The recruiter

Arash Darah studied Business Administration at Heriot-Watt University, while working in the Canadian Embassy in Iran. He is now a Recruitment Team Manager on the graduate scheme at Reed Employment.

After I graduated I knew that I wanted to work for an established and reputable company but wasn’t sure about exactly what role I wanted to pursue. While browsing various graduate schemes I realised that the Reed Graduate Training Scheme comprises of three one-year placements or two 18-month placements, allowing you to experience and explore a variety of different roles and responsibilities.

Graduate trainee

I started as a Graduate Trainee in Reed Employment’s Ealing Broadway branch in November 2005. Although I was immediately thrown in to the deep end, I was fully supported by all the staff in the branch and especially the Business Manager. By the end of January 2006 I was offered the position of Executive Assistant to the Senior Regional Service Manager.

This role involved a lot of responsibility, the most enjoyable of which was writing tenders and creating presentations to win new client contracts. During this time I decided that the career path I wanted to pursue was to be a business manager of a local branch. After eight months as an Executive Assistant I was given the option to rejoin the Ealing Broadway branch on a fast-track management plan. I am currently on target to become a Business Manager for my own branch by the end of 2007.

Sales and servicing

The role of a recruitment consultant is divided between sales and servicing, as we are responsible for creating and maintaining a portfolio of both candidates and clients. Consultants are responsible for attracting new candidates and clients which is achieved through daily sales activities ranging from sales calls, meeting with potential clients and promotional activity such as advertising. We also need to ensure we are meeting the needs of existing clients and candidates by providing an efficient and effective service.

The most challenging part of the role is managing the balance of converting and gaining new business and servicing existing business - making sure that you are always on top of your game. You need to be able to prioritise effectively to ensure that you can meet your targets of bringing in new business whilst maintaining the highest level of service for your current clients.

Big achievements

For me personally, enjoyment comes from achievement - my major achievement as Executive Assistant was preparing a presentation and tender which led to a contract win worth £600,000 a year for one of our branches. Being a recruitment consultant puts you in a position to achieve daily and when that achievement is rewarded you can’t help but enjoy it!

I would seriously recommend this role as I believe it encompasses a wide variety of skills and responsibilities beneficial for any future chosen career path. With the chance to gain experience in sales, servicing, administration and generally dealing with people at all levels you’re ready to expand into any future role.

Further information:

• Recruitment and selection manager

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