by Optimum
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by Optimum
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Starting a new role is always a bit like stepping onto a construction site without the plans, and my first weeks in recruitment were exactly that. Coming from an engineering background, I’m used to defined problems, clear data, and predictable outcomes. Recruitment, on the other hand, lives in the grey; variables multiply, timelines shift, and candidates don’t come with manuals.
The first couple of weeks were honestly the hardest. I was figuring out a new environment, learning the general consensus of how things work, and trying to become someone who knows what to do without feeling like I was winging it entirely. It’s a steep learning curve, but that’s also where the fun starts.
I approached my first three months with a focus on building a solid foundation rather than chasing big output numbers. My goals were simple but critical: learn the systems, integrate into the team and culture, and start building early momentum in my role. By the end of the quarter, I’d made my first temp placements, grown much more comfortable on the phone, and started finding my rhythm with the systems and processes. Progress, not perfection, was the name of the game.
So how does engineering come into play? A lot more than I expected. Engineers are trained to break down problems into manageable pieces, map out cause and effect, and think critically about the steps required to reach a solution. In recruitment, those skills translate in subtle but powerful ways: structuring my day around anchor tasks, identifying high-value candidate interactions, and dissecting conversations to understand what really drives someone’s decisions.
That said, I’ve had to let go of a few engineer habits, namely the desire for complete data before acting. Recruitment requires a comfort with the unknown, and early on, I found myself overthinking when a candidate didn’t respond immediately, or when a client was very succinct in person, leaving me to interpret what would add value. Slowly, I’ve learned that asking the right questions, observing patterns, and connecting the dots is just another kind of problem-solving; it just happens in real-time, with people.
Humour helps too. I’ve met some engineers who seem to delight in playing a two-faced role, and trust me, they exist. But there’s also a lot of good in being thoughtful, analytical, and curious, traits I’ve leaned on heavily as I navigate my new world. And if nothing else, being able to laugh at myself when I overanalyse a call for the tenth time in a row keeps things humble.
My takeaway so far: different backgrounds bring different strengths. For engineers like me, that means structured thinking, curiosity about cause and effect, and careful reflection. For recruiters, it’s about relationships, timing, and adaptability. Mixing the two has been a fascinating exercise, and I can already see how it’s shaping my approach and helping me add value, both for candidates and the team.
If there’s one piece of advice I’d share for anyone starting something new, whether it’s recruitment or any role outside your comfort zone, embrace your background, lean into your strengths, but don’t be afraid to get a little messy along the way. You’ll learn faster, make more meaningful connections, and maybe even have a bit of fun while you’re at it.
Jack Challinor
Technical Services Consultant
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