Why recruitment? 

Sally’s job offer was withdrawn unexpectedly but she has already submitted her resignation to her current employer! She came to us desperately looking for a job. After analysing her case carefully, we reached out to our network of potential employers and successfully landed her in a position before her notice period ended. She made the jump and we managed to find her a parachute just in time! Nothing could make us prouder! 

Being a recruiter, you are able to support your candidates in making important transitions in their lives. But that’s not the only reason why people are drawn to the industry. Other reasons include:

• Uncapped earning potential 

Payment comes in the form of commission on top of your reasonable base salary. The commission is based on how many roles you have filled and there is technically no ceiling as to how much you earn. 

• Low entry threshold 

You don’t even need a bachelor’s degree to apply for the job – it is the ideal job for anyone who wants a pay that reflects the amount of hard work they put in but not the number of certificates they have got. 

• Resilient

The skills you have earned in recruitment serve all industries. It empowers you to stay on top of the wax and wane of the industries. 

Why is there a high turnover rate? 

The recruitment sector is infamous for its high turnover rate. Figures in the UK is as high as 43 per cent and Hong Kong is no better. Here are the reasons we have observed:

• Training is scarce

Due to the low entry threshold, some agencies rely on recruiting a large number of consultants and are reluctant to invest in employees’ training. Without adequate support from the employers, many recruiters are disillusioned along the way. 

• KPI-driven

Major recruitment firms usually stick to a set of KPI measuring (weekly!) their colleagues’ progress in terms of the number of calls they made, the number of CV they sent out, the number of interviews scheduled, etc. It could be intimidating as more often than not, quality trumps quantity in the ‘match-making’ processes.

• Ups and downs 

Unlike other kinds of sales, being a recruiter will often experience many roller- coaster rides before receiving commission on successful placements. A large chunk of the commission is only payable when the candidate passed the probation, or any other period stipulated. It could be a test on the recruiter’s patience. 

How to become a successful recruiter? 

In view of all these challenges, we offer advice as follows to help you become a successful recruiter: 

• Perseverance 

We believe in hard work rather than dumb luck. As Thomas Edison famously said, ‘Genius is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration.’ The more you work, the better chance you can nail a placement. 

• Embrace your failures

Regarding his missteps, (again) Thomas Edison said, ‘I have not failed 10,000 times – I’ve successfully found 10,000 ways that will not work.’ Working in recruitment is no different – your mistakes are the best teachers.    

• Being Zen 

The only constant in the recruitment universe is change – candidates and employers can change their minds any time. Getting prepared for what you can control and accepting what you can’t help you quickly rebound and be ready for the next opportunity.  

• Professionalism

Professionalism in recruitment is not just about manner or ethics, it is more about building your candidate base and industry knowledge. These are the tools that can see you through to the end. 

At Eagle Partners we are constantly investing in our team members and your success is our top priority. Unlike other large recruitment firms, we are agile and fun to work with. Considering a career in recruitment? Why not come chat with us!