How to become a recruitment consultant: Emily's story

Meet Emily, 22, from Hertfordshire, to find out more about life as a recruitment consultant. Part of our Bitesize world of work series.

If you’ve got good communication skills, anyone can be good at recruitment.

What is your job?

I work with companies (clients) and people looking for jobs (candidates). I build long-term relationships with clients to understand what they're looking for in the ideal candidate. I’ll then go out to find the best candidates and build relationships with them and match them with jobs. I work specifically in the health, safety and environment industry.

What skills do you need in your job?

Communication skills are really important. You spend a lot of your time interacting with people. That can be face-to-face, over the phone, or over email. I need to communicate all day, every day. It’s also very helpful to be organised.

Is this the job you always wanted to do?

I think, perhaps, I've had a slightly different ride from school friends who knew what they wanted to do. But I was still quite unsure, even through university. So, I took each day as it came really, and never said no to any opportunity.

How did you get into recruitment?

I got into recruitment by building my communication skills. I did a lot of part-time jobs alongside my A-levels and university course, including working as a kids' party entertainer. This role pushed me out of my comfort zone but I faced my fears and it helped me build my communication skills.

In terms of finding the right career in recruitment, if you’ve got good communication skills, anyone can be good at recruitment. In terms of the sector, it can really vary. Do your research. Talk to recruiters - we’re nice. We don’t bite and we’re always happy to give advice.

Top tips

• Don’t turn down any opportunity
• A-levels were the toughest time - for me it was tougher than university. Just get yourself mentally prepared for it. Remember that teachers are there to help you
• Get as much experience as you can, not just in school but outside of school as well.

What to expect if you want to be a recruitment consultant

• Recruitment consultant average salary: £25,000 to £40,000 per year
• Recruitment consultant typical working hours: 37 to 40 hours per week

What qualifications do you need to be a recruitment consultant?

You could get into this role via a university course, an apprenticeship, working towards this role or applying directly.

Sources: National Careers Service

This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the National Careers Service website for the latest information and all the qualifications needed.

For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: National Careers Service (England), nidirect (Northern Ireland), My World of Work (Scotland) and Careers Wales (Wales).

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