A Day in the Life of a Recruiter - Tom Drew

What is a typical day like for a recruiter? We love getting the lowdown from our members and finding out more about their careers! We asked Tom Drew Senior Consultant at Redline what his day is like; how he started in the recruitment industry and why he loves recruitment.

What’s your current job and how did you get to where you are today?

Whilst studying Science in Sport and Exercise in Science at University, I remember being at the pub and my friend telling me about his new job in high tech recruitment. He referred me to Redline… Four years and a promotion later, I’m still very much in the business.

What’s a typical day like for you?

Firstly, I drive from Bedford to Luton, typically listening to Radio 1. Once in the office, I’m usually one of the first in the breakout area for breakfast. I catch up on emails and action the most important and then follow up on my daily plan, my primary focus is working on strategic accounts.

What do you love about recruitment?

The technology sector is continuously evolving and there is always something new to learn every day. Certainly, each day can be different. Whether it be a client having new products, processes or requirements. Visiting clients enables me to enhance my technical knowledge of manufacturing and operational practices and a greater understanding of my client’s requirements and the types of candidates they need in order to achieve their business objectives.

What’s the most challenging part?

It is constantly target driven. This means the pressure is always on, but even more so to deliver a quality and accurate shortlist to my clients and agree on the right timeframes based on my findings.

Is there anything about recruitment you’d change?

Unfortunately, companies who are not compliant, often those who are not members of the REC are those who ruin the reputation of the recruitment industry. Recruiters certainly have a bad name, and frequently bad mouthed. We see in the media nearly every day recruiters who don’t call candidates back or those who don’t follow GDPR requirements with client engagements. It takes a lot of time and consideration before we send a shortlist.

What would you tell someone just starting out in the industry?

Always ensure you plan – plan the day, plan how you will reach your targets and plan for the next day. Organisation is the key to success, coupled with great communication skills. You have to be a people person to be in this business. You are constantly having conversations with clients, candidates and your colleagues, which means you need to also know how to work with a diverse community of people. If you are competitive, motivated and are prepared to work hard to progress quickly then recruitment will offer you a career that you will enjoy. Its hard work, the hours can be long, and it can be frustrating at times, but nothing beats the thrill of placing a candidate in a job they wanted, the client is happy they have secured their services and you have even better earning potential!

What’s the number one thing a great recruiter needs in their toolkit?

Great communication combined with a positive attitude towards continued learning. Recruiting isn’t an easy career. To be a successful recruiter, you need to know the nuances of the company you’re hiring for, as well as how to identify the skills and attributes of the candidates you’re interviewing. Not only that, but you need to know how to juggle hiring multiple roles at the same time and constantly keep in touch with various stakeholders, including C-level executives, hiring managers, team members, and candidates––all of whom can be hard to get in touch with.

What’s your best candidate success story?

I believe my greatest candidate success story is when I placed the Health, Safety & Environmental Advisor role for a leading tier 1 supplier to the automotive sector. The candidate did not have the required relatable experience; however, they clearly were very bright with a real passion for health, safety and environmental practices. This shone through at the interview and although they would have a steep learning curve, the client gave her a chance. She received an offer with a pay increase and the chance to really develop her career with training provided. I keep in touch with the candidate and client regularly and she is still continuing to excel to this day.

Are you working towards any particular career aspirations?

Within the next year, my personal goal is to become the first Industry Specialist within the Manufacturing & Operations Division of Redline.

Would you consider studying for a recruitment qualification?

I have recently completed a Level 3 Certificate in Recruitment Practice exam, accredited by the REC. I am currently awaiting my results. Fingers crossed!