60 Days in Abacus

It’s always daunting starting a new job and joining a new company.   Many of our ‘newbies’ this year have joined us from many different backgrounds and are completely new to recruitment. 

From day 1 in Abacus, you are supported and cared for by everyone in the team.  You learn all about the recruitment world and start an 8-week training programme and you are paired with a buddy to help support you throughout your career at Abacus.

Rachel and Jenna started with Abacus in August and here is what they have to say about their first 60 days with us:

Rachel

“I joined Abacus 8 weeks ago. Although everyone was so warm and welcoming that it feels like I’ve been here a lot longer.

I joined Abacus with Jenna, which has been brilliant having another newbie to lean on. We began training immediately, with an amazingly structured training programme, learning not only the ins and outs of Abacus, but the entire recruitment process and how to manage each stage. Our training was a mixture of ‘classroom’ and ‘desk learning’, which allowed us to apply what we learnt efficiently at our desks. Our training was taken by Justin, Alan, Damian and Stuart, Abacus’ 4 Directors. This not only allowed us to learn from the most experienced team members, but allowed us to get to know our directors, helping us settle in a lot quicker.

I joined the Legal Desk at Abacus and have had continuous support from my manager, Alex, and the wider team since. One thing I’ve learnt during my time here is that the there is a much higher demand for Solicitor’s than I ever imagined.

Our September theme was Mentor Month. I was paired with Adam, who took the time to help me with my ‘sourcing skills’. Adam showed me a new way to source for candidates that I hadn’t encountered yet. Abacus encourage us to lean on and learn from our colleagues within other teams. This shows us then what works for them and really allows us to develop our own way of doing things.

Abacus arrange company events every payday. During September, they took us to Carlingford for the evening, treating us to a 3-course meal and a lovely hotel stay. The team building creates such a friendly environment throughout the whole office, and really allowed me to get to know my colleagues. The same can be said for them also, as they saw my reaction as soon as ABBA was played, which really broke the ice.

Overall, my first 8 weeks here at Abacus have been really positive and I’m really happy to be part of such a great team.”

Jenna

“It’s nearly scary to think I joined Abacus 8 weeks ago; it feels like yesterday and forever ago all at the same time! The weeks have flown by, and I’ve learned so much in the process, but the team at Abacus are so welcoming and make you feel like you’ve been here since day one.

Having absolutely zero recruitment experience, I was apprehensive about even applying to the role, but Emma and Colin soon convinced me otherwise. Next thing I knew I got the job, and I had Emma on the phone asking me to come bowling with the team that night!

I was both nervous and excited to get started, but Rachel and I joined on the same day, and it was so lovely to have another newbie with me!

On day one, we began our training, which included a mix of expert teaching from either Justin, Alan, Damian or Stuart, and ‘on the job’ training, which allowed us to get stuck in, make a few mistakes and learn from it after. The Abacus training programme was so much more than I expected it to be, with each of the four directors taking time out of their busy days to teach and encourage us, and even give us some of their tips and tricks! If you’ve got zero experience of recruitment, these are the best people to teach you everything you need to know, with their motto being ‘no question is a stupid question.’

The best thing about Abacus is by far the team itself – and there’s nothing better than a team event! 8 weeks in and I’ve already experienced a night out bowling and a trip to Carlingford, as well as the daily fun in the office. I’ve never experienced a work culture quite like this one – inclusive, encouraging and a good laugh all in one.

From knowing absolutely nothing, to giving it a go, to having some setbacks, to getting my first placement this week – it’s been so much fun and I’m so excited to continue to grow my career with Abacus.”