Pros
There are some great consultants working across the offices and it feels more like working with friends than an office environment. Everyone is in a similar position where it is their first corporate job and puts up with the hours required as you are told 'this is what recruitment is like'. Having seen how other companies work since leaving this is definitely not the case! You can leave early on a Friday (and by early I mean 5.30)
Cons
Where to start... - The directors have very low opinions of their staff. You are seen as dispensable to them and they do not care about individual development but merely their pay check at the end of the month. This is seen by the incredibly high turn around rate and the fact that only a couple of consultants have lasted over 12 months. - Expect not to be promoted unless you fight for it. The managers earn more while you are a junior and therefore it is in their best interests for you to stay that way. They are often reluctant to promote and change what is required for a promotion - for most people it is around a year - Long hours a usual day is 8.15am-7pm as well as a few hours every weekend. While you are allowed 20 days leave, having this granted is always done begrudgingly - and with the expectation that you will check emails and check in with candidates and clients while away. - Low pay for what is expected of you - as a Junior you will be earning £200 a deal - average of say 2 deals a month (pretty usual) takes the monthly earnings to £1900. With tax its around £1400. Given that you will be working 55 + hours a week you are earning less than minimum wage! - And that on a month you've made deals - Expect a very 'wheeler dealer' approach - you will be expected to lie and cheat your way to a deal and if you refuse you will be berated.