A Day in the Life of a Recruitment Consultant at QCS Staffing
At QCS Staffing, one of the questions we’re frequently asked is: what does a recruitment consultant actually do each day? While the role can vary depending on the sector and specialism, our focus at QCS is always the same — helping candidates find roles that are the right fit for them. To shed some light on what the job really involves, we sat down with one of our consultants to get a behind-the-scenes look at a typical day.
What does a typical day look like?
Recruiters tend to start their day early — the morning hours between 8 and 10 are prime time for reaching out to candidates. It’s when people are most likely to pick up the phone, and it sets the tone for a productive day.
After the initial calls, the team gathers for a daily round-up. This is a chance to review live roles, share updates, and tap into each other’s networks to match the right people with the right opportunities.
The rest of the day often involves a mix of admin — replying to emails, updating systems, and making sure LinkedIn posts are performing well — and following up with candidates. Whether it’s a scheduled call or a quick check-in, staying connected is key.
What are the working hours like?
Because we operate globally, time zones are always a consideration. Starting early helps us stay ahead and gives us flexibility to follow up with candidates later in the day if needed.
Recruitment isn’t always a 9-to-5 job. The most successful consultants are those who are willing to go the extra mile — whether that means staying late to close a deal or making a call outside of standard hours. It’s that dedication that makes the job so rewarding.
How do you build relationships with candidates?
Connecting with candidates becomes second nature over time. You learn to adapt your approach depending on the person and the situation, and your confidence grows with experience.
When you’re just starting out, there’s a lot to be gained from listening to your team and learning from their conversations. Everyone has their own style, and picking up tips from colleagues helps you develop your own voice and approach.
Of course, things don’t always go to plan. Interviews fall through, offers get declined — it’s all part of the job. The key is to stay professional, learn from each experience, and keep moving forward.
What’s the most challenging part of the role?
What’s the most challenging part of the role?
Ask any recruiter, and they’ll likely say the same thing: staying motivated during the tough times. Recruitment is full of highs and lows. One week you’re making multiple placements, the next you’re struggling to get traction.
Resilience is essential. You can’t take setbacks personally — instead, focus on the bigger picture and remember how satisfying it is when everything clicks into place.
What helps keep you motivated?
At QCS, we pride ourselves on our ‘one team’ culture. No matter your role, you’ll always find someone willing to lend a hand or share advice.
There’s also plenty of room to grow. Many of our team members started on the sales floor and have since progressed into leadership or business development roles. The opportunities are there — it’s just about grabbing them.
And of course, there’s nothing quite like making that job offer call. Telling someone they’ve landed the role is a brilliant feeling — it makes all the hard work worthwhile.
What advice would you give to someone starting out at QCS?
What advice would you give to someone starting out at QCS?
Be a sponge. Take in everything — the training, the processes, the conversations. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or seek help. The more you engage, the faster you’ll learn.
Build relationships across the business and make the most of the support around you. Recruitment is a team effort, and collaboration is at the heart of what we do.
Find your next recruitment job with QCS Staffing
QCS Staffing provides contract and permanent recruitment solutions across life-changing industries, including Life Sciences, Data Centres, IT, and Renewable Energy. If you’re interested in joining our team, get in touch with our internal recruitment specialists — or apply today.