Recruitment is a career full of highs and lows – challenging yet rewarding in equal measure. In our recent guide, we explored the top 5 reasons to choose a recruitment career, with insight from our experts. However, it’s equally important to recognise how much the agency you work for – and its culture and environment – can shape your experience and success.
Even for seasoned recruiters, the right agency can make all the difference. It’s not just about managing challenges but creating an environment where you can bounce back quickly and thrive.
Some of our most skilled recruiters have shared moments when they felt stuck or questioned whether recruitment was the right path for them. For many, it wasn’t the industry that needed to change – it was their agency. With the right support and culture, they were able to reach new heights in their careers.
If you’re considering stepping away from recruitment, our team has shared the key signs that helped them realise it was time for a change – and how finding the right agency helped reignite their passion for the industry.
Why do people quit recruitment? Signs you might need a new agency
With between 10 and 22 years of industry experience, our experts reflected on the warning signs that made them realise it was time to seek a new recruitment agency.
For Talent Acquisition Partner Michelle Cracknell-Leafe who now enjoys a successful 12-year career in recruitment, these signals were unmistakable. She shared; “this is exactly the situation I was in. The signals could be just feeling tired all the time, not feeling like you love the job anymore, or not getting excited when you get a job on. For me, those were the signs.”
Our Talent Acquisition Director, Henry Clarkson, pinpointed three red flags from his 13 years of experience; “feeling frustrated, being micromanaged or working alongside a poor-performing team.”
Similarly, UK Talent & People Director Becky Downes (12 years in recruitment), pointed to a lack of inspiration as a major warning sign; “if you are feeling uninspired like you have lost your mojo and don’t see where the future lies in your current role, I would say this is a big sign to make a change.”
Before you decide: think about your “why”
As with any career move, it’s important to pause and reflect on your motivations. Claire Fletcher, our Divisional Director with 22 years of experience, advises recruiters considering quitting the industry altogether to first explore why they’re feeling this way.
“It all depends on why someone is feeling worn down,” she explains, suggesting recruiters ask themselves two key questions:
- Are the issues you’re experiencing mostly related to the market you’re recruiting?
- Or, is it the company you work for?
If your recruitment market isn’t right
Weighing in, Louise Carling, our Talent Acquisition Director with 20 years of experience, emphasises the importance of aligning with the right recruitment market – “not every desk is right for every recruiter. Have a think about your strengths. If you thrive with quick hits and high volumes then a slow-burn desk might not be for you. Consider if you’re planting in the right soil for success.”
In these cases, it can be worth asking whether your current agency has opportunities to transition to a desk that better suits your skills and preferences. If not, your ideal desk could be waiting for you elsewhere.
If your recruitment agency isn’t right
On the other hand, Claire continues: “If you’re more concerned with the culture of the business, rather than the day-to-day role, this indicates a move to a new recruitment agency could be best.”
Ben Love, Talent Acquisition Director with 10 years experience, agrees, stressing the importance of culture: “If you enjoy the day job but the environment isn’t right, switch it up – try somewhere new. Research their culture, rather than joining somewhere that offers you a desk that’s too good to be true.”
Why did our experienced recruiters choose Distinct?
Our seasoned recruiters shared why they made the move to Distinct – and why they’ve stayed.
“I left my last agency and wasn’t sure what was next. I actually found Distinct by asking their help to find me a new job! I had a good chat with them and met a few different people. I realised that, although I felt agency recruitment was not for me anymore, this setup was different – different attitudes, great benefits, nice office… I decided to give it a go. Eight years later, I’m still here! It is 100% the people that have made a difference when things have gotten tough. Also, being given great opportunities to explore new markets.” – Michelle, joined in 2016
“Everyone says their agency is the best. I have been around the block and I can say Distinct truly stands apart.” – Henry, joined in 2023
“Life at Distinct isn’t remarkable, the people are. The board endeavours to make this a great place to work and ultimately that creates an environment folk thrive in.” – Louise, joined in 2019
“Having worked for other agencies, Distinct stands out so much by comparison that I would not choose to go elsewhere. You are given the support you need to succeed and will be looked after, provided you do the same! I wake up wanting to come here, which particularly helps in a tough market. I believe I have made lifetime friends at Distinct. The salary and benefits offered are way above what I have experienced in my career prior, and it has offered me the opportunity to progress following maternity leave.” – Claire, joined in 2016
“If you are prepared to work really hard, and you’re a positive and resilient individual who thrives on variety and mastering your future, then give it a whirl. You’ve got nothing to lose!” – Becky, joined in 2017
Join us: book a call or coffee with Distinct
If you’re considering joining a new recruitment agency, let’s talk! We’re hiring experienced recruiters in Nottingham, London and Boston, USA.
We have opportunities in established and emerging markets and are always looking for skilled recruiters to join our expanding team. Beyond that, we invest in regular, high-quality training for our staff to support their career growth – and our culture has always been our top priority. For these reasons and more, we’ve received a rating of 4.3 stars out of 5 on Glassdoor.
If you’re curious and have 3+ years in one of our markets, contact our CEO, James Calder, today to book a confidential call or meeting.
