At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a fast-growing firm and recruit top executives for leading companies.
- Company: Dynamic executive search firm with a strong track record in the industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, remote work on Fridays, and 25 days leave.
- Other info: Fast progression opportunities and a supportive learning environment.
- Why this job: Gain real responsibility and make impactful connections from day one.
- Qualifications: No specific experience needed; just bring your ambition and drive.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
If you are a recent Graduate and you live a commutable distance from Bishop's Stortford, this is an unbelievable entry-level career opportunity to join a fast-growing Executive Search firm, already making impressive profit and competing with the best firms in London. You will have more exposure, more responsibility and more progression opportunity than many larger firms, and be trained by some of the best headhunters in the sector.
Details:
- Office based in Bishop's Stortford
- No specific experience - all training provided on the job
- Base salary: £28-30k base + quarterly bonuses
- Fast progression and earning opportunity
What is Executive Search?
Ever wondered how a private equity fund finds the CEO who takes their portfolio company from £10m to £100m? Or how a Chair gets appointed to steer a business through a multi-million pound scale up? That's this job. This is a rare opening at a boutique executive search firm that partners exclusively with private equity investors, ambitious founders and leadership teams to hire the CEOs, CFOs, Board members and senior commercial leaders who define whether a business succeeds.
With 35 years of combined headhunting experience between the founders and over 300 C-suite appointments already completed across the UK, US and Europe, this is not a startup taking a punt on grads. It is an established, high-performing team building out its next generation of talent.
Why build a career in Executive Search?
- When a company needs a CEO or CFO, they can't just post a job advert. They hire specialist search firms to map the market and approach exceptional people who aren't even looking.
- Firms typically earn 30 to 35% of a candidate's first year compensation, so a single placement can generate tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds.
- It is fast-paced, commercially sharp, relationship-driven work with genuinely serious earning potential for the right person.
- You will speak to senior executives and industry leaders from day one, not fetch coffee on a rotation scheme.
The Opportunity
From day one you will be embedded in live search assignments recruiting for high-level roles across London, in some exciting industry-leading clients. You'll learn how senior consultants win and deliver mandates, build relationships with C-suite leaders, and gradually take on real ownership of the candidate process.
Over time you will:
- Map markets and research industries, companies and leadership teams to understand where the best talent sits.
- Build target lists and pitch career-changing opportunities to senior professionals who aren't actively job hunting.
- Run initial candidate screening conversations and assess people against live search requirements.
- Manage candidates through the full process, from first approach to appointment.
- Prepare candidate profiles and search updates for high-profile clients.
- Sit in on client and candidate meetings with genuinely senior stakeholders.
- Build a deep specialism in a market covering Software and AI, Technology Services, and Business and Professional Services.
The Ideal Candidate
No specific degree or experience required. What matters is attitude. You will be:
- Self-motivated, ambitious and genuinely excited by the idea of building a serious long-term career, not just landing a first job.
- Academically strong with a track record of extracurricular achievement.
- Commercially aware, intellectually curious and quick to connect the dots.
- Confident picking up the phone to strangers, including very senior people, and holding your own.
- Organised enough to juggle multiple live projects without dropping the ball.
- Resilient. The learning curve is steep and the targets are real, so this suits people who thrive under pressure rather than shy away from it.
What's on offer
- Base salary of £28,000 to £30,000 plus bonus and commission.
- Uncapped earning potential tied directly to your effort and results.
- Real project management, research, negotiation and headhunting skills that set you up for life, not just for this role.
- Work from home on Fridays.
- Pension contributions.
- 25 days annual leave plus office shutdown between Christmas and New Year.
- MacBook and full home working equipment provided.
- Office based near Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire.
This is for graduates who want more than a graduate scheme. If you're curious, competitive, and want a career where your work ethic is directly and visibly rewarded, this could be it.
Graduate Research Consultant employer: RF Rec2Rec
Join a dynamic and rapidly growing recruitment agency at the forefront of the AI infrastructure sector, where your career can flourish in a supportive and innovative environment. With a strong focus on employee development, you'll receive hands-on training from industry leaders and enjoy the benefits of hybrid working, competitive salaries, and uncapped commission. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a high-performing team in Central London, where your contributions will directly impact the company's growth and success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Research Consultant
✨Join Talent Hotspots
Diving into talent-acquisition communities is a must! Platforms like LinkedIn have specific groups for recruiters where you can network, join discussions, and learn about upcoming opportunities. Get involved and start building relationships with industry insiders!
✨Attend Recruiting Events
Keep an eye out for recruitment fairs and industry-specific events! These gatherings are fantastic for meeting potential employers face-to-face, especially when seeking entry-level roles. It's your chance to make a great impression and learn more about what companies like RF Rec2Rec are looking for.
✨Utilise Your University’s Career Services
If you’re fresh out of uni, your career services are goldmines! They often have exclusive connections with companies looking to hire entry-level talent. Check if they host recruitment days or workshops that could help you connect with hiring managers.
✨Leverage Social Media for Exposure
Get your name out there on social media! Share insights about talent acquisition, trends you're learning about, or even your own experiences. Engaging with content in this field will not only build your personal brand but also catch the eye of recruiters looking for fresh talent like you for roles at RF Rec2Rec.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Research Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In talent acquisition, your ability to connect with others is key! Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've got in interacting with people, whether that's through customer service roles, volunteering, or even school projects. We want to see how you can relate to candidates and understand their needs!
Highlight Relevant Coursework or Projects:Since this is an entry-level position, include any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of recruitment processes or HR principles. If you’ve done any assignments on talent management or employee relations, give them a shout-out! This shows us your commitment to learning and growing in the field.
Craft a Passionate Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine and show us your enthusiasm for recruitment. Explain why you're interested in talent acquisition and how you hope to develop your skills at RF Rec2Rec. Share what excites you about helping candidates find their perfect job match!
Keep It Concise and Focused:We love a good, tailored application! Keep your CV and cover letter concise and relevant to the role. Highlight your transferable skills and experiences, but don't overshadow key points with fluff. Show us exactly why you’re the perfect fit for the entry-level role at RF Rec2Rec!
How to prepare for a job interview at RF Rec2Rec
✨Understand the Hiring Trends
Get clued up on current trends in talent acquisition. Familiarise yourself with common platforms like LinkedIn and Indeed, and know the key metrics companies use for recruitment success. This will not only help you in conversations but also show that you’re already thinking like a recruiter!
✨Show Off Your Soft Skills
Since this is an entry-level gig, they're not expecting you to have years of experience. Focus on showcasing your communication skills, adaptability, and eagerness to learn. Use real-life examples that demonstrate how you've worked with others or tackled challenges in previous experiences, even if they’re from school or internships.
✨Get Comfortable with Candidate Experience
Expect questions about improving candidate experience. Think about ways you would enhance the application's emotional journey. Share thoughts on how to keep candidates engaged and informed throughout the process—HR professionals are all about creating a positive vibe!
✨Prepare for Role-Play Scenarios
Be ready for some role-play during your interviews. You might be asked how you'd handle certain recruitment scenarios, like managing a candidate's expectations or dealing with hiring managers. Practising these situations in advance will make you feel more confident and demonstrate your ability to think on your feet.
