Making the transition from studying into full time work is tough. At times the early stages of your career will feel like a never ending slog. The ups and downs can come at a dizzying pace.
But with a some solid preparation and a positive outlook, you’ll come out fighting at the end of it. Take a deep breath and strap in for a bumpy ride. Here’s how to survive your first year as a professional.
Take the Time to Listen
Many graduates approach their first professional role like a bull in a china shop. They immediately set about trying to make waves without fully understanding the fundamentals of the business or role they’re in. While you’ll be keen to make an impression, understand that even though you’re no longer in education your learning period is far from over.
Listening is the single most valuable skill you can master as a newbie in the office. So open up your ears and dedicate your first year to absorbing as much information and knowledge as possible. It will stand you in good stead in the long run and there will be plenty of time to make a name for yourself later down the line.
Get Your Head Down
You might be blessed with the gift of the gab. You may have self-belief by the bucket load. And you could be as bright as a shiny new button. While all of these are fantastic qualities for a recruitment professional, there is no substitute for hard work. Ever.
Your first year will involve a lot of graft, and more than likely take you to some difficult places. But this is where you lay the groundwork for the rest of your career. The effort and hard work you put in now will allow you to reap the rewards in the following years.
Be Realistic About Your Expectations
Lots of companies, and particularly those in sales and recruitment, will have no qualms about selling graduates an unrealistic dream. You know the score - six figure bonus, flashy company car, your own office within 3 months. Real talk - if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
Here at Phaidon International we like to give it to you straight. Your first year in recruitment will be hard. That’s to be expected, so we won’t sugar coat it. But the benefits and rewards are absolutely there for you to earn.
We’ll provide you with a structured, comprehensive training plan with ongoing mentoring, giving you the very best chance of success. We offer a competitive salary with a clear and achievable uncapped commission scheme meaning your earning potential is down to you. And we’ll work with you to map out your personal progression route and show you how to get there.
Build a Network
Your most important asset in many industries, and certainly as a recruitment professional, is your network. Not just the bank of clients and candidates you build up, but the connections and friendships you create within the office.
You should concentrate on building great relationships with as many people as you can. You never know when you’ll need to call in a favour or ask for a bit of advice. And without a network in place you’ll struggle to get the right answers.
Are you ready to take on a career in recruitment? Contact us.
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About Us
Phaidon International is the parent company of five leading specialist recruitment agencies. For more than 15 years, we have given clients and candidates the peace of mind that the recruitment process is in expert hands. Out continual investment in best-in-class technologies and consultant training enables us to recruit with speed, precision and accuracy. Today, we provide contingency, retained search and project-based contract recruitment globally. Contact us today to learn more about the company and the opportunities we offer.
