In this interview, the interviewee shares practical guidance for newcomers to the recruitment sector, emphasizing resilience, striving to be the best, and proactive networking. They recount spending their first large commission on essential family items, including nappies, and on purchasing a nice car. A daily productivity habit highlighted is planning the night before, setting core tasks while allowing buffers for sales activities. The conversation concludes with a question about how to improve the recruitment industry's public perception, prompting reflection on the need for pride and vocal advocacy for the profession.
What advice would you give to your past self if you're just entering the recruitment industry?
Okay, be resilient. Don't let the troughs out of the peaks and troughs get you down. Super important. Be the best that you can be. Be the best out of everyone around you. Know that it's going to be hard, and the hardest part is when you start. And make friends with everyone. Network.
What did you spend your first biggest commission paycheck on?
This sounds really boring, but probably just like buying nappies and basically buying stuff for my child, but I do remember buying a car. I always had cars, but I remember buying a really nice car. So yeah, I'd say probably that.
What non-negotiable do you live by each day that you feel has a massive impact on your productivity?
Planning. So I always know the night before. I don't plan everything now because I do a lot of sales still. I don't plan every single hour to the T because I have to leave buffers, but I have core things I have to make sure are done. So I plan always the night before.
Final question: how do you think we can change the perception of the recruitment industry?
I do not think anybody should be doing anything in terms of how they work as a recruiter. What I do think people should be doing is being proud. Proud of them being a recruiter. Like, actually saying, like, yeah, I work in recruitment. You know, it's not a crap industry. You actually— so many people don't make it in recruitment. That tells you itself that if you're in recruitment and you're doing well, well, you're doing actually pretty good. Just be proud of what it is that you do. Like, shout about it and actually make everyone realise that recruitment is a reputable industry to be in and you can earn good money. And it's not for everyone. But not everyone's successful, meaning that you're bloody great.
