentation
  • IT literate with Microsoft Office and Outlook experience
  • Work within Health & Safety guidelines as set by the company

Benefits include:

  • Company vehicle available
  • Mobile phone
  • Pension scheme
  • Death in service benefit
  • Uniform and tools provided

 

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.

 

Read more
Forklift Driver - Counterbalance (10am - 8pm)
Sector: Transport, Logistics and Shipping
Location: Earls Colne
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: JC5
About the role

Just Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a transport and logistics business in Earls Colne with the recruitment of a Forklift Driver, due to increased workload.

This is a permanent opportunity!

To be considered for this role, you must have a Counterbalance licence that is valid and up-to-date — previous experience operating these trucks is required.

This is a busy and varied role where you could be working in the yard, moving goods, stock checking, or loading and unloading trucks throughout the day.

This is a great company to be part of — offering further progression and development.

Hours: 10am to 8pm.

Overtime is also available (subject to business requirements).

Free parking is available on site, as well as further company benefits.

Please note that, due to the company’s location, you must have access to your own transport.

 

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

 

Read more