Thinking of changing recruitment sectors?

Often when looking for a new role, a Recruitment Consultant will decide they want to change sector. There can be a myriad of reasons you might wish to do this. You enjoy the role of a recruitment consultant but perhaps you are not passionate about the industry sector and want to recruit for something that you more interested in or feel is more aligned with your values. Or perhaps you feels there are emerging technologies or niches that would give you a better opportunity to earn more money. Whatever the reason, it’s really important to do your research. Make the right move and it could be the best thing you have done but make the wrong move and it could set you back in your recruitment career.

When considering a new recruitment consultant role, you need to understand that if looking to change sector, not all sectors recruit in the same way. Moving into HR recruitment will be different to working in Accounting and Finance for instance and will have different challenges. If you wish to move into a competitive sector then you should be aware that it could be difficult to add value or make money if you’re new to it. Moving into an emerging market may be harder initially but offer better potential in the long term to become an expert more quickly.

Whatever you do, you will have to immerse yourself into your new sector/market, attend as many networking events as you can, learn the jargon and be prepared to start again from the beginning, leaving your old networks behind.

In addition, when joining a new company to work in a new recruitment sector, make sure you know how much help and support is going to be available to you. Most recruitment consultants don’t consider how long it can take to establish themselves in a new sector. If you’re starting afresh your billings and your career can take a short term hit. You are unlikely to be able to bill from day one in a new sector as it takes time to build contacts, get up and running and become established. What expectations are there on you? Will you will be judged on your activity if you’re not making money? You will need time and support – from your manager, from the team around you. How much will there be?

It’s best to write a business plan for your new sector. Keeping your fingers crossed and hoping for the best rarely works. Agree it with your manager and then use it – it will keep you focused.

At GSR2R we really take the time to find out how our candidates recruit so we can advise them on what they would suit best.

If you’d like to hear more advice/tips you can contact GSR2R, London’s recruitment to recruitment specialists on 020 3889 1670 or at hello@gsr2r.com

Until next time,

Cheryl