It’s a busy time for us here at NRL, so we’re thrilled to be on the lookout for people to join our own business. Our recruitment branches are accustomed to many hundreds of open vacancies every week, but it’s particularly exciting when the hunt is on to find the right people to join their teams.
That’s because they’re all passionate about the recruitment industry, and the fantastic career opportunities available when people choose to build a career as a recruiter. We sat down with Sunderland-based Georgia Coates and Daniel Scott who have developed their careers with NRL to become Recruitment Consultants and found out more about how their first roles in recruitment are going.
A chance to strive for Georgia
From the moment I walked through the doors of NRL for my interview, I knew I wanted to be part of the amazing Sunderland team. The office atmosphere immediately captivated me,and I left my interview really wanting the job.
To be honest, I never imagined myself working in recruitment initially. It was a chance encounter with a few job opportunities that caught my attention. After reading the job descriptions, I could picture myself really enjoying the role, so I decided to take a leap of faith and apply.
Learning on the job
I absolutely love my work as a Recruitment Consultant and the development I’ve undergone to progress over the last 17 months. The training programme provided by NRL has been great for my professional growth, together with support from my colleagues to gain invaluable knowledge that I can readily apply to my everyday work.
Our office feels more like a family, where I know I can always count on my colleagues for assistance. Even across other branches, everyone is friendly and easy to get along with. The sense of camaraderie and support is always evident.
I still remember the incredible feeling of making my first placement. It was so rewarding to see that what I had learnt was paying off. Even now, I still get a buzz from complex placements. It's a constant reminder of the difference we’re making for our candidates and clients.
Working in recruitment has allowed me to acquire a range of new skills. I've become much more adaptable, thanks to watching senior colleagues seamlessly switch between different job roles. Now, it comes to me naturally.
A day in the life of a recruiter
A typical day in my role starts with a morning meeting, where we recap the previous day and plan our actions for the day ahead. The rest of the day varies depending on the roles we are working on. Sometimes, it involves reaching out to potential candidates for trades roles and assessing the current market. Other times, it entails focusing on technical roles and using a wide range of search methods to find suitable candidates. And, of course, it’s always great to pick up the phone and chat with people.
Making connections
The most interesting thing about working in recruitment, for me, is the people I get to meet. Whether it's clients or candidates - engaging in conversations with them and learning so much about the sectors we support.
In terms of personal development, seeing my confidence grow within the role has been a significant highlight. It's amazing to look back and see how much I've developed and how much more confident I am now. I owe a great deal of credit to my incredible team for fostering this growth.
Gaining a promotion
My career highlight so far - getting promoted. It’s truly rewarding as a reflection of my growth and dedication to the role.
If you're considering starting a career in recruitment, I encourage you to take the plunge. It's filled with exciting challenges, rewarding placements, and the chance to connect with a diverse range of individuals.
A rewarding new career for Daniel
Joining NRL in 2021 was an easy decision for me. Right from the start, when the Branch Director called me about the role, she was so chatty and friendly. When I went for the interview at the branch, the atmosphere was fantastic. I remember everyone being excited to see a colleague who had just returned from annual leave. It was clear to me that NRL was a company that truly cared about their staff.
I was drawn to the recruitment sector because it offers something different every day. I love the constant interaction with new people and the opportunity to assist them on their career paths. Being a Recruitment Consultant at NRL has been a great experience so far. Through daily conversations with candidates and site visits, I have learnt about multiple industries, which has been incredibly rewarding.
The right level of support and empowerment
The training programme at NRL has been excellent. Right from day one, the team provided me with comprehensive training to guide me through each process. I have also had the privilege of attending various APSCo (Association of Professional Companies) courses, which have expanded my knowledge and skills in the field.
The support I receive from my team and the wider business is outstanding. Everyone is always willing to help without hesitation. Moreover, the team celebrates each other's achievements, creating a supportive and encouraging environment.
Making my first placement was a fantastic milestone. The feeling of knowing that I have helped someone secure a job is incredibly fulfilling.
Developing key skills
Working in recruitment has taught me a wide range of skills. From effective communication and sales to administration, teamwork, time management, and working under pressure and to deadlines. I have developed a versatile skill set that will benefit me throughout my career and in terms of personal development, this role has been so rewarding, especially in building my confidence. Initially, I dreaded making client calls, but with the training and support from my team, I have overcome this hurdle. Now, I am happy and confident to pick up the phone and engage with clients.
Every day is different
In my day-to-day role, I have various responsibilities. This includes client meetings, making business development calls to secure new vacancies, managing candidates and contacts, and sourcing candidates through calls, emails, advertising, and headhunting for both temporary and permanent positions.
Working in recruitment is fascinating because of the sheer variety of jobs I get to work on. One moment, I could be searching for warehouse operatives, and the next I might be seeking candidates for specialised roles like building underwater cable machines.
Interested in finding out more?
You can find out more about a career with NRL below, which you’ll find won’t necessarily need previous recruitment sector experience.
That’s because you’ll be supported every step of the way, with great colleagues who’ll share your desire to succeed – and the tools and support needed to help you excel.