Barker Black

Graduates

What the job of a Recruitment Consultant will involve

As a recruitment consultant you will need to be a well rounded individual who is confident, articulate and well presented. The role is divided into three principle areas; sales, account management and resourcing. The sales element involves calling new and existing clients in order to win business. The client will expect you to understand their business needs and usually you will have to ‘pitch’ to the client against your competitors in order to win the business. You will need to stand out from the crowd if your services are to be used.

Account Management involves managing existing clients and ensuring that candidates attend interview, that you provide the client with interview feedback and that the client is kept updated on the progress of all current applications. You will need to be able to prioritise and problem solve as sometimes things do not work out as planned.

The resourcing aspect is probably the most important of all. All recruitment markets are currently short of good quality candidates. You need to make sure that all candidates are treated with respect and kept informed of interview feedback. You will conduct face to face interviews with candidates and give them interview advice where applicable.

What do clients look for?

The city based recruitment firms have a wide choice of graduates especially in the summer months at graduation time, so you need to make yourself stand out.

Presentation

Whether attending an interview with a client or with us always wear a suit. It is important you present to us the version of yourself you would present to a client. Whilst you are likely to be in considerable debt it is well worth investing in a decent suit (dark). If you are male try avoiding button down shirts and whether male or female go for a white or blue shirt or blouse. Bright colours can draw attention to yourself and make you look extravert. Also make sure you have cleaned your shoes. Basic stuff, but you would be surprised how many candidates still get their presentation wrong and don't get past first interview based on this.

The CV

Most employers will judge a CV in less than 30 seconds and they do not have time to read through pages and pages of text. Be concise and articulate and keep the CV to a maximum of two pages long in content. Try and think of achievements you have made in your life to date, these could include sporting, charitable achievements or work experience. Highlight positives that demonstrate you can work independantly. Include new ideas you may have introduced either within a work or social situation. The CV should be easy to read and ideally you should use bullet points.

The Interview

Get to the interview with plenty of time to spare and plan where you are going in advance. If you are unable to get to the interview on time you are unlikely to be offered a position managing other peoples careers. Of course delays happen on public transport from time to time and if you find yourself running late ensure you call the client direct (not the agent) to let them know.

At the interview you will be questioned as to what you have achieved to date. If you have been in work they will ask your reason for joining and leaving certain organisations. Questions that arise the most often are:

At the end of the interview you will be given the opportunity to ask more questions, so try and think of two or three. Asking the interviewer about their career or success stories in regards to last years graduate intake are always good ones.

If you are successful through the first interview you will then be called back for a second where you may need to do a presentation and then a third which may involve drinks with your new work colleagues. It is worth remembering that you are still being assessed during the drinks evening. The graduate who got drunk and ended up in a fight with his new manager did not get offered the job!

Recruitment Consultancy - The Pros

Recruitment can be highly lucrative financially, with top consultants in the industry earning well in excess of £100k per annum. It is also a hugely sociable environment so if you are new to an area it is normally a great opportunity to meet new people. A lot of consultancies also offer their staff incentives such as team drinks, golf days and trips overseas.

Recruitment Consultancy - The Cons

It is hard work. If you are expecting to start work at 9am and finish at 5.30pm a career in recruitment is unlikely to be for you. You will be meeting candidates outside core working hours, making calls in the evenings and be expected to work late. Recruitment is also a career which can be full of ups and downs. Candidates do not always take the position you would like and it can be stressful when things do not go your way, especially if you are behind target.

Still Interested?

Submit your CV or alternativly go to Job search to find a list of current graduate positions.