SELBY JENNINGS - MY FIRST SIX MONTHS

16-Jul-2010 by Adrianna Swift

Adrianna Swift
Adrianna Swift

I am now in my eighth month at Selby Jennings and one thing I will say is that it has certainly gone by fast. It’s hard to believe that in August I was a complete novice – a fresh grad with little knowledge of the financial world and absolutely no experience in recruitment!

This is what makes Selby Jennings so great, within six months I can hold my own in the world of fixed income and currencies sales and trading. What I mean by this is in six months you will be, and are expected to be, making your own deals (placements), meeting clients and candidates on your own, and actually adding value to the company you work for as well as the clients who pay us.

One of the best things about working here is that you are doing the job right from the start. Your first few months don’t revolve around being a researcher for an almighty senior consultant who gets to do all the best parts of the job, ie, make money! Instead, as a new starter, I was given intense training and support, but within two weeks I was working my own jobs and getting interviews. Everything is put in place to help me make money for myself and the company and it’s thanks to this that I was earning commission within two months. In fact during my third month I made three deals and billed £65,000 for the company, which was amazing, and gave me confidence both in myself and the training I had received.

First Six Months

Of course I’m not going to say it was all plain sailing, if you want to progress and do well at Selby it takes hard work, commitment and a real desire to make deals and learn from those around you. If you can bring this to the job then Selby Jennings gives you as much support and advice as you need. I spent my first two weeks being trained by a consistent top biller of the company who is now a director and running his own division. After that I had a mentor close by with two years’ experience to help with any questions I have. On top of this I sit less than five metres away from my director who I can approach at any time with any problem. I think this level of support and access to senior consultants is the reason I have done so well at Selby Jennings. The confidence it gives you to do the job and make a difference is inspiring.

Aside from the learning, hard work and money making there’s also another feature of my first six months here that comes to mind: I’ve really enjoyed the atmosphere I work in. From what I remember all recruitment companies I interviewed with used the “work hard play hard” slogan. I’d say we work harder and we play harder and the rewards we receive are great. Since I’ve been here there’s been the famous lunch club (starts at 12pm, swanky restaurant, drinks, dancing if you make it – an all round good time), nights out on the boss and lunch at an eatery of your choice for the chosen three each month. Oh, and the Christmas party of all Christmas parties – this involved fancy dress, a boat on the Thames and flowing drinks – need I say more. Most importantly I really get on with everyone at my desk, if I’ve ever had a day that wasn’t so great (it’s work, this does happen…) there’s been someone to give advice and have a laugh with. I can wholeheartedly say I have no regrets about joining Selby Jennings and I would not consider working at another recruitment company – everything is in place here for me to go as I far as I want to.

To summarise, I am so glad I chose to work at Selby Jennings. I could achieve everything that was promised to me in terms of exposure to client and candidates, first class training and support to develop my skills – and most importantly the chance to earn large commissions very early on in my career. If anyone is interested in a career in recruitment that provides a great working environment, first class training, unrivalled earning potential and a chance to prove yourself immediately, then Selby Jennings is the right place for you.