1st year at Abacus!

Happy first year anniversary to Katie and Catherine!

Catherine and Katie have displayed invaluable qualities and have not only become superstar recruitment consultants but they have played an essential role in Abacus’ journey and success over the last year.

Although they have worked hard, they have played even harder! They have both enjoyed many nights out in Belfast as well as horse racing at Down Royal, Belfast Cookery School, School of Rock at Grand Opera House, and most recently an overnight stay at Lusty Beg.

Catherine
“There are so many reasons to love working at Abacus. The number one reason for me is the team – I couldn’t imagine working in a more supportive or encouraging team. From day one to one year in, the support is there across the whole team from colleagues to managers and the directors too! The culture in the company is inclusive, collaborative and centres on recognising, growing and celebrating our talent. I’ve learnt a lot in the past year, from how the recruitment industry really works to being a recruiter and all the ‘what not to do’s’ from mistakes made along the way. As a recruiter, my experience with Abacus has set the bar high and I look forward to continuing to grow my career here.”

Katie
Biggest thing I’ve learned
“Is it too obvious to say, “What it means to actually be a recruiter”? Because I feel that is the biggest thing I have learned. I came to Abacus having 0 experience in recruitment aside from what I had taught myself in my free time and the team at Abacus have really helped me every single step of the way. I think everyone has this idea that recruitment is easy and that all we do is just “get people jobs” but it’s so much more than that. It’s chatting with clients, figuring out needs, keeping up to date with the current market, building rapport and relationships with both clients and candidates, helping with CVs, writing job ads for both job boards and LinkedIn, interview prep, arranging those interviews, getting feedback, rejections, objections, offer declines, offer acceptance, negotiating, placement handling, checking-in, ensuring smooth processes – I could go on and on, basically, I’ve learned the basics of being a recruiter and I don’t think I’ll ever be done learning.”

Why I love working here

“The people are what make Abacus. Everyone is genuinely a good laugh, and nobody takes themselves too seriously. It’s the perfect balance between being professionals but still allowing the right amount of room for giggles and goofiness. There’s a lot of creative freedom as well, there’s no “correct way” to do something, you’re very much free to express, write, talk, and pitch in whatever way works best for you. Colleagues are nothing but supportive and negative feedback isn’t really a thing, only constructive criticism, which is always just a positive way to help you become a better recruiter.”

Thank you for your hard work and dedication and we look forward to many more fantastic years with you both.