Article
5 Things to Look For in Your First Recruitment Job
Anyone looking to move into recruitment will see that there are so many options, coming across a consultancy that doesn’t consider unexperienced talent is rare. Yes, it is a privilege to have so much choice, however with no experience it can be tough breaking down your options and knowing which way to go.
There are key factors that everyone should consider and it’s up to you as to what you prioritize. Everyone is different, so before clicking apply and picking up the phone have a think about what you need from the first step in your career.
1. Training
A great training programme will give you the foundations you need to grow and be truly successful. Most growing consultancies will have their own Internal Trainer who can dedicate their time to you and your needs. Look for a training programme that is thorough and broad, it should cover everything: sales, process management, candidate engagement, the boring legal bits and the core details of your specialism. Ask how the training is delivered and what it covers to ensure you are giving yourself the best chance.
2. Money
Let’s be realistic, you don’t go to work for the fun of it, you are there to pay your bills and to buy nice things. Money matters and a good employer rewards their employees. There is a lot to consider here, as most companies offer a basic salary, a commission scheme and (down the line) a car allowance. A higher salary usually comes with lower commission and can leave you short-changed once you’re up and running. It’s worth sitting down and doing the maths in order to figure out who is actually offering the best deal.
3. Security
The hire and fire culture of recruitment is a dying thing, however there are still a few companies that will go through trainee employees at a ridiculous rate. Although it’s possible to bounce back from being let go, most people would rather not be in the situation where they need to. Find out how you will be targeted over the first six months and the turnover of new recruits to avoid any nasty surprises.
4. Culture
Not fitting in is horrible, no matter where you are. Going into a new job and career can be daunting enough, without having to tackle a culture mismatch. Everyone’s concept of a great team is different. So long as you know what you want, you know what to look for. Look into the company culture, ask to meet the team and request a tour of the office. Most people will know quite quickly what is right for them and what isn’t.
5. Progression
If a company doesn’t look to develop their own, they risk losing their best staff. Think about where you want to be in five years and find out who can get you there. Investigate how often people get promoted within the business and what they did for it. If your future manager was promoted into the role, it’s likely you will have the same options.
