FF Focus

Interested in a career in recruitment but feeling overwhelmed with questions? Want to know more about graduate opportunities here at Franklin Fitch?

We sit down with our Academy Manager, Charlotte, to answer some of the most common questions that she gets from graduates seeking a career in recruitment.

How can I get a job in recruitment?

Stick to the basics, so find a company that fits your ideals, apply and prepare really well for the interview.

What are the typical working hours like? Have you ever been asked to work weekends?

Our standard working hours are 8.30am - 6pm and Consultants do work either side of that, depending on workload. I've never been asked to work weekends, but in recruitment, the more you put in, the more you will get out - but it's completely up to you.

How important is your work environment for your success in recruitment?

It's really important, it's just great to collaborate and bounce ideas off different Consultants with different approaches, tends to make you better in the end. Recruitment is full of lots of highs and lows, so it's good to celebrate those or commiserate those with other Consultants.

How does the Academy work?

It's a team set up to equip Consultants that have no recruitment background with the tools they need to then move on to have a successful career in senior teams in recruitment.

Do I need to know all about IT before applying?

Absolutely not. There is technical training as part of your onboarding here and most of our highest performers had no technical understanding before they came into the business and now they're experts, so don't worry.

What does the first week in the Academy look like?

The first week is fairly easy really, it's geared towards you getting to know everyone in the business and it usually ends with a social event on the Friday.

What is the training like at Franklin Fitch?

The training is a long programme that follows you from trainee all the way through to director-level. It's a multiple-strand approach, so we do variations of classroom, theory, workshops, listening sessions and live coaching depending on your learning style and your individual needs at the time.

What are the incentives like?

The incentives are really varied and really fun! We've done everything from Las Vegas, skiing trips, Dublin, watersports, London nights out - so really varied and they tend to be lots of fun.

How quickly can I progress through the business?

Each stage at Franklin Fitch has a structured career path so it's standardised targets that you can hit. So the short answer would be, as soon as you want to but realistically you're looking at your first promotion within 6-8 months.

Can you actually earn the figures that we see on the adverts?

There are some massive figures going around on some of the adverts out there. The short answer is yes, you absolutely can earn those figures in recruitment. We are confident we'd get Consultants there, but we focus on those smaller steps at first, to get you there. The building blocks to get you to that success.

If there are any questions that haven't been answered, or you want to find out more about the graduate opportunities that we have at Franklin Fitch, drop Dane a message!

With so many options to choose from, it isn’t always straightforward making crucial career decisions after graduation. This is particularly the case if your degree doesn’t guide you into a specific profession, such as law, accounting or medicine.

If you’ve got academic ability, interpersonal skills, and a competitive edge, there will be many employers looking to hire you. So whilst it can be a case of simply establishing where your main attributes lie, and what you’d like to do, this can be much easier said than done.

According to the latest FT survey, competition is fierce, opportunities are scarce and earning and growth potential can be low in the job market. However, starting a career within the recruitment industry can provide the perfect opportunity to learn and develop a fantastic array of skills and business attributes.

More companies are using recruiters due to the high demand for talented people in the industry. Recruitment consultants use their knowledge, expertise and judgment to match talented candidates to business’ job opportunities. Most companies have realised that their most valuable asset for success is their employees, giving recruiters the change to make a real impact on the economy and business growth.

Agencies are not only seeking the skilled candidates for their clients but looking for the top talent to join their own workforces. There is a significant demand for enthusiastic, ambitious professionals who are self-driven, hardworking and want to “be their own boss”. Recruitment companies are looking for those personalities that can build rapport, handle negotiations, influence and manage relationships.

Here are 8 reasons why recruitment is a good career move for you:

• High remuneration – Recruitment is built on financial incentives for performance, through commission, rewards and trips away. The more activity you create, the more successful you are in delivering the recruitment solutions inevitably means the more reward you gain. Types of incentives at Franklin Fitch includes: Trips to Miami, Las Vegas, Dublin, Cannes, Skiing, Water sports and many more!
• Scope for development – Recruitment agencies don’t want a high turnover, they invest in their staff to help them grow and develop as a successful recruiter with expenses on training programmes, coaching and mentorship. Agencies are moulding their staff into business leaders of the future.
• Variety of work – Recruiting gives you flexibility you may not get in other industries. For instance, one day you may be on the phones working that ‘wolf of wall street’ lifestyle, the next you’ll be out and about meeting clients and candidates, attending meetups, finalising contracts.
• Progression Opportunities – Top performers will advance their career quickly in recruitment, moving into more senior leadership roles. Recruitment is solely judged on performance, not time served or waiting for someone to take a step down.
• Competition is exciting – As a recruiter, you are in head to head competition with other consultants and recruitment companies. You’ll be a successful recruiter if you find competition exhilarating, challenging and enjoyable.
• The opportunity to meet the best – You’ll be speaking with the top talent of whatever industry you choose every day. Allowing you to develop your own specialisms, understand a particular sector inside and out and growing your connections for future job prospects.
• Consultative approach – Recruitment is for people who aren’t afraid to push themselves. You aren’t selling a product, you’re selling people. People are unpredictable and difficult to manage on the candidate and client side. You are developing skills to consult with clients to find out what they need to make their business grow and help them find the candidates who will make that happen.
• Human interaction – A highlight with recruitment is the interaction you get on a daily basis. You spend the majority of your time speaking with clients and candidates, understanding their needs and developing your relationships to help advance your career.

Isabelle Melton joined our Franklin Fitch Training Programme in November 2021, which provided her with the tools she needed to get started in the recruitment industry. Fast forward to present day, Isabelle not only excelled in the programme, but has recently been promoted to Recruitment Consultant. We spoke with her about her recruitment career journey, her advice for individuals considering a career in recruitment, and how she's adjusted to her job and team at Franklin Fitch.

Introduce yourself, your career journey at Franklin Fitch, your current role, and your responsibilities.

My name is Isabelle, and I work as a Recruitment Consultant at Franklin Fitch. I've been here since November and was recently promoted from trainee consultant to consultant. I got into recruitment after earning a degree in Criminology and Psychology while also working in retail. I am now looking to start working towards my next promotion, which will be to Senior Consultant, with the ultimate goal of becoming a Team Lead here.

Since joining Franklin Fitch what has been one of the biggest challenges you have faced?

My most difficult challenge since starting here at Franklin Fitch has been organisation! You must be extremely organised as a recruitment consultant since you must juggle so many things at once.

What was the training programme like for you at Franklin Fitch?

One of my favourite aspects of Franklin Fitch, and one of the reasons I first joined, is the training programme. Even during the pandemic, I received extensive training and support, and I believe that in such a short period of time, I have significantly expanded my skill set and even worked on my own self-confidence.

What are your thoughts on being on the programme?

I absolutely love being a part of the programme. Going into recruitment straight out of university can be daunting, so working under Charlotte, our L&D Manager, is an excellent way to feel like you can grow and develop. That being said, there is no micromanagement at Franklin Fitch, and they allow you to get your hands dirty early on while guiding you through the entire process. This method of learning is beneficial to me because it gives me a push while also giving me the encouragement of knowing that I am supported.

Why did you choose a career in recruitment at Franklin Fitch?

I chose a career at Franklin Fitch because I am very money-driven, and after speaking with some of the team's more senior members, I realised that there are tremendous earning opportunities here. I also liked the idea of eventually moving to America, so the fact that they work in multiple markets and are constantly expanding in the US was very appealing to me for my career.

Any advice you would give to future recruiters?

My main piece of advice to aspiring recruiters is to trust the process. It can be difficult to keep a positive attitude during the first year of employment, and they say you will consider leaving several times. However, if you persevere and have faith in your own learning and development, as well as the procedures in place at Franklin Fitch, the opportunity can be life changing.

In August 2021, Oliver Boulton, a member of our London US team, enrolled in Franklin Fitch's Academy Program. From there, he has excelled throughout the training programme and was promoted to Recruitment Consultant. We got the chance to speak with him about his career journey into recruitment, his advice for individuals considering a career in recruitment and how he's adjusted into his job and team at Franklin Fitch.

Introduce yourself, your career journey at Franklin Fitch, your current role and your responsibilities.

My name is Olly and I work for Franklin Fitch as a Recruitment Consultant. I started at Franklin Fitch in August 2021 following my graduation from Exeter University where I did a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management. I started off as a Trainee Recruitment Consultant and recently got promoted following five months of training. I am now about to start working towards my Senior Recruitment Consultant targets with the aim of achieving this by the end of the year.

Since joining Franklin Fitch what has been one of the biggest challenges you have faced?

One of the hardest adjustments I faced was going from being a student to full-time work – it is a shock to the system! However, I have had a great support system at Franklin Fitch who have always been ready and available if I needed any advice or assistance.

What was the training programme like for you at Franklin Fitch?

The training programme has been second to none. When I interviewed for Franklin Fitch, they sold me on their continuous training programme, and it turned out to be one of the biggest benefits of working here. It is led by a dedicated Learning and Development Manager, Charlotte Drury, who provided me with constant support and training and was always there to help with issues either inside or outside of recruitment.

What are your thoughts on being on the programme?

The two main selling points for Franklin Fitch were the culture and continuous learning approach. Everyone is always accessible and willing to help regardless of their seniority within the company. Even though I have graduated from the Academy, my learning and development is still being closely monitored and every day I feel like I learn something new and improve my ability as a Recruitment Consultant. Regardless of where you sit in the company, there are always opportunities to learn and grow and they regularly bring in external industry experts to conduct training sessions, even when you reach Principal or Director level!

Why did you choose a career in recruitment at Franklin Fitch?

My main motivation to start a career in recruitment was the ability to make the same money in your first year as you would in your fifth year in a typical graduate job. In addition to this, there are no other jobs where you can potentially earn two promotions within the space of a year. The career growth opportunities at Franklin Fitch are clear and tangible, and you know exactly what you need to do to hit your targets and are given all the support required to do so!

Any advice you would give to future recruiters?

Stick it out. It is not an easy process, particularly at the beginning it can feel very overwhelming, and it requires a lot of resilience and dedication. I adopted the approach of no expectations for the first six months, I just focused on my learning and development and let the results come naturally. Focus on the process and the results will follow.

Brooke Feinglass, a member of our US Austin team, relocated to Austin in July 2021 and enrolled in the Franklin Fitch Academy Program. She has been a part of our training programme since joining the team, which has provided her all the tools she needs to get started in the recruiting industry. We chatted with her about her time in the Academy, her decision to work in recruiting, and how she's adjusting to her new job and team at Franklin Fitch.

Introduce yourself, your career journey at Franklin Fitch, your current role and your responsibilities. 

I started my career in recruiting as a Trainee Consultant in Franklin Fitch's Austin, TX office at the end of July 2021. I had no idea what I was doing and spent most of my days attempting to soak up as much knowledge as possible from my colleagues and received specialised training and development from Academy Management Charlotte from beginning to end. With the help of my supervisors and colleagues, I gained confidence in dealing with applicants and made my first placement in September. I was promoted to Consultant in November after placing four candidates. Now that I've gained a thorough grasp of the hiring process, I'm tasked with sourcing, qualifying, and managing prospects throughout their job search, attempting to make the process as painless as possible.

Since joining Franklin Fitch what has been one of the biggest challenges you have faced? 

Finding a strategy that helps me keep organised has been my biggest problem since joining Franklin Fitch. I've been able to discover strategies to successfully manage my time and keep organised with my calendar as a result of my training, which is a valuable life skill to learn and develop.

What was the training programme like for you at Franklin Fitch?

My training at Franklin Fitch consisted of discussions, peer mentoring, technical studying etc. and I was extremely impressed throughout the entirety of it. The thoroughness of the program and its attention to detail assured me I was surrounded by people that wanted me to the best I could be. 

What are your thoughts on being on the programme and why did you choose a career in recruitment at Franklin Fitch?

Franklin Fitch's training programme continues to impress me. All of the training is designed to provide you with the support and resources you'll need to succeed. It's a true mash-up of several sorts of training, including on-the-job coaching, listening, and observation. The use of KPI challenges and activities to motivate you to meet your goals while still having fun was fantastic and made the experience even more pleasurable.

I chose a career in recruitment at Franklin Fitch because I wanted a company to give me the dedication, attention and training needed in order to be a great recruiter.

Any advice you would give to future recruiters?

Pay attention to what your peers are saying and learn from them. Everyone has a range of expertise and experience, and they are always eager to help if you have a query or want guidance.

In August 2021, Robyn, a member of our London US team, enrolled in Franklin Fitch's Academy Program. She has been a part of our intensive training programme, where she has received classroom and on-the-job training from our committed L&D Managers, giving her the tools she needs to get started in the recruitment sector. We spoke with her about her experience in the Academy, her decision to pursue a career in recruitment, and how she's settled into her new role and team at Franklin Fitch.

Introduce yourself, your career journey at Franklin Fitch, your current role and your responsibilities. 

My name is Robyn and I joined Franklin Fitch’s US London team in August 2021. After graduating from university in the spring, it was my dream to relocate to the big city that is London. I’ll be honest and say that recruitment wasn’t a career I had considered before Franklin Fitch reached out to me. I was pretty open in terms of what roles I was considering, I just know I wanted a career that offered unlimited progression, the chance to earn good money and be rewarded for my hard work, and meet new, likeminded people in the city that was soon to become my home. Six months on, I’m really glad I was open to having that initial conversation, as I’m now working in a role that ticks all of those boxes. Since starting here, I have been part of an extensive training programme, where I have been provided with all of the tools, support and expertise to get me up to speed with the world that is recruitment. I work with both clients and candidates in the US market, to either fill their positions or land candidates their dream role. 

Since joining Franklin Fitch what has been one of the biggest challenges you have faced? 

I would say the biggest challenge I have faced would be diving into the unknown. I had moved from a small, seaside town in Wales and jumped feet first into a huge city, living in a house with five other strangers and working in an industry I didn’t have much knowledge of. When starting at Franklin Fitch, I found a great support network. Everyone at Franklin Fitch couldn’t have been more welcoming and supportive, both in terms of work and my personal life. They really went above and beyond, and even offered to help me find somewhere to live prior to my big move. I found having a job that I could really get my teeth stuck into gave me something to focus on, and everything else slowly fell into place. 

What was the training programme like for you at Franklin Fitch? 

The training programme at Franklin Fitch is second to none. You are thrown all of the tools, resources, knowledge and expertise you need to develop the skills to become an excellent Recruitment Consultant; some of the more senior members of staff are testimony to that. You have a dedicated academy manager, Charlotte, who is there to support and guide you throughout the whole process. It is great to know that no question is a silly question. All the staff are so supportive and there is always someone who is happy to help you out when you need it. 

What are your thoughts on being on the programme and why did you choose a career in recruitment at Franklin Fitch? 

I’m really glad I have been offered the opportunity to jump onboard this excellent training programme. It is true that recruitment has a lot of ups and downs, and sometimes it can be tough when you experience knockbacks. However, working closely with your mentors can ensure that you have greater control over those factors, and help you to build resilience, so when you do experience those knockbacks, you can use them as lesson and bounce back quicker every time. The reason I chose a career in recruitment is that I wanted a job that would give me the opportunity to continuously improve and progress. I always used to worry about being stuck in job where I would hit a ceiling of progression; however, this is a job where that would never happen. The great thing about Franklin Fitch is that you never have to wait for a promotion, you are all on your own path and once you hit those targets, you can climb the career ladder. I wanted a job where I would be rewarded for my hard work, and would get out what I put in. I’m more than happy to work hard, stay late, go the extra mile, as long as I am seeing those results. Finally, it was the people for me at Franklin Fitch, the brilliant mentors, managers and friends. Since being here, I have made some really great friends and done some really cool things. 

Any advice you would give to future recruiters? 

My advice would be to take the leap. A lot of people don’t know too much about the recruitment industry, but be open to having that initial conversation and find out a bit more about it before you rule it out. Take advantage of the exceptional training and development opportunity on offer, as they help to build all the skills and confidence you need to be an excellent Recruitment Consultant. Be patient and persistent, show up for yourself every day and you will reap the benefits!

We spoke with Dafydd from our Cardiff office, who joined Franklin Fitch's Academy Programme in July 2021. Throughout his time at Franklin Fitch he has swiftly progressed through the Academy, most recently being promoted to Recruitment Consultant. We got the chance to speak with him about his time in the Academy, his advice for individuals considering a career in recruitment and how he's adjusted into his job and team at Franklin Fitch.

Introduce yourself, your career journey at Franklin Fitch, your current role and your responsibilities. 

My name is Dafydd and I’m part of Franklin Fitch’s UK team based in Cardiff, Wales. I was searching for a dynamic profession that would allow me to progress swiftly, earn good money, and meet new people after graduating from Aberystwyth University with a degree in International Politics.  Since joining I have undergone extensive training and development activities that allowed me to successfully progress from the academy into a Recruitment Consultant role. Currently, I work directly with candidates to assist them in finding their ideal positions and to genuinely understand their needs. 

Since joining Franklin Fitch what has been one of the biggest challenges you have faced? 

The most difficult aspect has been transitioning from a student lifestyle to full-time employment. As this is my first work outside of university, there was definitely a transition period, but after I established a routine and acquired confidence in my talents via the Academy, everything started to make sense and I now have ownership of my own day and routine.  

What was the training programme like for you at Franklin Fitch?

The training programme at Franklin Fitch was extensive but enjoyable. The sessions were instructive and thought-provoking, allowing you to reach your own conclusions and grasp the many functions and practices. One of the things that immediately stood out for me when starting the Academy is that you receive real-world experience and a dedicated network to draw on and learn from; everyone is so supportive and friendly and great to talk to.  

What are your thoughts on being on the programme and why did you choose a career in recruitment at Franklin Fitch?

The training has aided professional and personal development, and the focused support network has aided this growth. Recruitment appealed to me because of its social nature, the possibility of making good money, and the opportunity to learn about a variety of topics ranging from technology and business to personal attributes. 

Any advice you would give to future recruiters?

My advice is to be prepared to take on any challenge, jump straight in, and take advantage of the training and growth that Franklin Fitch will provide. Take any given opportunity and make it excellent. Just embrace the challenge and run with it! 

We spoke with Garett, who joined Franklin Fitch's Academy Programme in July 2021 and has swiftly progressed through the ranks, most recently being promoted to Recruitment Consultant, about his experiences in the programme, his best piece of advice and how he's adjusted into his job and team at Franklin Fitch.

Introduce yourself, your career journey at Franklin Fitch, your current role and your responsibilities. 

I'm Garett Bechdolt (aka GABE), and I work at Franklin Fitch as a recruiting consultant. I started as a trainee in the Austin office in June 2021, with no prior recruitment experience. My current responsibilities involve working with clients on business development, communicating with candidates, and managing both candidates and clients through their individual interview procedures.

Since joining Franklin Fitch what has been one of the biggest challenges you have faced? 

Learning efficient strategies to govern your candidates has been one of the most difficult problems (apart from sharing a small workspace with JOGU). Early on, I struggled to gain candidate buy-in, but I've made significant progress in this area in the last several months. The idea is to simply listen to the individual to determine their requirements, and then demonstrate how you can meet those needs. They are more likely to pick up the phone when you call again if they believe you understand their position effectively.

What was the training programme like for you at Franklin Fitch?

The Franklin Fitch Academy leaders are fantastic mentors, and they make sure that we are following daily practises that are the foundation of a successful recruiter. There are a lot of moving components in recruiting, but they make everything as simple as possible to understand.

What are your thoughts on being on the programme and why did you choose a career in recruitment at Franklin Fitch?

I chose a career with Franklin Fitch because I see great opportunities in our market, and I believe that we have the pieces in place to grow very quickly. I was also impressed with everyone I spoke with during my interviews, and I don’t think there is anything they told during that process that wasn’t true. Everyone within the company are always so helpful, and you can always reach out to anyone and they will be extremely supportive.

Any advice you would give to future recruiters?

Listen to your mentors and observe their work often. Your team around you should have the experience to guide you through difficult situations as they arise. It is important to listen to them when they give you feedback and do everything you can to incorporate it into your work. Spending time studying why they have been successful can unlock your ability to do the same.

It’s all about upskilling 

“We are investing in our people from day one,” says Charlotte Drury, who heads up the academy in London. “Recruitment, particularly in London, can be very hire and fire, but for us it is about giving our people the best framework within which to learn and succeed.” 

“Ultimately we see them upskill much quicker and it enables us to expand at a much faster pace.” 

Role plays, one-to-one tutoring sessions, classroom teaching, peer coaching and group breakfast meetings are all in a week’s work for Charlotte, who is constantly on hand to support her team of graduates. Whether she’s listening in to a candidate call to help one academy member ‘seal the deal’, or providing guidance to another on how to handle a specific recurring situation, Charlotte’s presence is a great reassurance for the academy members. 

The level of support is great 

“It’s great to have someone who is solely dedicated to your progress,” says Marima Kauser, who seven months after joining the academy as a graduate has passed her probation and is preparing to move onto one of Franklin Fitch’s specialist recruitment desks. “There’s not many places where you get this level of support.”  

For Charlotte, the academy is all about opportunity. After working in 360 recruitment for two years, she was looking for the next challenge and liked the idea that people entering the academy wanted to progress. While the London academy is still in its infancy – the first graduates joined in late summer 2019 and are just coming to the end of their six-month probation period, Franklin Fitch has been doing it very successfully in Frankfurt for three years. “There is a very clear progression between the academy and becoming a fully-fledged consultant,” says Charlotte. “There are plenty of good role models to follow and people to help with ideas and issues along the way.” 

No cap on the opportunity to earn 

Unlike some trainee schemes where graduates are separated from the rest of the business, the Franklin Fitch Academy members have the opportunity to work alongside, and learn from, other more experienced members of the business. “Even though the academy members are learning, they still have the opportunity to do the whole job,” says Charlotte. “Their opportunity to earn isn’t capped and if they find the right candidate for a high-level position, then the commission is theirs.” 

For Sian Llewellyn, internal recruitment lead at Franklin Fitch, the key to the academy’s success is the combination of opportunity, structure and support. “Our graduates need to be motivated, eager to learn and willing to work hard,” she says. “If you combine those attributes with our proven academy model, the potential rewards for the individual participants are significant.” 

Anyone interested in joining Franklin Fitch’s Academy or simply wishing to find out more about it should contact Dane Keenan.