Graduate Careers in Recruitment Consultancy

The annual turnover produced by the UK recruitment industry stands at around £24 billion and is set to continue growing. There has never been a better time to pursue a graduate career in recruitment consultancy with around 80,000 people employed in this industry, making an important contribution to the economy. A graduate career in recruitment consultancy is a career option that provides personal challenge and financial reward. But what does a graduate career in recruitment consultancy actually involve?

The job of being a recruitment consultant

Recruitment roles are sales orientated and you will spend a lot of time on the phone building relationships with candidates and clients. You will also arrange client visits, interview candidates, prepare and send CVs and advertise your vacancies.

Leah De Silva, Senior Manager at recruitment consultancy Badenoch & Clark, explains: “Every day is different as a consultant, with one thing in common – it’s busy! You interview candidates, meet clients and continuously speak to both to ascertain their main motivators. Things never run smoothly as you are dealing with people – but that’s one of the best bits! You can really see the difference you make in every situation, from how the work you put into a placement makes a difference to someone’s CV and future, to the difference it makes to your relationship with that client. The variety of people you meet is astounding.”

Like any sales company, recruitment agencies drive business by setting strategic targets for their consultants to hit. Its individuals therefore tend to be ambitious and driven, which in turn makes for an exciting fast paced environment.

Recruitment consultants aren’t bothered about where they place people, just that they place them!

That might be true of some agencies but not the more professional consultancies.Sales skills are important, however the most successful recruiters build long-standing relationships with their clients. It is not about the ‘quick win’ or short term gain. Relationships are built on a clear understanding of the needs of both the candidates and the clients. Placing inappropriate candidates in roles quite simply isn’t a good long-term business decision. Additionally a large proportion of agencies’ client databases are built on recommendations from those already working with them, proof of their dedication to finding candidates the right role.

Can you recruit as your first job?

Knowing the market you recruit for is very important but you will develop this over time. It doesn’t mean you have to know the nitty gritty of every role you recruit for - what you do need however, are exemplary communication skills to act as an intermediary between your clients and candidates.

Behaviours are just as important as sales skills. Badenoch & Clark conducted extensive research in partnership with business psychologists, to identify the critical competencies of their top performers. The resulting key competencies for a successful career in recruitment include:

• Planning & Organisation
• Attitude & Drive
• Creative Thinking
• Commerciality
• Relationships
• Teamwork
• Self Awareness & Ability to Learn

Consultancies are likely to rely on competency benchmarking to find out if you have the potential on which to build to become a full consultant. They would then train and equip you with the rounded skills to be an astute consultant. Expect to benefit from theory, applied experience and project work to develop your consulting skills. Graduate training schemes are increasingly available whatever your degree subject, and offer a structured platform from which to enter recruitment if you have little commercial experience.

What can you expect to earn?

Whilst basic salaries vary between £15-20k, your earnings won’t stop there. Commission makes up a large proportion of the remuneration package, making earning potential high and uncapped. Commission can depend on the sector, the market conditions or simply the success of the individual. Badenoch & Clark operate a team commission pool, which all consultants contribute to and then receive an equal monthly share of.

Your actual earnings will therefore depend on your performance and potentially that of your team. Beware of over inflated On Target Earnings (OTE) promises – they will want a lot from you in return.

What other roles are there in recruitment?

If recruitment appeals to you but you don’t want an overtly target-driven role, focusing purely on candidate care might be a more viable option for you. Candidate Consultant, Resourcer and Referencing roles each handle different areas of candidate management. Alternatively you might enjoy a purely client focus as an Account Manager or in Business Development.



Shane Ferguson, Recruitment Consultant at Badenoch & Clark, comments: “Recruitment has got so much more to offer than a standard sales role. The consultative approach allows you to act more like a business partner, its fast paced generates quick results, and the targets offer measurable development. Good people skills, market knowledge and project management are essential - all traits I was keen to sharpen. With a good consultancy like Badenoch & Clark, and the right attitude and drive, the potential for personal and professional development is enormous.”



Professional agencies understand that in recruiting ambitious individuals, they are also recruiting people who will want to progress. So if this sounds like you then don’t delay, start pursuing your graduate career in recruitment consultancy now . The prospects for a graduate career in recruitment consultancy are excellent, companies keen on employee engagement offer driven consultants plenty of opportunity in management, to explore new markets or move into other business areas.


For more information on graduate careers in recruitment consultancy see:

The Recruitment & Employment Confederation : www.rec.uk.com

Recruiter magazine: www.recruitermagazine.co.uk

Badenoch & Clark: read about their graduate training scheme and competency benchmarking at: www.badenochandclark.com/careersat

Article by:

Badenoch and Clark

www.badenochandclark.com