In celebration of Ben and Michail’s one-year work anniversary at MorePeople, we caught up with them to talk about how they’ve navigated their first year in recruitment—both coming from backgrounds with no prior experience in the industry. Here’s what they had to say about their journey, the challenges they’ve faced, and what keeps them coming back every day.
Ben’s Story From University Graduate to Finding His Place in Recruitment
MP: Ben, it’s been a year since you entered the world of recruitment. What stood out to you the most during this time?
Ben: Honestly, it’s the variety. No two days are ever the same. There’s always something new to dive into, and by the end of the day, there’s that satisfying feeling of having accomplished something tangible. I never feel like I’m stuck in a routine.
MP: What were your initial impressions of recruitment, and how do they compare to what you know now?
Ben: Funny enough, I didn’t have any preconceived notions about recruitment—it’s not exactly a career path people talk about at school or university. But once I was in, I quickly realised it’s a fast-paced, high-energy environment. That’s something I really appreciate—it suits me perfectly.
MP: Recruitment can be unpredictable. What’s been the biggest challenge for you so far?
Ben: The unpredictability is one of the toughest parts. In most sales roles, you deal with products or services that don’t change. But in recruitment, you’re working with people who have thoughts and feelings about their careers. That means they can change their minds, drop out of a role, or not meet expectations at any point in the process. You have to stay sharp and be ready to adapt at all times.
MP: Have any of your past skills helped you navigate this new world?
Ben: Absolutely. I’ve always been interested in understanding what motivates people and figuring out what makes them tick—that’s been a huge asset in recruitment. Over the past year, I’ve learned a lot about managing expectations and ensuring that the process is a positive experience, even for candidates who don’t get the job. That’s been really important to me.
MP: You specialise in the engineering sector. How have you been getting up to speed on such a complex industry?
Ben: I’ve thrown myself in headfirst. There’s no better way to learn than by speaking to everyone, from C-suite executives to factory workers, and asking all the questions. The engineering world is constantly evolving, so it’s vital to stay on top of market trends and be in the know about the latest industry news.
MP: Any advice for someone considering a career in recruitment?
Ben: Be patient. Recruitment is a great industry, but it requires resilience. I’ve got a year of experience under my belt, but I know there’s still a lot to learn. I always try to improve a little every day and lean on my team when needed. Also, don’t shy away from uncomfortable moments—they’re inevitable, whether it’s a challenging phone call or your first pitch. The key is to embrace them and learn from every situation.
Michail’s Journey From Retail to Recruitment
MP: Michail, you’ve moved from a career in retail management to recruitment, specifically in the garden centre industry. How has your first year treated you?
Michail: It’s been an exciting journey. Coming from a hands-on retail role, I’ve found recruitment to be a completely different but equally rewarding challenge. I’ve had to adapt quickly, but it’s been a great learning experience, blending my retail background with the demands of the recruitment sector.
MP: What’s been your favourite part of the job so far?
Michail: I really enjoy building relationships with clients and candidates. In retail, I loved developing teams and making sure the right people were in the right roles. Recruitment is similar in that sense—there’s a real satisfaction in finding that perfect match between a candidate’s skills and a business’s needs. Every successful placement feels like a win, not just for the candidate and client, but for me too.
MP: Did recruitment turn out to be what you expected when you first started?
Michail: Not at all, I thought it would be more straightforward—just matching people to jobs. But the reality is much more complex. You have to really understand not only the role but also the entire industry. The garden centre sector, in particular, has its own set of challenges and nuances that I wasn’t familiar with when I started. It’s been a steep learning curve, but a fascinating one.
MP: What’s been the most difficult part of the job for you?
Michail: Managing expectations has been a big challenge. Recruitment doesn’t always move as quickly as I’d like, and there can be a lot of waiting and uncertainty. Keeping both clients and candidates engaged during those periods can be tough, especially when things don’t go as planned. It requires a lot of patience and excellent communication skills.
MP: You came from a retail management background. Have any of those skills translated into recruitment?
Michail: Definitely. My experience in building relationships, leadership, and organisation has been incredibly valuable. As a store manager, I was used to hiring, training, and mentoring staff, so assessing candidates and aligning them with the right opportunities felt like a natural extension of that. On the flip side, recruitment has taught me a lot about negotiation, market analysis, and understanding the specific needs of businesses in the garden centre industry.
MP: Finally, what advice would you give to someone starting out in recruitment?
Michail: Be adaptable and open to learning. Recruitment requires patience and the ability to handle uncertainty. Stay organised, communicate well, and be genuinely curious about the industry you’re working in—it’ll make all the difference. And don’t be afraid to lean on your team for support, especially in the early days.
People find their way into recruitment from all walks of life, if you're interested in what a career in recruitment could look like for you call Andrew on 01780 480 530 or email andrew@morepeople.co.uk.
