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Original poster

What's it like working in the recruitment industry?

59 replies

Needanewadventure2021 · 10/08/2021 13:09

Hiya

Albeit on the support side, acting as the first point of contact, but what is it like working in the industry?

I've heard some things about the culture and partying lifestyle that if I am honest puts me off as I just want to do a good job, earn a decent wage and then spend my time with my son. However the opportunity is great. I just dont want to jump into something where you are expected to be involved in the social partying side as it doesn't interest me

OP posts:
Frazzled2207 · 12/08/2021 17:20

I did it for 13 years. Yes fairly sociable usually but not universally so.
Depends a lot on the sector. For a fairly salesy team there might be a lot of partying but support staff won’t necessarily be expected to take part.

Frazzled2207 · 12/08/2021 17:21

Ps def the potential to earn very well in time, but only if you move to a role where winning business is part of the job description

Frazzled2207 · 12/08/2021 17:22

@Gardenwalldilema

I loved it in my early 20s, but I certainly wouldn't want to do it now. I worked in IT recruitment, it was all partying, celebrations when targets were hit, really pushing people to live a champagne lifestyle which they couldn't afford to keep them selling, cocaine deliveries to the office, lots of sex, drugs and rock and roll. But this was a big firm in a big city. I doubt very much it happens it Office Angels or suchlike.
Wowsers. I’ve def known a partying culture but not quite to that degree!
Original poster
Needanewadventure2021 · 12/08/2021 17:55

No recruitment hasn't entered my head before because I've also thought it was a very difficult field. However I did really enjoy the business development nature of my previous role and coordinating a sales team. Maybe I sound silly but I love the idea of working with candidates to place them in the right roles for them

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Original poster
Needanewadventure2021 · 12/08/2021 17:58

I think my problem here is the job description is so vague as the role doesn't even exist. It is soon to be signed off when he finds the right person. I guess I was approached due to the work I used to do and being successful in business development in the market he recruited me in many years ago.

OP posts:
StTheresa · 12/08/2021 19:50

@Needanewadventure2021

I think my problem here is the job description is so vague as the role doesn't even exist. It is soon to be signed off when he finds the right person. I guess I was approached due to the work I used to do and being successful in business development in the market he recruited me in many years ago.
It’s a strange job description.

From my reading of it, you’ll be speaking with candidates and uploading their details on a system so that the recruiters can match them to jobs (so you’d be what most agencies call a “Resourcer”), but I don’t understand the business development aspect. Lead generation etc would only be done to look for new clients, and not candidates.

LincolnshireLassInLondon · 12/08/2021 21:09

It's great that they approached you! If it was me I'd be saying something like...

I am potentially interested in the role. It sounds like it combines bits of past roles I've enjoyed, it would be a good development opportunity and I'd like helping people in their careers. BUT I'm not actively looking to move. I like my current job and I'd be giving up a lot by leaving so I need to be sure this role is right for me. I will focus 100% on work when I'm them, but I need to be home in the evenings because I have DC. If that won't be a good fit with your team then I'm not the person you're looking for.

I'd be as blunt as that, ideally pre interview so that no time or hope is wasted on either side. Their response will give you your answer.

Good luck!

Original poster
Needanewadventure2021 · 12/08/2021 21:19

Thank you.

The role title is business development manager.

I think the person is to be the first point of contact. Candidates and opportunities are already logged by their system so the idea is that I do most of the leg work and fact finding before placing them with consultants to hopefully secure them roles then taking over again to tie everything up for them.to start their new jobs. Of course there is an element of sales, the role title suggests so, however this hasn't been explained to me yet. The bulk of the job is coordinating everything.

I think being blunt is a good shout. As you are right. As much as I want opportunities to progress I am at a point in life where I really value my time with my child. They are only young for a short time. I dont mind putting the hours in and working hard, but not working excessively and taking time away from him

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Original poster
Needanewadventure2021 · 12/08/2021 21:20

He has already said though they are happy to employ on a part time basis as he knows how important I feel it is to be present in my son's life

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