In this brand-new series, we chat with our recruiters as they complete their first years at Distinct!
We sat down with Curtis Weston and Isabella Bailey to discuss their experiences joining Distinct on our 12-week trainee programme and how their recruitment careers have since developed.
Prior to joining us, Curtis was a full-time professional footballer, while Isabella was an Area Manager at ALDI. Although their experiences were vastly different, both journeys equipped them with valuable transferable skills to transition successfully into a recruitment career. From adapting to their new roles to placing candidates, achieving promotions and even winning awards at Distinct’s annual ceremony, discover their stories below.
Why did you choose Distinct’s trainee programme?
Curtis: I was making a big career change and needed to learn everything from the foundation up. I explored multiple other agencies but didn’t get the same good feeling that I did when speaking to Distinct’s leadership team. The culture here is great and their values were a big factor in my decision. I knew I’d be taught each part of the process, before graduating into my own recruitment desk and earning commission.
Isabella: From my first interview with Distinct, I felt the environment here was so friendly, supportive and the perfect place to grow professionally. I was keen to learn the full recruitment journey, from start to finish. I also loved the idea of working with a diverse group of experienced professionals and seeing the individuality they bring to their markets.
How was your experience becoming a recruiter at Distinct?
Curtis: My first month was exciting and scary, starting a brand-new journey while not quite knowing what to expect. However, the support and guidance I was given by everyone at Distinct was second to none. I settled in a lot quicker than I could have ever imagined!
Isabella: It was great to be welcomed by everyone and it helped me settle in. I also joined some fabulous social events, including the East Midlands Finance Awards and overnight stays in London and Hoar Cross Hall, which really helped me become more comfortable in the company and get to know everyone better.
From introduction to graduation, every stage of our 12-week training course is designed to develop the essential skills required to embark on a successful recruitment career. Our trainees engage in target-led exercises throughout to ensure their progress remains on track, all while receiving support from their managers and the broader business.
What was your favourite part of our trainee programme?
Curtis: The most helpful part of the trainee programme was becoming comfortable making phone calls to clients and candidates. I also met with an external high performance coach, provided by Distinct, who was great. The most enjoyable part would be our training on negotiating job offers, to get the best salaries for my candidates.
By working alongside our experts, our trainees learn all about Distinct’s core markets before settling into their own recruitment desks. Curtis went on to join our accountancy practice team, focusing on matching audit professionals with their ideal London firms. Isabella found her perfect match recruiting for clerical finance, specialising in permanent, contract and temporary roles.
Isabella: Personally, I found my niche when learning about the market I’d be recruiting in. The process of calculating temp costs is so unique to the market and the fast pace really keeps me engaged.
What were the highlights of your first year as a recruiter?
Isabella: The feeling of successfully matching a candidate with a new job and company was so rewarding. This feeling has stayed just as good, time and time again.
Curtis: The opportunity to help people in their work journeys and ultimately benefit their lives was a big draw for me to start a recruitment career. A personal highlight was making my first placement and see all my hardwork come to fruition.
After successfully placing their first candidates into new jobs, Curtis and Isabella each earned promotions and became Talent Acquisition Consultants. To celebrate their fees, Curtis treated himself to an upscale meal and drinks in London, while Isabella opted for a well-deserved takeaway and – sensibly – paid her bills. However, she couldn’t resist indulging in a pair of luxury designer sunglasses for her first bonus.
Following their training, Curtis and Isabella both had fantastic first years at Distinct. Their hard work earned them special recognition: Curtis won ‘Rookie of the Year’ at our annual company awards in the latter part of 2023, while Isabella took home the title in 2024.
What are your career goals for 2025?
Curtis: To hit my target for this year’s Vegas trip!
Isabella: Earning my next promotion to Lead Talent Acquisition Consultant and progressing through Distinct’s recruitment career path.
Train to become a recruiter with Distinct
Whether you’re searching for an entry-level recruitment job or have experience in a similar role, our fully paid 12-week trainee programme is a fantastic step into a long and ambitious recruitment career. We’re searching for highly motivated and results-driven individuals to join our growing teams in Nottingham and London King’s Cross.
We’re proud to offer a fantastic work-life balance and benefits package, including company car allowances, team incentives, annual Vegas trips and more. Learn more and apply to join our training programme today.
