Going Into Recruitment as a University Graduate

Graduating is a big milestone, but figuring out your next step is even bigger. That’s the real challenge. If you’re a people person, ambitious and like to work towards a specific goal, recruitment could be your next move.

This insight will explore why recruitment is a smart move for graduates, whether you can earn well from day one, and some words from two recent graduate recruiters.

Why Work in Recruitment as a Graduate?

Recruitment is fast, goal-driven, and rarely boring. For university graduates, it offers something unique: a career where your effort directly drives your earnings and progression.

Oliver explains why recruitment was attractive to him post-graduation:

“I liked the prospect of recruitment for a variety of reasons. It offers a fast-paced environment, goal-driven targets, and the chance to work in the city with people like me.”

Beyond the fast-paced, goal-driven environment, recruitment offers a lot of differentiation in your day-to-day. It’s rare you will have a day identical to the last, and that, for some people, is enough to seal the deal when it comes to a career in recruitment.

Recruitment is your banker if you’re looking for a high-energy, people-facing role.

Can You Earn Well in Recruitment as a Graduate?

The short answer is yes. But let’s break it down a bit.

In a recruitment role, you receive a basic salary, your guaranteed salary. Additionally, you have your OTE (On-Target Earnings), representing the amount you can earn by meeting your targets. 

Essentially, OTE reflects your predicted earnings for an outstanding year.

At DO, we offer entry-level recruiters a base salary of between £26,000 and £28,000 per annum. When you add OTE, you can typically expect to earn up to £70,000 per annum, if targets are all hit.

Want to know the best part, though? Those OTES are simply predictions. We, along with many other agencies, offer uncapped commissions. You truly are in control of your earnings.

Start earning your uncapped commission >>

It’s not just money either. Recognition and progression are a big part of the package.

“Everyone’s achievements and milestones are celebrated by the whole company,” says Josh, a graduate who recently joined DO. “It’s great to be part of a company that shouts about success.”

In recruitment, it is common for agencies to operate employee incentives for stellar work, from reward trips abroad to monetary rewards in the form of gift vouchers or prizes. There’s always an incentive for your hard work.

What’s it like to start as a graduate at Daniel Owen?

We spoke with Oliver and Josh, two recent graduates who joined Daniel Owen to kickstart their careers in recruitment.

We DO Training and Support

Both grads highlighted their onboarding and mentorship.

“I couldn’t have asked for much more from the team,” said Oliver. “Lots of training, mentorship, and even little things like going out for lunch with coworkers helped me feel welcome.”

“The training has been great. Getting real responsibilities early on helped us learn fast and stay engaged.” – Josh

A Career Tailored to Your Degree

Josh was placed on our aerospace desk, perfect for someone with a degree and passion in the field.

“It’s made the role more interesting. I talk to people who’ve worked on different aircraft and companies. We speak the same language.”

Culture and Social

We all know university is filled with social and cultural experience. Culture is essential at work, too; it’s what motivates you and gives you a place to grow.

“I love it,” Oliver said. “Whether it’s team outings on a Thursday after work or our monthly wrap-ups, everyone is so tightly knit.”

Starting your career

If you’re a graduate looking to grow fast, earn well, and be part of a team that backs you from day one, a career at DO is for you.

Learn More About the DO Life >>