Let’s face it, recruitment doesn’t have the best rep. and after a 2-year pandemic, it can be daunting to kickstart a new career in a new industry. As Recruit UK are growing, we’ve really knuckled down on our values, culture, and overall vibe in the office. We want to shake up the stereotypes, focus on the areas that truly mean something to us and thrive as a company we are proud of.
We asked one of our newest recruits some basic career-based questions and how she has found her first 2 months of Recruit UK life. No edits, no fabrications, and no bullshit.
Here’s what she had to say…
- What were your first impressions of a recruitment consultancy?
When I first told my friends I was looking to change career paths and explore roles within recruitment, I was warned off by a couple of them. They had very briefly worked for companies that give recruitment a bad name. The “out for themselves” type companies that have no interest in why or where they place candidates but are only interested in the fees. Neglecting the candidate’s job satisfaction and overall happiness and wellbeing”. So, as you can imagine, I was a little wary about the industry but kept an open mind.
- Was your mind changed after being welcomed to Recruit UK?
As soon as I walked into the office, it was pretty obvious that it wasn’t that sort of environment at all. Initially, everyone was super friendly and genuine with a relaxed and comfortable environment. Quickly after starting here, I realized that everyone is open about what they do and it’s much more of a team collective than a dog-eat-dog atmosphere.
The structure is very supportive which allows people at the bottom to quite easily be progressed quickly. Progression is open to everybody here.
- What were your initial impressions of our online presence (Insta/LinkedIn/Website/TikTok)?
Prior to coming to my interview, I researched Recruit UK’s online platforms. It made me feel more prepared for my interview and more prepared for what I was walking into.
My initial thoughts were that it’s a lot more personal than other recruitment companies. It steers away from very corporate content you see in most recruitment companies.
Without sounding too cliché pictures say a lot more than words on a screen. Seeing people wanting to spend their free time with the people they work with is a clear indicator that it’s a great place to work.
- What have been your biggest challenges faced so far?
Coming from a self-employed role and diving into an office environment was a slight concern of mine. It was a strange time after the pandemic, and after working solo for such a long time, it was a new beginning which I was excited about and nervous about! Recruit UK put all these concerns to rest, the team have been so welcoming and supportive. It’s such a vibrant team with so many different characters here, you’re guaranteed to find common ground with your colleagues.
- What have you enjoyed the most since being here?
Learning about two new industries, 1 being the industry I’m working in and 2 being the industry I recruit for.
As much as adapting to an office environment was initially intimidating, it has also ended up being one of the most rewarding parts of the job. Coming from not only a self-employed background but let’s face it, no one’s social life has been exactly “normal” for the last couple of years, so it’s been great to have a routine and a job I look forward to coming into each morning.
- What do you think of our career development structure?
The career development structure is clear, honest and fair. Everyone is coming from an equal place and there are no efforts to stop everyone from getting to the top. The career progression here is in everyone’s hands but equally, there is no pressure. Everyone can work towards their own personal goals and the support is there to help you achieve them.
- As a trainee wanting to progress into a higher role, do you feel supported by your peers?
After your initial training with Director, Stu, you work really closely with a senior consultant, and I’ve felt hugely supported by my mentor. She has passed down all her knowledge to me and has been there whenever I’ve needed her. Nothing is too much for Elena!
The general structure at Recruit UK is hugely supportive, you can ask anyone anything and there will always be someone who will support you. Everyone wants everyone to succeed.
- Where do you see yourself in 3 years?
I’d like to manage a team of people and be in a position that allows me to feel valued by supporting others to thrive.
I’d like to be able to give back what has been given to me since working here and help someone who is in my situation coming from a background that’s not based in recruitment. I’d love to pass on my knowledge as this job is really rewarding and I want to give back.
I love being in a career that gives me job satisfaction and the ability to leave on a Friday afternoon feeling like I’ve done something good with my week.
- We love our fitness challenges and charity fundraisers! What do you want to see us doing in the future?
I’d love to put a charity forward that I hold close to my heart and put on a series of smaller, and easily organized events to help fundraise. I’d love to do the Bristol to Paris bike ride! Let’s utilize everyone’s love of cycling in the office.
Supporting the community by fundraising for local Bristol-based charities is something I also feel is important.
Are you motivated by great career progression?
Do you thrive being part of a supportive team?
Join our team today, email [email protected] and lets have a chat.