Recruitment Intern Review

My placement year was very varied, from starting as a resourcer to becoming a full 360 recruitment consultant. I enjoyed the faced-paced culture which helped me to see where my future career will go. I also learnt a lot about my own strengths and weaknesses related to the role and how I can improve on my own skills.

I have met some amazing colleagues and actually made a lifelong friend during my placement. I received recognition for my hard work and progression being voted consultant of the month out of the whole office and a beautiful gif on my birthday. Undoubtedly I felt valued and that my thoughts were heard if I had any issues.

Support was provided through management with monthly meetings to discuss targets and an action plan of how to manage your time. You need to be very proactive and support yourself as well as looking at management for help.

Recruitment is a very busy, fast-paced environment- there is always something to do! There was a good balance of writing a to do list and getting those things done before deadlines. However, you do need to remember to switch off once you leave the office as you can always think of the next thing to do. This is why Hays teach you to work smarter not harder!

Hays give you as much responsibility as you ask for, there's always the chance to learn something new or train in a different area. Becoming a full 360 consultant means contact with some of the most influential people in local businesses and it is your responsibly to impress and win them over.

Hays have given me a lot of confidence! Meeting and presenting to HR professionals has been an amazing experience as this was one of my weaknesses when I started. No question is a silly question and they provide world class training that others within the business also attend. This will help me with final year presentations and kick start my career once my degree is complete.

Recruitment is a difficult atmosphere to describe. Some months the atmosphere is amazing and everyone in the office is upbeat and positive. However, sales environments can be up and down and there were some days where the office culture is slightly depressing. But this comes with most environments, Hays celebrate the highs as a team and are rewarded for hard work.

Better organisation could have been put in place before I started- was moved offices a week before my start date. This meant my manager went on holiday a couple of weeks into my internship and I was left to really think on my feet- this was a great experience but delayed my 1-1 training.

I went on a 1 week paid trip into London to receive training from some of he best experts in the business. This got everyone involved, talking through scenarios and bouncing ideas off of each other. We also had scheduled 1-1 training with senior consultants and managers in the office- attending a client and candidate meeting on the first day!

I have been asked to extend my placement here at hays to work right up until I start my final year in September. You can also apply to come back once graduated and fast track through the progression structure. This kick starts your career with commission and a higher base salary.

Yes, if we hit our targets the office celebrated with lunch bought by Hays- usually a lot of dominoes! Also, we get to finish early and head to the pub for drinks bought by Hays. There is a Christmas conference paid by Hays and a whatsapp group for all interns in the region.

I lived a 40min drive from the office I was based(personal choice). I lived with my partner so rent was affordable.

I personally didn't look at the nightlife but many of my colleagues have positive reviews.

Not many, other than drinking at the pub after a good month.