At a Glance
- Tasks: Build client relationships and manage candidate pipelines in the recruitment sector.
- Company: Join Hernshead Recruitment, a fast-growing firm in Advanced Engineering and Automation.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive commission, share schemes, early finishes, and professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values community impact and personal growth.
- Why this job: Transition from sales to recruitment for higher earnings and impactful work.
- Qualifications: Sales experience with a proven track record; resilience and ambition are key.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At Hernshead Recruitment, we specialise in Advanced Engineering, Automation & Power. We're looking for an ambitious salesperson to make the move into recruitment and join our established, high-performing Automation team.
You’ve spent the last year or so in sales. You’ve hit your KPIs, smashed your targets, and proven you have the resilience to succeed. But let's be honest: you might be realising that your current commission structure is capped, the product lacks long-term value, or the company culture just isn't giving you the platform you need to truly progress.
You already know how to sell, build relationships, and close. We don’t need to teach you about hard graft or drive. What we will teach you is how to apply those skills to a high-value, lucrative recruitment cycle where the financial and career rewards are significantly bigger.
Why Hernshead, Why Now: Tom Johnson founded Hernshead in 2019 on the belief that partnerships are more powerful than placements. Since then, we've grown to a turnover exceeding £3.5m and are recognised as one of the fastest-growing firms in the UK. We're at the stage where joining now means growing with us, not slotting into someone else's success story.
A Significant Jump in Earnings: You’ll be stepping away from transactional, low-margin sales. Our commission payout for the year so far averages 25% of billings. We already have £500k billers within the Automation team operating with a surplus of clients. Real equity, not just commission. We operate a Share Scheme with a defined exit plan. Every consultant is on track to receive a minimum 5-figure sum in 6 years on top of commission.
A team that stays and bills big: Consultants who've joined us from other sales jobs are averaging over 3 years with us, and every single one bills and earns more here than they did before. We already have £500k billers in the Automation team and a surplus of clients waiting to be worked.
The Move from Sales to Recruitment: You don't need engineering experience and you don't need recruitment experience. What you need is the stuff you've already shown you have: resilience, the ability to pick up the phone, real curiosity about people and businesses, and the drive to be the best in the room. Recruitment is sales — but with a longer cycle, bigger fees, and two customers to win over instead of one (clients and candidates). It's harder than what you're doing now. It's also significantly more lucrative when you get it right, and we'll train you properly so you do.
The Role & Lifestyle: Monday to Thursday: 8:00am – 5:30pm Friday: 8:00am – 3:00pm You'll work alongside experienced recruiters who'll teach you how to source candidates, run interview processes, and win new clients in the Automation market. You'll be expected to put the hours in — but we also believe in balance. Alongside the commission scheme and share plan, you'll get early Friday finishes, professional qualifications, high-end dining experiences, two company holidays a year, and proper training that turns sales talent into recruitment talent.
Values That Matter: We were proud winners of the Community Impact Award at the REC Awards 2025. We put our money where our mouth is, with a heavy focus on supporting the homeless and helping young people break into our industries. Every consultant here plays a part in that, and if giving back matters to you, you'll fit in well.
What You'll Actually Do:
- Build and manage client relationships, including strategic outreach and meetings
- Develop strong candidate pipelines and identify top engineering talent
- Take candidates to market and manage the full interview process
- Support clients with onboarding and retention
Who We're Looking For:
- Around a year of sales experience with a track record of hitting targets — B2B, recruitment, SaaS, telesales, estate agency, car sales, anywhere you've had to pick up the phone and close
- Commercial Acumen: The intelligence and adaptability to learn a longer, high-value, and consultative sales cycle.
- Raw Ambition: The drive to succeed in a competitive, fast-paced environment where the standards—and the financial rewards—are exceptionally high.
- Resilience: You already know that sales involves rejection; we need someone who uses that as fuel to push harder.
Recruitment Consultant in Reading employer: Hernshead Recruitment
At Hernshead Recruitment, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and supportive work culture. With a focus on employee growth, we offer lucrative commission structures, a share scheme with real equity, and comprehensive training to help you transition from sales to recruitment seamlessly. Our commitment to community impact and work-life balance, alongside exciting team-building experiences, makes Hernshead a rewarding place to build your career in the thriving Automation sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Recruitment Consultant in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the recruitment industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! You know how to sell, so use that to your advantage. Prepare a short, engaging introduction about yourself and what you bring to the table. This will help you stand out when meeting potential employers or clients.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! When you get the chance, demonstrate your sales prowess during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've smashed targets and built relationships. This will show recruiters that you’re ready to take on the recruitment world.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us at Hernshead. It shows initiative and enthusiasm, which are key traits we look for. Plus, it makes it easier for us to keep track of your application!
We think you need these skills to ace Recruitment Consultant in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Sales Skills:Make sure to highlight your sales experience in your application. We want to see how you've smashed those KPIs and built relationships. Use specific examples to show us what you can bring to the table!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your written application. We’re looking for someone who’s not just a fit on paper but also aligns with our values and culture. Don’t be afraid to show us who you really are!
Tailor Your Application:Take the time to customise your application for this role. Mention why you're excited about moving into recruitment and how your skills will translate. We love seeing candidates who’ve done their homework!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hernshead Recruitment
✨Know Your Sales Skills
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your sales achievements. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've hit your KPIs and smashed targets. This will show Hernshead that you have the resilience and drive they’re looking for.
✨Understand Recruitment Dynamics
While you don’t need prior recruitment experience, it’s crucial to understand the differences between sales and recruitment. Familiarise yourself with the longer sales cycle and the dual-client approach. This knowledge will demonstrate your commitment to making the transition successfully.
✨Showcase Your Curiosity
Hernshead values curiosity about people and businesses. Prepare questions that show your interest in their operations and the Automation market. This not only highlights your eagerness to learn but also aligns with their belief in building partnerships.
✨Align with Their Values
Research Hernshead's community initiatives and be prepared to discuss why giving back matters to you. Showing that you resonate with their values will help you stand out as a candidate who fits into their culture.
