My Search story by Alfie Steadman, Legal consultant - part 2

You can read part one of Alfie’s story here.

After the post graduation panic and a lot of Googling, I discovered Search’s website and the world of recruitment.

In all honesty, previously the legal career had appealed to me because I knew it was well-respected. I liked the idea of being the knight in shining armour and helping people in need (in addition to the bragging rights I would undoubtedly have made excellent use of). In addition, law is generally understood to be one of the more lucrative careers and I was certain I wanted to work in an industry where you were able to earn a lot of money – then again, who wouldn’t?

After a lot of soul searching (catalysed by living on packet noodles for the past 3 years at university), I established some key criteria for a career. I needed to work somewhere that:

1. I would be able to make good money
2. I could progress quickly
3. I wouldn’t dread going to on a Monday morning

Because I’d been surviving on a student loan for the last three years, making good money was particularly important. I certainly wasn’t expecting the world for my first graduate job but I wanted to make enough that I could treat my friends, girlfriend, etc (as well as a little bit for myself!).

That’s when I started seeing recruitment roles on job boards…

I couldn’t believe the on-track-earnings (OTEs) advertised and was obviously quite dubious as to how realistic they were. However, since joining Search I’ve experienced first hand how achievable they are, making the first year in legal recruitment often more financially rewarding than the first year as a qualified lawyer (part of the reason a large percentage of our team are ex-solicitors).

The benefit of recruitment is that you’re in control of the money you bring in. There is a clear structure of what you need to do to earn £60k/£80k/£100k and beyond, and you are entirely in control of the outcome.

When it comes to progression, the recruitment industry is clear-cut with a clear career pathway where you can develop professionally and personally.

Promotion in recruitment is based on billings, so once you’ve brought in a specific amount of money, you are automatically promoted to the next level (this usually brings with it a base pay-rise along with perks such as a larger car allowance, private healthcare, paid-parking, etc). This means that, yet again, the level you want to reach – and how quickly – is completely in your hands.

This ability to take control of your earnings and career growth really appealed to me, so after this, I knew Search recruitment was for me…

Stay tuned for part three of Alfie’s Search story.

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