Recruitment, relationships and returning to work after becoming a mum – Charlotte shares how Recruit UK has supported every stage of her career.
When I think back to when I began at Recruit UK, Charlotte is someone who I always looked up to. Someone who always looks to really have her sh*t together. Just listening to her on the phone with her clients and candidates, it’s not rare for me to say something like, “If I ever needed a recruitment consultant, I’d want you to be on the other end of the phone.”
Joining Recruit UK back in the summer of 2019 as a graduate with very little recruitment experience, she’s grown alongside the business, progressing from trainee to Principal Consultant, taking on management responsibilities, becoming a mum and, more recently, returning to work with a whole new perspective.
Spending an hour chatting with Charlotte, one thing quickly became obvious – whether she’s talking about candidates, clients, colleagues or her little boy, she genuinely loves helping people.
And that’s exactly why she’s so good at what she does.
Like many graduates, Charlotte wasn’t entirely sure what career she wanted after university, but one thing did catch her eye…
“The prospect of earning good money, if I’m honest!”
She laughs before explaining that Recruit UK’s social media gave her a glimpse into the company culture.
“It looked like somewhere I’d genuinely enjoy working. The team looked supportive, fun and like people really had each other’s backs.”
Safe to say, first impressions were spot on.
Since joining Recruit UK, Charlotte has steadily progressed through the business, becoming one of our Principal Consultants while also gaining valuable management experience before heading off on maternity leave.
Now, after welcoming her son, she’s returned to the business three days a week – something she says wouldn’t have been possible without the flexibility Recruit UK offered her.
“I love that Recruit UK gave me the flexibility I needed after having my son.”
When I asked what she’s most proud of during her career here, I expected to hear about promotions or impressive placements.
Instead, her answer was refreshingly honest.
“If I’m totally honest, coming back from maternity leave and not falling on my arse!”
She laughs again before adding…
“I pretty much picked up where I left off and, truthfully, I’m doing it even better.”
“I think every parent worries about returning to work, and I was no different.
Will I still be able to perform at the same level?
Can I balance work and family life?
Will things feel different?
“Returning from maternity leave and thriving has been my proudest achievement.”
For Charlotte, the transition was made so much easier because of the trust Recruit UK places in its people.
“Even though I’m in a sales role with targets, I never feel like I’m in a sales role with targets.”
Instead of being micromanaged, Charlotte has the freedom to manage her own diary, work efficiently and ask for support whenever she needs it.
“I’ve always been trusted to get on with my job.”
Working three days a week has naturally changed the way she works.
“The transition definitely took some getting used to, but having the trust and flexibility from Recruit UK made such a difference. I work three days a week, so I’m really conscious about making every hour count, but I also know that when I switch off, I can be fully present with my son. That balance is something I really value.”
She’s become even more organised, making sure every client and candidate receives the same high level of service despite working fewer hours.
“It means I have to be really efficient with my time. I make sure nothing gets left unfinished and everyone still feels fully supported.”
Most importantly, she’s found a balance that works.
“My job never takes away from the quality time I want to spend with my family.”
Beyond becoming a mum, Charlotte says her role has naturally evolved over the years.
While recruitment will always be about matching the right people with the right opportunities, she now spends far more time supporting colleagues, sharing knowledge and helping others develop.
“I’ve made friends for life at Recruit UK.”
“I really enjoy training people and supporting others in the business.”
It’s a role that’s grown alongside her confidence and experience.
Just as importantly, it’s the people around her who’ve made her stay. When I asked her, her answer was very simple:
“Oh, definitely the people.”
“We’re supportive, friendly and genuinely cheer each other on. You can bounce ideas off anyone, switch off together after work and I’ve made friends for life here.”
Charlotte’s passion for recruitment comes down to one simple thing – people.
“I just love having a chin wag.”
(It’s a very Charlotte answer.)
But behind the humour is something much deeper.
“Our jobs are such a huge part of who we are. Being able to help someone find a role where they’re happier, more confident or earning more money genuinely changes lives.”
Working exclusively within Financial Planning has also allowed her to build long-term relationships with smaller firms where she feels she can make a real difference.
“I love working closely with growing businesses. You become part of their journey and really see the impact your support has.”
While she’s helped countless professionals negotiate higher salaries throughout her career, the placements that stay with her aren’t necessarily the biggest.
Instead, they’re often the very first opportunities she helps people secure.
“I love helping trainees get their foot in the door.”
“Seeing that spark in someone, matching them with one of my lovely clients and then watching them flourish years later… that’s what makes me proud.”
As our conversation came to an end, one thing stood out more than anything else.
Even though she’s consistently one of our top billers, Charlotte doesn’t define success by job titles or targets.
For her, success is building meaningful relationships, supporting people through every stage of their careers and knowing she’s found a workplace that allows her to be both a successful recruiter and a present, wonderful mother.
Somehow, she makes both look effortless.
