Associate Recruitment Consultant Review

I enjoyed my placement, as I was given responsibility from day one. This has included running my own desk, interviewing candidates on my own, being responsible for financial forecasts and going on client visits independently to win over business. I enjoy the social aspect of my placement as I have been working within a fantastic team, we all support each other and socialise outside of work.

I feel valued by my colleagues, as we celebrate achievement and success. Once one of us have secured a placement or fee, we praise each other and can work together to secure a placement, if for example one of us has a candidate suitable and the other has a suitable job, we will make the match.

I have been given great guidance by management, and have been given both on the job and off the job training. This includes training in London and a North West academy. In regards to daily guidance, my manager is great with putting a focus on the day, however sometimes can be too involved in some processes and I would have been more productive if I was allowed more independence with some things.

Very busy on a daily basis, initially I was learning the role and gradually was given more responsibility as the weeks went on. I was then busy with managing my day, planning when to focus on candidates and when to focus on clients, and was involved in monthly plans, team plans, and projects to secures fees.

I was given a huge amount of responsibility as an intern and was treated the same as any other employee. I had been given the responsibility of running my own desk and developing it to bill effectively, I had also been given the responsibility to interview and vet every single candidate, and go out on visits to win over business.

I think my skills have developed massively, firstly I think I have developed my communication skills as the role is mainly phone based, with some communication face to face through interviews and visits. Secondly I have developed my time keeping and planning skills as it is important to plan your day effectively within this role to be successful. Thirdly I have been able to be given responsibility to run my own desk, this will help in the future as I have been able to deal with stress and reaching targets, which will help in final year of university and beyond.

The general atmosphere in my office is loud and busy, with lots going on. With communication flowing within each team and across teams to ensure effective communication and to help fill jobs and opportunities.

The overall placement was very well setup, as we were given an induction, a North West Academy and a Module 1 training programme. The internship included catch up's with my manager to ensure everything was going well and a catch-up with the internal recruiter. We were also given a guide whilst in our first three months to guide us through how our desk and internship will develop.

As we were given an induction, a North West Academy and a Module 1 training programme, we were also given "Why Hays" training for a day. This assisted with ensuring we were able to be the best recruiters for Hays, and to develop our full potential. We are also given a You Choose section, which allows corporate discount on various places such as Alton Towers, which I have used, this allows up to 50% discount.

The future employment prospects are good in some aspects, however this would depend on which desk you were put on and which specialism you would join when you graduate. I believe that the sector you are put into depends on how successful you will be and the financial markets at the time. I do believe in some situations you would have good opportunities to come back to Hays. However this all depends on what is available when you have finished your degree.

The people I work with make me enjoy my placement, we enjoy helping each other with issues, socialising and working together as a team towards common goals.

I lived at home during my placement in Manchester, regarding living costs, I would not have been able to afford to live out due to the wage being so low as an intern. Minimum wage is what all interns are on, and then you get capped commission based on activity. Socialising is good, every end of financial month, we have a wrap up and go for drinks afterwards.

Nightlife is good, there are opportunities to go out after work and get to know your colleagues, and the social aspect is good at Hays. Most employees are a similar age and share common interests.

Yes some, such as ones involving alcohol, however I feel like there are not many activities or groups. The socialising regarding after work drinks is great though.