Assocaite Consultant Review

I have thoroughly enjoyed my placement with Hays due to the varied nature of the role, 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. The office environment is also one that makes working enjoyable and there are incentives and competitions to make the job fun.

The team nature make you feel valued by your colleagues as you work together and help each in teams. During my time at Hays I changed team and specialism a number of times, when working in each team I felt like a valued member, all achievements and success are always celebrated.

Support and guidance is readily available at every point of the placement. This is in the form of formal training in London, at desk training, desk reviews, monthly sales plans and day plans. This is delivered by a number of different people, from specific trainers to supervisors. If there are ever any problems or uncertainties help is always at hand due to the many people in the office with vast knowledge and willingness to help. Hays also offer Lunch and Learns where trainers run webinars that can be logged into over lunch for extra help and support of needed.

Very busy, there is a very steep learning curve were I had increasing roles and responsibilities each week. Each day is different and will be as busy as you make it, some days are sure to be busier than others if meeting multiple candidate and clients. There is always something to be done so never a dull moment, there are always things going on.

I was given responsibility from day one. Firstly speaking with candidates and clients, and eventually attending meetings on my own representing and promoting Hays. As an intern I wasn’t treated and differently to any other consultant and had the responsibility to run and develop my desks.

The skills I have developed and training I have received has been invaluable, primarily in developing confidence and communication skills over the phone and face to face. A high amount or organisational and planning skills are also required which will be essential to my degree and beyond. Reading CV's and interviewing people on a daily basis has also helped me to improve my own CV and interview technique. Sales and negotiating skills are also key in this role which I feel will be of great benefit in the future

The atmosphere is very fast-paced and busy as there is always lots going on. Targets and progress are a huge factor on the office atmosphere with boards monitoring personal and team progress. The office atmosphere promotes hard work nature with lots of activity to be completed. At the same time there is still lots of fun to be had with colleagues.

The placement was very well set up and organised. This included a structure training plan, and frequent reviews with managers and supervisors. I also had regular to talks with the internal recruiter to catch up of progress. Overall it has been well organised from start to finish.

With regard to personal training and development, Hays invests in its interns with its training. This involves sales training in London for a week where Hays put you up in a hotel and cover travel costs.

The future employment prospects are good with a clear progression path outlined. This does depend on performance which is greatly down to desk specialism you join. Hays do also offer the opportunity to be a Hays ambassador during the final year of uni which is something that I am proud to be part of.

There is a great social scene at Hays, everyone socialises together, this can be at after work drinks, the Christmas party / end of year party / end of period wrap up. Everyone is made to feel welcome.

I continued to live in my student house so rent wasn’t too bad. Socialising is good as there is plenty around, and all at a fair price.

Nightlife is good, there are opportunities to go out after work, even if just for one or there is plenty more if you fancy a bigger night out.

Activities outside of work mostly consist of going for drinks after work. There is also the annual Christmas party and end of year party. There aren’t many other group activities however these are perfectly sufficient to get to know your colleagues.