Recruitment Consultant

[banth]

I'm after a graduate trainee position as a recruitment consultant in London, but have limited proven sales experience. I canvassed houses for about a month (3 years ago) and did well but cannot get a reference from the company as I left due to my boss's unwanted advances. Is there any way of making this sound better?! I think i'll be good at the job but feel the fact that I have so little sales experience is holding me back. All advice welcome, thanks.
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[Sasha13]

For a Grad Trainee position in recruitment you chouldn't need sales experience - it will be more about personality. Unfortunately, due to the length of time you were with your old company ad the length of time ago it was, it won't stand you in good stead - personally I wouldn't mention it as if you do they will almost immediately query why you left - not that you leaving was your fault in the slightest, but recruitment consultants are nothing if not sceptical and may see it as a bad thing (you leaving as quickly as you did). What sort of recent work experience do you have? If none, what degree did you do?

[banth]

Hi, thanks for your answer, I completed a BSc in Economics and recent work experience includes admin and working in a cafe. I'm friendly, a fast learner and I can think on my feet. I like to think of myself a quite a good judge of character too, which I believe is quite important for this type of post!

[Sasha13]

Admin will definitely stand you in good stead as you'll need to be able to show you're organised and can work to deadlines. Think of examples of when you've actually shown yourself to be a fast learner and able to think on your feet. You're likely to do a competency based interview if invited to see a company and they'll be after as many examples as possible for anything that you say you do well so give this some thought. Also, think about why you want a career in recruitment as this is more than likely to be asked too.

[lushkayt]

With a degree in Economics I should think you're too good for recruitment consultancy, from my experience of the motley rabble I've experienced in my dealings with such agencies.

[Sasha13]

lushkayt - I have a degree in Chemistry and Pharmacology, so what does that say about me? Unfortunately, judging by your post, you appear to be under the common misconception that recruitment consultancies and agencies are the same - There's a huge difference between the two. Banth - how are you getting on in your hunt?