June 12, 2018, by Carla
Plants to People: How I Became a Recruitment Consultant
By Tom Cox, BSc Hons Plant Science, graduated 2016
A plant science graduate, a semi-professional cyclist, a youth work volunteer and a blogger all walk into an office… Sounds like it should be the start of a joke that’s going to need to be explained more than once doesn’t it?
Rewind ten months and that was me on my first day at AppointX, my first day as a recruitment consultant.
From chloroplasts to care
I graduated in 2016 with a degree in plant science and no idea what I wanted to do for a career. I knew I wasn’t set for a graduate scheme with a big corporate company, and I definitely didn’t want to go back home. The choice was get a job or go hungry. I chose the former and took a deputy manager position with a national high street retailer.
Fast forward a year later. I’m bored stiff and career-wise, still none the wiser. So, I did what any clever job seeker does… I put my CV on the internet and hoped someone might see potential. Roll on a few weeks and I get a call from a nice chap called ‘Howard from AppointX’ asking me if I’d be interested in the opportunity to join a small, rapidly-expanding recruitment company.
Putting down roots
Two successful interviews later – despite the fluffed the maths question of 32 x 32… erm… 960..er… – I joined AppointX as a recruitment consultant.
With barely any knowledge of the health and social care sector and/or recruitment, I started small and with successful training, rapidly worked up to having the full responsibility for running my own desk.
On an average day I spend time developing relationships with industry-leading clients and sourcing candidates through headhunting and social media. Managing candidates through a successful interview to negotiating a job offers is definitely one of the most rewarding aspects of my job.
After settling into the office, I was promoted to account manager for the largest care provider in the UK. I have since established us as their nationwide preferred healthcare recruiters! I firmly believe the confidence and communication skills developed throughout my studies at Nottingham helped me stand out from the crowd and develop strong, professional relationships.
It’s #FootballShirtFriday @AppointXLtd. We’re sporting our fave football shirts & texting BOBBY to 70200 & donate £5. ??Let’s boot bowel cancer off the pitch!⚽ @BobbyMooreFund @NFFC @dcfcofficial @ManUtd @juventusfcen @CR_UK #donate @BlackYellow pic.twitter.com/6Wp4iP9sT9
— AppointX (@AppointXLtd) 27 April 2018
Top of the tree
So, I find myself just 10 months later, having had a highly successful start to my career in recruitment. I’ve been lucky to find a company who have given me the support, tools and opportunities I’ve needed to be successful. I’ve presented to the largest providers of care in the country, earned a car allowance and made some fantastic friends with a few memorable nights out to boot!
There’s no course to prepare you for being a recruiter and I highly doubt that anyone starts life aspiring to be one. But that’s the beauty of it. You don’t need to be the perfect graduate that many graduates expect. You need determination, a competitive streak (–and something to spend your bonus on!)
Working at AppointX is rewarding, stimulating and competitive and most of all it’s good fun. I couldn’t ask for much more than that.
Unsure about what you would like to do with your degree? Check out ‘What can do with my degree?’
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