Interview at recruitment agency

Thumpette

Hi Guys,

I have an interview tomorrow with a recruitment company- well its more a meet the recruitment person type thing, but as they would be the employer in this case I'm guessing it will be more like an interview.

I would really love to get this job- however it's a bit of a leap across roles for me as I currently an at a team leader level in another industry. I do have the benefit however that the company I currently work for is linked closely with the recruitment company- so I'm hoping that my good work record here will stand for me.

I have never done any type of sales role before- however I really want to get into it. I know that recruitment is a tough business, however all the bad things I've heard havent really put me off.

Does anybody (particularly from the industry) have any hints and ideas for me? Particularly on what skills I should emphasise and what sort of atitude i should portray (apart from the normal positive and enthusiastic)

Also, as it is a sales role, does the old addage of being less interested in the money still hold true? Obviously a large proporion of sales people are financially motivated- would this be something that a recruitment company would be keen to hear?

Does anyone know as well what a starting basic salary would be in this area, and how much commision is likely?

Cheers

eth0_

This is a really really bad time to get into recruitment! Did you not hear there is a recession? People are shedding jobs now.

Keano

Ask for a job spec to make sure the have real jobs.

Thumpette

Oh dear- is it really that bad? I know belts are tightening everywhere but it's hardly like the economy is dead is it? Does anyone work in recruitment? How is it?

Solarball10

Hi Thumpette, I went for an interview for a Trainee Recruitment Consultant position before, and the base was 21k. Was offered the position, but I thought 21k was a joke. I know alot of it's based on commission, but what if I turned out to be a crap salesperson? (had no experience whatsoever.)

However, if you're going for a more senior role, the base probably will be more...the poster who said that it's a bad time to go into recruitment at the moment is right though...

As for good things to say in the interview, here's what I said:
-emphasise that you are very much a "people" person
-say that you see this role as a proper career and not just another job
-just be really friendly in general - smile alot!

Eoin

eth0_ wrote: »

This is a really really bad time to get into recruitment! Did you not hear there is a recession? People are shedding jobs now.

This is not necessarily a bad thing for the recruitment industry as some companies will look for contracters rather than permanent staff in a recession, but they are still looking for people.

albert-bundy

yes i agree many employers now use agencies for temporary or contract workers so the industry is far from dead but its hard work,

godeas

When I started off in recruitment 2.5 yrs ago with no experience, I started on €24k. Dont accept lower!

I think the main things to get a job in the industry are that you are immaculately presented, have empathy, motivated by success and money and that you are eager.

I dont think there are any agencies at the moment recruiting though. But when u geet in and u get experience, you can travel anywhere and get a job in recruitment. Before the recession, there was a shortage worldwide of consultants esp in Oz.

Have to say its incredibly rewarding both financially and for your career. You will work hard, there are constant highs and lows but no 2 days are the same and to a certain extent you can be your own boss.:)