Any recruitment consultants past or present out there?

[JTrader]

Hi

one of my friends has just started a job as a trainee recruitment consultant, working for a high street agency specialising in low to mid level finance/accountany jobs.
He gets a basic salary in the region of £15k, and was attracted to recruitment by the prospect of making big uncapped commissions, plus he's also the sociable type.

Having also had a significant level of contact with agencies for my jobs, I'm interested in knowing more about the role of a recruitment consultant.

From what I've heard, it seems like a fairly tough job, in terms of number of hours work, competition etc.

I'd be interested to here from any past or present recruitment consultants...............

Outside of London...........

Typically, how many hours per week does a recruitment consultant work?

How much is the average consultant, working for the average high street agency, in the average sized town, in the average year likely to make in commission on top of their basic salary?

How much can a consultant with a few (2-5) years experience, be then expected to make in terms of basic salary and commissions? Is the salary progression good in terms of number of years experience?

What would be a typical commission that a consultant may earn for placing say an Accounts Assistant, earning £15k into a permanent role, or an Accounts Assistant earning £8 per hour into a temping role?

Is recruitment a career where many people burn out, and burn out quickly due to the stress? How long does a consultant typically tend to stay in a recruitment career for?

How competitive a role is being a recruitment consultant in terms of rivalry with colleagues, and consultants from other agencies etc.?

Overall, Is it a good job - i.e. would you recommend it to your son or daughter, niece or nephew?

Any insights welcome

Cheers

jtrader.

 

[JTrader]

Hi Search

If I'm honest, my experiences of dealing with agencies/consultants during my past job searches have been something of a pain in the a**e. Responding to job adverts that no longer exist, or that you wouldn't be considered for, despite having the relevant experience.

I think that the world of employment would be better if all employers handled the recruitment process themselves, although this would create a lot more work for their HR departments. But even if a job that you apply for is advertised through an agency/agencies, typically you will need to go to the employer for an interview. So the agency/ies just shortlist the best CV's. So why not just email your CV direct to the company, rather than having to go via the agency?

Surely this would save the emplyer money also?

Maybe for jobs where a bit of head-hunting is required, you can see the value/need of a third party agency being invloved, as it may be difficult for one organisation to directly approach another organisations staff over potential employment.

There just seems to be so many agencies now, something like 100 in one of my local towns alone.

Telesales, cold-calling etc. the taskks of a recruitment consultant are not something that I'd want to do...............

Cheers

jtrader.