A career she didn’t see coming

During an interview for a role she thought was in real estate, Julie discovered that recruitment was actually what was on offer. Today, she is building her career as a recruitment consultant - combining her love of people with her creative problem-solving approach.

What did you study and how did you end up in recruitment?

"I studied communication and then completed a Master's degree in public relations in Brussels in 2024. I chose public relations because it gave me the broadest range of career possibilities. Communication was a good fit for me because it combines creativity with speaking and working with people.

After graduating, I initially looked for opportunities in marketing, but I wasn't getting much response and started wondering whether it was really what I wanted to do. Then I applied for a position that I thought was related to real estate. During the screening, I discovered it was actually a recruitment position.

They asked me why I wanted to work in recruitment, and I realised I didn't really know what recruitment agencies did! So I started researching the profession and discovered that the combination of people, communication and commercial work could really suit me.

I eventually interviewed with three agencies and received an offer from each of them. I chose Robert Walters because the people I met were transparent and genuine. I also liked the balance between structure and independence."

What do you like about recruitment?

"For me, recruitment is really about helping people. I don't see it as selling a product or service. You are helping a candidate find something that genuinely suits them, while helping a client find the right person for their organisation. 

If you don't believe in the candidate and the opportunity you're presenting, you won't be able to convince anyone else either.

That honesty is very important to me. I don't want to convince someone to do something they don't actually want to do. As a recruiter, you need to understand what a candidate really wants and make sure there is a genuine match."

How does your creativity come into play?

"I think creativity is still very much part of my job, although not in the artistic sense. It's about finding different ways to approach a client or candidate and looking for solutions when things don't immediately work.

Sometimes a candidate doesn't meet every requirement in a job description, but you can see strengths that are highly relevant. You have to think about how to explain that to the client and show why this person could still be a good fit.

The same applies when the market is difficult. You can't always follow the same process and expect the same result. You have to adapt your sourcing, your communication and the way you build relationships."

Have you developed your own way of working?

"Definitely. When you start in recruitment, you naturally observe colleagues and copy things that seem to work. But over time, you develop your own approach. 

At the beginning, I sometimes wondered what I was supposed to say in meetings. Now I see conversations much more as opportunities to connect. When you stop thinking about what you are supposed to say and focus on the person in front of you, everything becomes more natural. I really feel that I can be myself in this role.”

How have you grown since your first day as a recruitment consultant?

"The experience I gained from colleagues who guided me helped me become much more confident and independent. I feel that I am now better equipped to adapt to change and different situations, and I know I can still rely on my colleagues when I need another perspective.

We all have different experiences and ways of approaching people, and that's a real strength we share as a team. It means that when I find it difficult to connect with a particular client, I know someone else may have a different approach that works better."

What advice would you give someone considering a career in recruitment?

"I would say that you need to enjoy working with people. Human contact is at the core of this role and is part of what makes it so fulfilling.

Next, you need to be willing to challenge yourself. Since starting as a consultant, I've taken on responsibilities much sooner than I could have anticipated. Even though it's not always easy, I've always considered this to be a great learning opportunity and a way to develop quickly.

Finally, you need to trust yourself and be true to yourself. As a recruitment consultant, you quickly learn to understand what people are like and what they need. Don't be afraid to listen to your instincts and go for the best match. If you know, you know."

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