Recruitment Resourcer Review

As an apprentice, I was a Recruitment Resourcer. My daily tasks included taking job specifications, resourcing candidates on job boards and LinkedIn, qualifying and interviewing candidates to asses suitability, presenting them to our global clients, arranging interviews in different time zones and finally making and negotiating offers. I interacted with candidates worldwide, from China to Latin America, and from positions such as Project Managers to Regional Heads of Finance. I had the opportunity to take down these international vacancies, subsequently developing relationships and recruiting future hiring managers for our business!

The main skill I have learnt throughout my time as an apprentice is resilience, particularly in the Recruitment industry, you need to learn to power through and recover quickly when things are not going to plan. No two days are the same, and you need to have the skills to adapt yourself and to celebrate your successes and learn from your mistakes. Not only that, I have gained a Level 2 NVQ Qualification in Recruitment resourcing, which is a great addition to my working experience, as well as taking part in multiple internal training courses covering all aspects of recruitment.

BPS World had been running the apprentice scheme for a few years before I joined, therefore there are a team around me with Apprentice Graduates to keep you motivated to the end goal (especially when you are going through struggles). On the other hand, there are Senior Consultants who have been here for 10 years+ who are more than happy to help you whilst giving you some of their wisdom and knowledge. The social events within the company are a huge encouragement to hit your targets, particularly end of quarter events where we celebrate our success in our teams, who have all been working together to meet an end goal. When I was initially interested in completing an apprenticeship within Recruitment, I was worried that I wouldn't be provided with training or help to understand the industry better. I didn't want to be thrown straight into the deep end, as that is not how I learn best. I knew what the basics of recruitment were, but I certainly wasn't ready to get someone a new role! After a weeks training and mentoring, I was on the phones and getting my candidates interviews in no time!

I believe the best way to make someone feel valued is to give them responsibilities which require a large amount of trust, for example, a tough role with a new client which we need to impress. I feel BPS World don't just take the easy option by giving apprentices the 'more simple' positions, or the admin tasks to complete for consultants, they get you involved in the crucial hires which will create a huge sense of achievement and recognition once completed successfully. Of course during this time they will guide you through it and never leave you out of your depth!

As I wasn't the first apprentice, the program had already been trailed and adapted before I joined. The initial stages included a weeks training and coaching with L&D and different managers within the business. They then get you on the sales floor with a team around you to help you on the phones and with the system. The program itself was a year long which was broken down into 2 sets of 6 months objectives, which once completed, were rewarded with pay increments.

Our training provider was LearnDirect, who came in about once a month to guide you through the NVQ Qualifications.

Support was offered throughout the program by not only your manager but also Graduated Apprentices around you who have been through what you have and are always willing to offer help and support.

The initial salary package was not as high as I'd have hoped for my first role, however I knew that the training and qualification that came with this role would compensate for that. There is also a great opportunity to quickly increase your salary for hitting your set objectives. They offer the chance to practically double your salary in just over a year - excluding your commission!

The company organise events such as end of quarter activities for hitting targets, we even once had ferret racing, drinks and pizza in the office! We also take part in money raising events for charity, including Macmillan Coffee Mornings and Tough Mudder.

Yes

Great apprentice program if you are looking to gain and develop your knowledge and career within recruitment, whilst obtaining a qualification!

Be prepared for the interview morning/afternoon. There are several people you will meet and several stages to go through - including a presentation! Also make sure you research into the company and what we do, it will show your enthusiasm. As well as preparing a few questions, which will show your interest to learn more.