Robert Walters is great for graduates

elliot-birch

Robert Walters Australia has been named in the Australian Financial Review and GradConnection's Top 100 Graduate Employers’ List. The list reveals where recent graduates are keen to work and Robert Walters is the only recruitment consultancy to make the cut. We speak to Elliot Birch, who joined the Robert Walters Australia graduate program last year to find out why.

My university pathway

“After completing a double bachelor degree in commerce and economics at The University of Western Australia, I started looking at banking graduate jobs in my final year. As I was doing well in those subjects, it made sense to start a career in banking.

The right graduate program for me

During an interview with a recruitment consultant, I was asked if I had ever considered a career in recruitment. The honest answer was no - I hadn’t even thought about it. Once I got home, I jumped online and did some research on the recruitment industry and came across the Robert Walters graduate program. The professionalism of the website along with the quality of the program, online reviews and positive comments on forums made it an opportunity I didn’t want to miss.

I got the job

After submitting my CV, I received a call the next day and had an interview three days later. The smooth process and the fact that I met with key stakeholders such as the director and manager in the early stages demonstrated the level of commitment Robert Walters provide to their graduates.

I was given a clear outline of the program modules, reinforcing that there would be lots of opportunities for development and training, and I was eager to learn from experienced mentors who run the training program. The possibility of a global career within the organisation confirmed I made the right decision.

My most memorable work moments

The flexibility, level of autonomy and sense of ownership within my role have been highlights. Building relationships and networking with clients and candidates has been extremely rewarding and I love the fact that this role is multi-disciplinary and varied. On top of this, Robert Walters offers great internal promotion opportunities and recognises the quality of service which everyone is driven to deliver.  

Biggest misconception about working in recruitment

Some people assume that recruitment is sitting down and cold calling candidates and clients, but this is definitely not the case. You have to wear many hats and be strategic, so you can relate to both your clients and candidates. It’s not about sales, but a collaborative effort in building genuine relationships.

The best part of my job

The people and culture. From day one, I felt welcome and part of the team. Everyone is very supportive of each other which creates a collaborative environment where team effort is rewarded.

Advice for graduates interested in recruitment

Be yourself. If you can demonstrate why you’re genuinely interested in the role, have an outgoing personality and can hold a conversation, you have the qualities needed when conducting client and candidate meetings.”

Building relationships and networking with clients and candidates has been extremely rewarding and I love the fact that this role is multi-disciplinary and varied.

Interested in a career in recruitment? Contact jess.winters@robertwalters.com.au or call +61 3 86282100, to find out how you can take part in our Graduate Program.

Apply now 

»

Related case studies

  • From finance to recruitment

    Following five years working for a pensions firm in Scotland, Lindsay Cramond was ready for a new challenge. She talks about her switch to recruitment and what she loves about working in our Sydney office.

  • Focus on Ireland

    Louise Campbell joined Robert Walters in 2003 and has held responsibility for our Irish operations since then. Following on from her recent inclusion on the Global Power 100 Women in Staffing list, we spoke to her about her role as MD in Ireland.

  • Our approach to training

    We pride ourselves on providing best in class training throughout our people’s careers with us - it's something that we're known for. Here we speak to some of our employees about the training they have received since joining Robert Walters.

  • The skills you'll need

    Astrid Truffaut has worked at Robert Walters in Paris since she graduated from university in 2000 and now she's our internal recruitment manager. She tells us what skills and attributes she looks for when hiring potential recruitment consultants.

  • From London to Tokyo

    Georgia Whiting was ready for a new challenge when she made the move to our Tokyo office in 2015. She talks about life in this bustling city, the culture in our Tokyo office, and what makes Japan such a unique recruitment market.