WHAT DID YOU DO BEFORE JOINING PURE?

I studied law at university where I got a 2:1. I also worked part-time at a pharmacy. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do and was looking at lots of different career paths.

HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT THE GRADUATE PROGRAMME?

I already knew about Pure and was approached by a recruitment agency who told me they were hiring. After I contacted Pure they told me about their graduate programme which sounded perfect for me. I started on 25 October 2021.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE A RECRUITMENT COMPANY FOR YOUR GRADUATE TRAINING?

When I first graduated I was a bit confused about what to do next. After doing some research into recruitment, I felt like it really ticked all the boxes when it came to what I enjoy doing and what I want to achieve. But as this was completely new to me, I was quite hesitant about whether I was making the right choice. I knew I needed to find a company that would be patient with me while I was learning, and believe that I could be successful. Pure is very well known for what they do and the work culture they have. So I knew they’d be able to give me the support and guidance I was looking for.

WHAT WAS THE INTERVIEW AND SELECTION PROCESS LIKE?

I had three interviews, all of which were informal and relaxed conversations. I had my first chat with Ruben, a managing consultant – he asked me about software recruitment and found out a bit about me. Then I had a face-to-face meeting with David, a director, which mainly involved competency-based questions, my work experience and why I wanted to join Pure. Lastly, I had a really nice conversation with Scott, also a director, who told me more about the graduate programme.

WHEN YOU JOINED, WHAT TYPE OF TRAINING DID YOU DO?

The training covered all areas of recruitment (including CV formatting, candidate and client meetings, business development calls, etc.) and what can happen on any given day as a recruitment consultant. This was really helpful as it meant I’ve been prepared for most things, and understand how to approach lots of different situations.

WHAT ROLE ARE YOU NOW DOING AT PURE AND WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE?

I specialise in software development recruitment across all levels here in Cambridge. I have lots of conversations with people who are already working in this are or planning to start a career in it. I also talk to clients to give them advice, take on their roles, advertise them and build relationships with them.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT WORKING AT PURE?

The people, the culture and the support. Everyone here is always happy to help. My colleagues always check up on me and every day someone asks how I’m getting on. They trust me as well, which gives me confidence that I’m doing the right thing. As a graduate recruitment consultant, I never feel belittled – everyone in the company respects one another, and speaks to me as if we’re all on the same level.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANYONE THINKING ABOUT JOINING THE PURE GRADUATE TRAINING PROGRAMME?

Recruitment can be a rollercoaster ride, with plenty of ups and downs. So you must be prepared for that, and have resilience. If you can do that, just know that you’ve got a lot of good people on the ride with you. I always say it’s crucial to be around positive people and ones who wish the best for you. That’s exactly what you get here at Pure – they want to see you grow and be successful, as long as you’re willing to put in the work.

For more information on our Gradutate Training Programme, visit workforus.prs.uk.com or contact Ben Farrow, ben.farrow@prs.uk.com.