The recruitment industry is full of opportunities but not every agency offers the same experience.
For recruiters looking to build a long-term career, culture, support, trust, and development can make all the difference.
At VANRATH, we've spent more than 25 years building a business that puts people first. That applies not only to our clients and candidates, but to the consultants who make our success possible.
Jennifer Curran, who works within our IT Contracts recruitment division, joined VANRATH two years ago after spending eight years recruiting across a range of agencies both locally and internationally.
Having experienced different recruitment environments throughout her career, she quickly recognised what makes VANRATH stand out.
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A Different Kind of Recruitment Environment
Recruitment is often associated with intense targets, constant reporting, and highly pressured KPI-driven cultures.
For some people, that works.
For Jennifer, VANRATH offered something different.
"VANRATH for me has been the best company to work for. I've been recruiting for about eight years across multiple agencies throughout that time, internationally and locally, and I find working at VANRATH, it's the level of trust."
Rather than focusing on micromanagement, VANRATH empowers consultants to take ownership of their work and build their desks in a way that works for them.
"We're trusted to do what we need to do."
Having previously worked in heavily KPI-focused environments, the difference was immediately noticeable.
"I've worked in a lot of KPI-driven environments before. I know that works for some people, pressure sometimes does get the best out of it, but I think long term, it wasn't sustainable and it wasn't the best fit for me."
At VANRATH, performance matters but so does giving people the autonomy and support they need to succeed.
Support From Day One
Starting a new role can be challenging, regardless of experience level. That's why creating a supportive onboarding experience is something we take seriously.
For Jennifer, the support she received during her first few months made a lasting impression.
"During my first 90 days in VANRATH, I felt very supported."
One of the reasons for this is our team structure.
We work in smaller specialist teams, allowing consultants to build strong relationships with their managers and colleagues.
"My director, who's Ross, is very supportive. You can always kind of have a casual conversation as well as a more structured support question."
That balance of accessibility, guidance, and trust helps create an environment where people can develop professionally while still feeling supported.
Embracing Innovation and New Ideas
Recruitment continues to evolve, and technology is playing a bigger role than ever before.
At VANRATH, we're committed to investing in tools and systems that genuinely improve outcomes for clients, candidates, and consultants. For Jennifer, one of the most refreshing aspects of joining VANRATH was how open the business was to new ideas.
"VANRATH has invested quite a lot recently and embraced AI."
Having already used AI tools in previous roles, Jen saw opportunities to introduce new ways of working.
"When I brought those ideas to VANRATH and suggested several AI tools, we totally embraced it."
Rather than adopting technology because it's fashionable, our focus has always been on finding solutions that create real value.
"We looked through different options and decided on what was going to be the most effective for us to support our clients and candidates—not just adopting AI for the sake of it."
That willingness to listen, innovate, and continuously improve is a key part of our culture.
"We're always open to listening to other suggestions and things."
Why Recruitment Professionals Make the Move
Many recruiters reach a point in their careers where they begin questioning whether their current environment is helping them perform at their best.
Sometimes it's about progression. Sometimes it's about culture. Sometimes it's simply about finding a business where their ideas are valued.
For experienced recruiters like Jennifer, VANRATH provides an opportunity to build a successful career without sacrificing autonomy, support, or work-life balance.
It's an environment where consultants are trusted to do what they do best, supported by experienced leaders, and encouraged to contribute ideas that help shape the future of the business.
Looking for Something Different?
Whether you're an experienced recruiter or simply curious about what a career at VANRATH could look like, we'd love to have a conversation.
As Jennifer puts it:
"If someone was feeling stuck in their role, I would just say come and have a chat. Just have a coffee. We're very open about how we do things at VANRATH."
We're always interested in speaking with talented people who share our values and want to be part of a business that continues to grow, innovate, and invest in its people.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
We're actively hiring across several areas of the business.
If you're interested in learning more about opportunities at VANRATH, contact our Operations Manager, Rebecca Jama, at rebecca.jama@vanrath.com or call 028 9033 0250 for a fully confidential chat.
Or explore our latest internal opportunities and discover what a career at VANRATH could look like.