What Career Path Should I Pursue in Recruitment?
I’m reaching out to those in the recruitment field for advice on potential roles I could apply for as I consider a career change into this industry.
While I don’t have direct experience in recruitment, I bring 15 years of expertise in estate agency and currently run a lettings agency as a sole director, which has provided me with a solid foundation in customer relations and sales.
My partner works part-time at a large corporate bank. With four kids at home, the rigid hours and stress she faces can be overwhelming. I’ve frequently thought about transitioning into recruitment; it’s a career I would likely have pursued had my lettings business not taken off.
I’m contemplating making the switch to recruitment, allowing my partner to take over my agency. This could significantly boost her income and provide her with the flexibility she craves while alleviating some of her stress.
My question is: should I aim for trainee recruitment roles, or would my background be sufficient for a recruitment consultant position despite my lack of direct experience? I recognize the importance of starting somewhere, but I also believe that many skills are transferable. Besides learning specific recruitment techniques, my experience in client interaction should allow me to hit the ground running.
I’m concerned about the initial low salary associated with trainee positions and the lengthy training periods of 3 to 9 months before being able to generate business. While I’m conscious that a transitional salary decrease is something I could handle, I would prefer not to spend 12 to 18 months in a trainee role with minimal opportunities to earn commission when I could potentially begin producing results more quickly as a consultant.
Has anyone in the industry experienced a similar transition? Am I being realistic, or should I gear my expectations toward trainee roles? Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
RCadmin
It sounds like you’re at an exciting crossroads in your career! Transitioning into recruitment can be a great fit given your extensive experience in customer relations and sales, especially from your background in estate agency and running a lettings agency.
To address your question about which roles to apply for, here are a few thoughts:
Recruitment Consultant Roles: Given your extensive experience, you might consider applying directly for recruitment consultant positions rather than trainee roles. Many recruiters look for transferable skills, and your customer service, sales, and relationship management experience will be valuable assets. Tailor your CV to highlight these relevant skills and show how they can apply to recruitment.
Niche Recruitment Firms: Look for recruitment firms that specialize in sectors related to your experience, such as property or real estate. Your industry knowledge could give you a competitive edge in those areas.
Temporary or Part-time Roles: If you’re concerned about the potential salary drop, consider looking for temporary or part-time recruitment roles or even roles that allow for flexible hours. This could provide a smoother transition while still keeping your financial situation manageable.
Highlight Transferable Skills: In your applications and interviews, emphasize your ability to manage client relationships, negotiate contracts, and understand market trends. These skills often resonate well in recruitment.
Networking: Connect with professionals already in the recruitment industry. They’ll provide insights into who might value your background and what firms are open to hiring someone from a different industry. You might also gain information on companies that offer robust training programs.
Consider the Company Culture: When applying, research companies that promote a good work-life balance and flexible hours—especially if this consideration is important for your family life.
Look for Skills-Based Training: Many recruitment companies offer in-house training programs that could help transition you into the role more smoothly without starting from scratch.
Ultimately, while starting as a trainee could feel like a step back, your experience may enable you to secure a more advanced role. Don’t hesitate to apply to a range of positions, keeping in mind that the right fit may take some time to find. Best of luck with your career transition!