At a Glance
- Tasks: Support executive search assignments and engage with senior leaders across various industries.
- Company: Dynamic executive search firm focused on growth and leadership.
- Benefits: Structured development, mentorship, clear progression, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Gain exposure to senior leaders and build a rewarding career in executive search.
- Qualifications: Recent graduate or early career, curious, organised, and eager to learn.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 32000 £ per year.
Location: Birmingham City Centre (Hybrid Working)
SF Search Partners is a specialist executive search firm working with private equity-backed, high-growth, and established businesses to appoint senior leaders and critical hires. We partner closely with investors and portfolio companies to help identify the leaders who drive transformation, growth and long-term success. Our work is research-led, insight-driven and highly consultative.
We are looking for a bright, ambitious graduate who is curious about people, business and leadership, and wants to build a long-term career in executive search. This is an opportunity to join a collaborative and high-performing team where you’ll gain exposure to senior business leaders, learn how executive search works from the ground up, and develop commercial and relationship-building skills quickly.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Support the delivery of executive and senior-level search assignments across a variety of industries.
- Conduct market mapping and research projects.
- Identify and engage senior leadership and C-suite talent.
- Build talent pipelines and competitor maps.
- Speak with candidates and gather market insight.
- Support Consultants throughout live search assignments.
- Prepare candidate profiles and shortlist reports.
- Track market trends and talent movements.
- Build relationships with senior professionals over time.
You’ll be given training, support, and mentoring from experienced search professionals while taking real ownership of projects from an early stage.
About You
- A recent graduate or early in their career.
- Naturally curious and enjoys researching and problem-solving.
- Confident in communicating with people.
- Commercially minded and interested in business.
- Organised with strong attention to detail.
- Motivated, ambitious, and eager to learn.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
You do not need previous executive search experience; we’re more interested in attitude, potential and communication skills. Previous experience in customer-facing, sales, research, sporting or leadership environments would be beneficial.
You’ll Gain
- Exposure to senior business leaders and PE-backed organisations.
- Structured development within executive search.
- Mentorship from experienced Consultants and Researchers.
- Clear progression opportunities.
- A collaborative and supportive culture.
- Hybrid working in our Birmingham Office.
Why SF Search Partners?
We combine the pace and ambition of a high-growth business with a genuinely people-focused culture. We’re passionate about delivering high-quality work, building long-term relationships and helping people develop successful careers. If you’re ambitious, commercially curious, and looking for a career where no two days are the same, we’d love to hear from you.
Graduate Researcher in Birmingham employer: SF Search Partners
SF Search Partners is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant Birmingham City Centre, offering a hybrid working model that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. With a strong focus on employee development, you will receive structured training and mentorship from experienced professionals, enabling you to build a rewarding career in executive search while being part of a collaborative and high-performing team. The company values curiosity and ambition, providing a dynamic environment where you can engage with senior leaders and make meaningful contributions to transformative business growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Researcher in Birmingham
✨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 SF Search Partners 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 SF Search Partners.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Researcher in Birmingham
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 SF Search Partners. 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 SF Search Partners!
How to prepare for a job interview at SF Search Partners
✨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.
