Hotseat: Jack Rogers on his career in Logistics recruitment

We sat down with Jack for a chat about why he chose a career in recruitment and what he thinks of the role at Cast UK so far. What attracted you most to a career in recruitment? For me it was the challenge, and the career progression opportunities, especially here at Cast UK. I like the chance to prove myself in a new market and I love working within London as well; looking after that area is something I’ve done in previous roles so it’s just an area that I’m really passionate about. I love to get down there and meet with people. How would you describe the beginning of your career in recruitment? What did you do in the first few weeks? It was challenging; a lot of people will tell you that your first year is probably the most challenging and I would agree with that. It’s all about meeting with people, getting to know your market really well and getting to know who it is that you need to be speaking with. What has been your biggest success in recruitment so far? I’ve had a couple offers for my candidates so I guess the success for me has been coming here and being able to speak to the right people. I’ve done recruitment before this role in a very similar market so I feel I’ve just being able to hit the ground running. How would you describe the Cast UK culture? Really good! Where I used to work previously, the culture wasn’t great but coming into Cast UK has made a big difference; everyone is really warm and friendly. We work hard and play hard as well… What do you think makes a good recruitment consultant? I think listening. Listening to your seniors and other members of your team to get an understanding of what they’re doing. Interacting with each other is a big part of the role and helping your colleagues out across the different divisions. What is your favourite thing about the job? Apart from the 'work hard play hard' aspect…? My favourite thing is going out and meeting with people, it’s something that I really enjoy doing and I feel like as a consultant, you gain a lot from it. It’s one thing being sat in the office 5 days a week, but actually getting out there and meeting with candidates and clients its such better. You get the opportunity to see what they’re all about, have a walk around the sites you’ll be recruiting for and build up stronger relationships. What is the toughest aspect of the job? If I’m being completely honest, learning your market is probably that hardest part. When I first came here I didn’t know about logistics but the best thing to do is just speak to your colleagues, the people around you and get on the phone to the people in your market. That was my biggest worry coming into it but I’m enjoying it now! What advice would you give to anyone considering a career in recruitment? Just give it a go! It has its ups and downs, I’ve had a couple of offers that haven’t quite worked out but I think the main thing is to just stick with it. Those couple of months where you’re grafting all towards the 10 seconds where you get the offer and you’re ringing the bell, it makes a difference. Stick at it, keep smiling and it will work out! What’s the best thing about working at Cast UK? I’m going to have to say the culture. I’ve never worked in a team or a company where it’s been this warm and friendly; everyone interacts really well and helps each other out. It just makes the days go quicker and productivity better. To watch Jack’s full video interview, click here or to get in touch with him email jackrogers@castuk.com