On the Job - Recruitment Consultant

Alistair Verth

Career: Recruitment Consultant at Tradewind Recruitment
Age: 32
Lives: Balham
From: Hobart, Australia

How did you get into recruitment consulting?

I came to London as a maths and science teacher and did that for a few years. I was pretty lucky to get a permanent job a week after I arrived, and the consultant who found me the position thought I’d be good at sales.

What do you do day-to-day?

Find day-to-day, long-term and permanent work for teachers in south-west London through new and existing clients. The start and the end of the day are the busiest times, especially the morning.

What’s the best thing about your job?

The positive feedback from clients and candidates is always good to get. I like going out to schools and meeting clients – the relationship with the school is what it’s all about. Teacher parties are pretty eventful. Our last one saw toy scooters being raced around the room.

What’s the most challenging thing about your job?  

Getting that foot in the door at a school where they have an established relationship with someone else. After you create a good impression, offer a continuous level of excellent service and quality teachers, it’s a piece of cake!