From law into recruitment in Sydney

Jonathan Berry was working as a lawyer in Manchester when a car accident inspired him to make the life changing decision to move to Australia. He joined Robert Walters as a consultant in 2015 and through hard work, quickly moved up the ranks to become manager of the compliance, risk management and audit team in Sydney. He talks about making the move from law to recruitment, his career progression with the Group and his new life in Australia.

How did you get into recruitment?

“I originally came to Robert Walters as a candidate when I was looking for a legal role in Australia. When I met with the team we discussed the possibility of a role in recruitment. The job sounded really exciting and the move made sense, as many of my legal skills were very transferable into a career in recruitment. During the interview process everyone was very helpful in addressing any of my concerns about a career change.

My career progression

One of the best things about Robert Walters is that your progression path is really clear. Since I moved here in 2015, I’ve been promoted from consultant to senior consultant and am now manager of the compliance, risk management & audit team. The training is excellent and has helped me to grow my skills in business development and account management. Now two years on I am not only managing a team, but mentoring them by delivering training myself.

Describe the culture in the Sydney office

There is a strong culture of promotion and development from within. It’s a very sociable office and people are like-minded in that they have a shared desire to succeed. I think one of the main reasons for this is because we operate in a non-commission based environment (we earn commission as a team rather than on an individual basis). Working in a team based model ensures we deliver a strong quality of service and that we’re putting the right people forward for roles. Since moving to Australia and to Robert Walters, I’ve experienced a much better work-life balance. While everyone works hard during the day, there is a general consensus to leave work at a reasonable time to get to the beach and enjoy your personal life.

Why do you enjoy working at Robert Walters?

The ongoing training and guidance I’ve received since I joined has really helped me to develop my skills. The other benefits of working for Robert Walters are the team bonding activities and events we can get involved in; boat parties, charity lawn bowls and sports tournaments are definite perks, and make coming into work much more enjoyable. We also have the opportunity to win a place on the annual global incentive trip, and I am currently in the running to attend next year’s trip, which will take place in Thailand.

There is a strong culture of promotion and development from within. It’s a very sociable office and people are like-minded in that they have a shared desire to succeed.

Why should people consider working abroad?

Moving abroad has benefitted my career immensely. I’ve been exposed to a completely different work culture which has been hugely valuable to my career growth. It’s also great to soak up a whole new culture on a personal level. Overall I would really recommend taking the opportunity to work abroad if it comes up.”

Discover how you could transfer you skills into a career in recruitment. Please send an up-to-date CV to our internal recruitment manager for Australia and New Zealand, jess.winters@robertwalters.com.au or call +61 3 86282100.