Is recruitment a good career for graduates? Why you should consider it

Deciding what to do after university can feel overwhelming. With so many career paths available, it can be difficult to know where to begin. If you're motivated, enjoy working with people, and want a role where your success depends on your own effort, a career in recruitment could be an excellent choice. 

Recruitment offers graduates the opportunity to develop valuable business skills, work across a range of industries, and progress quickly in a fast-paced, rewarding environment. Here, we explore what makes recruitment a great career for graduates - and how you can take your first step into the industry. 

Work in different industries as a Recruitment Consultant

One of the most appealing things about recruitment is the variety it offers. You can choose to specialise in a specific industry, such as Legal, Finance, Technology, HR, or Housing, or you can transfer your skills into a new sector later in your career. 

If you already have academic or work experience in a certain field, you'll find it easier to build credibility and connect with clients and candidates in that space. For example, some of our Legal Consultants did their degree in law, and are able to use some of their knowledge to add value for both candidates and employers. They can also apply what they know to recruitment and hiring trends. 

Recruitment is an adaptable profession - the skills you develop will be highly transferable and can open doors to many future opportunities. 

Career progression in recruitment: how quickly can you grow?

A career in recruitment can be both exciting and challenging, but for graduates with ambition, there are exceptional opportunities for growth. Like many performance-driven roles, success requires perseverance, resilience, and drive - but the rewards can be significant. 

At Sellick Partnership, we offer structured career development, regular training, and clear progression routes. Whether you join us as a graduate or with previous experience, you'll find plenty of opportunities to build a long-term career. If you'd like to explore the different roles available, visit our careers section. 

Skills you'll develop in a recruitment career

Recruitment allows you to build a broad skill set that will benefit you throughout your professional life. You'll learn to: 

• Communicate effectively with people at all levels. 
• Negotiate and influence outcomes. 
• Organise and manage multiple priorities. 
• Solve problems and think creatively. 

These are all transferable skills that will strengthen your CV and support you, should you decide to switch direction with your career in the future. 

Recruitment is a career where you control your success

Working as a Recruitment Consultant is much like running your own business - you manage your clients and candidates, build relationships, and take ownership of your goals. The harder you work, the greater your results and rewards. 

At Sellick Partnership, we offer an uncapped commission structure, meaning there's no limit to your earning potential. We also provide extensive support, training, and tools to help you perform at your best from day one. 

What are the benefits of a recruitment career?

Recruitment can be a highly rewarding profession - both financially and personally. Alongside a competitive base salary, Consultants can earn commission for every successful placement they make. 

At Sellick Partnership, our Consultants recruit across specialist areas, including Legal, Finance, HR, Housing, Actuarial, Procurement, Technology, and Change & Transformation with a focus on senior appointments and executive search throughout. With no billing thresholds and uncapped commission, your earning potential is entirely in your hands. 

Beyond remuneration, recruitment allows you the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people's lives - helping candidates progress in their careers, achieve financial stability, and even relocate for new opportunities. 

As a Recruitment Consultant, you’ll support candidates at key points in their professional journeys - whether they’re taking their first step into the industry or moving into senior leadership roles. You’ll also develop lasting client relationships, gain commercial awareness, and make a real impact on the growth of the organisations you work with.

How to start your career in recruitment after university

Breaking into recruitment as a graduate is easier than you might think. Many consultancies - including Sellick Partnership - actively hire and train graduates who show strong communication skills, resilience, and enthusiasm. 

If you're a graduate looking for a fast-paced, people-focused role with clear progression and earning potential, recruitment could be the perfect fit. 

Interested in joining us? 

 Explore our latest internal vacancies, or contact our Internal Talent team to find out more about building your career with Sellick Partnership.