Recruitment Consultant Review

I enjoyed my placement year at Hays recruitment company and have learnt a lot a long the way. Initially we went through a fairly stringent 2 week training programme, absorbing as much information as possible before being released on the market and trying to make a difference in the market.

The number one benefit of this particular placement experience is the fact that you actually do the job. You are treated no differently than if you were going in as a new graduate into the role. Depending on where you work, you are actually talking to candidates and hiring managers and getting people jobs!

Throughout the placement, from day one right up until the end, you are provided useful and valuable feedback on all work which you are completing, as well as on any procedures which you are struggling with. The support you get from not just managers, but also from your colleagues around you is inspiring.

Very. This is not necessarily the case for all desks, and is not something which is consistent year round, but on the whole, I was very busy on a daily basis. Some days could be incredibly overwhelmingly busy, and other days could drag a little, but I guess that is the peaks and troughs that come with any job.

On some tasks I was provided with pure autonomy, whereas on other tasks I had no responsibility whatsoever. This came from a combination of proving yourself and of how much it was personally important to your manager. In situations where your actions where very directly affecting the chance of making money, I (understandably) took more of a back seat.

Studying psycholgy has led me to look at this role differently. I look at the way that other consultants interact with candidates and with clients, and look to see how effective it is. I then adapt my own approach to capitalise on what I've learnt. It won't directly help me with any of the theories I will learn, however.

There was a fairly enjoyable, somewhat boisterous atmosphere in the office, which is to be expected in a sales environment. The atmosphere when a placement is had a truly phenomenal, with a huge amount of support being provided to the successful consultant.

The overall placement was well organised with an independant structure for each person.

At the start, every intern who started at the same time was provided with an intense two weeks of training, and an elongated, on-the-job 3 month training programme teaching you necessary skills across recruitment. Separately in your individual team, you are provided training on the subject matter you recruit for.

If you are successful during your year, the opportunity to come back is always there. It will be mentioned to you that your return would be appreciated. Whilst in the role you work with people who are highly suiccessful which can be very inspiring.

Everyone who works in recruitment has a similar disposition of being social and friendly, so the social scene is fairly prominent.

The cost of living and working in London, and trying to go out and buy drinks in zone 1 London is staggering. However, Hays do often foot the bill for company drinks making socialising much more amenable and affordable. You would not be able to afford going out for drinks once a week if you had to pay!

The nightlife is pretty good. You are in central London! It is fairly expensive to go out, however, so there is a decent excuse not to go if you don't want to.

There were a huge number of opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work. There were various company events outside of work- from dodgeball tournaments to bowling. Hays even gave the opportunity for entry into Tough Mudder at a subsidised fee. Opportunities for exercise classes a rife as well.