One of the main reasons I chose recruitment is the fast-paced career progression. I really appreciate that your growth is not solely tied to time served — unlike many industries where you might have to wait for an annual review to be promoted, in recruitment your progress is based on your performance and results. I also like that recruitment is an industry where you can start from scratch — you don’t need a degree or formal qualifications to get your foot in the door, and equally, you don’t need exams or certifications to excel. It’s very much a merit-driven environment. Another huge benefit for me is the level of control you have over your success. Your earnings and career growth are directly linked to the effort you put in and the network you build. Recruitment encourages you to develop meaningful relationships, not just with candidates, but with clients too. Over time, you essentially build your own personal brand — one that people can trust and rely on — and I find that very rewarding.

I was influenced by the idea that they recruit for tech roles. I have worked in a tech company, and I find tech fascinating, wanted to continue in this area. Second reason of why I liked the idea of the company was that it works in the energy sector, I have never worked in this area, but it is definitely a vital area to work in. I also initially appreciated that it was a smaller and start up company as it feels more intimate and interactive, I did not want to feel like a number in many workers, but I am not worried to say something and not feel heard. It also has a great career ladder, very clear how you can skill and upsell and how that would look like. Final point is the aspect that you are earning commission from your first deal and can start straight away on doing 360 recruitment cycle, you feel important and considered.

What I really appreciate about the culture here is the strong sense of teamwork and support. While there is a healthy level of competition, it never feels toxic or cutthroat. People are always willing to help, whether it’s sharing advice on how to approach a candidate or giving guidance when dealing with a client — no one holds back knowledge. I also like the relationship between the contract and permanent teams; even though we work on different areas, there’s a real sense of unity and we treat each other as part of one team. The company also fosters a positive environment through incentives like holiday trips, lunch clubs, and recognising colleagues for outstanding performance, which really motivates people to do their best. I also appreciate how the company feels like a flat hierarchy, in terms of I feel like I can approach anyone.

One of the key learning curves for me in recruitment has been understanding that not every day will be smooth or immediately productive. There are days when you spend hours reaching out to candidates, and you may get little to no response. That can be discouraging at first, but I’ve learned it’s part of the process and consistency pays off over time. Another challenge I encountered early on was dealing with candidates or clients who can be quite direct or dismissive, especially during that first point of contact. It taught me to develop resilience and not take those responses personally. I’ve also found that effective probing was something I needed to consciously work on when I started. Asking the right questions to fully understand a candidate’s role, motivations, and reasons for seeking new opportunities is critical to making successful placements, and it's a skill that I am still continuing to refine.