From Consultant to Associate Director: Abbie Soutar on her recruitment career path

Why did you choose to join Search?

I chose Search because it is a private equity-backed business and I had seen first hand from recruiting into that space how those types of environments really support career development. These businesses encourage learning and autonomy and provide competitive packages which aid a fulfilling professional career for those who truly want to be entrepreneurial. Working in this space equips me with detailed knowledge, which helps me to have even more detailed conversations with clients and candidates who are looking for opportunities in this area.

After a succession of promotions, you have quickly progressed from a Recruitment Consultant to Associate Director – how did you get there?

Beyond hard work, I would say that one of the things that has allowed me to progress most quickly is that I have tried to be as consultative as possible in my career. I take the time to understand my customers and their businesses, and to represent them in the marketplace accurately. Candidates trust me implicitly with their careers.

I feel that I’ve been a true business partner, both externally and internally, and have always delivered on what I’ve promised. Having climbed the career ladder fairly quickly means I’m uniquely positioned in my current role. I’m still very close to the grass-root operations but equally, spend a lot of time looking at the bigger picture and our strategic plans. I love meeting candidates as much as I love building out our business offerings.

What motivates you, and why?

I think it’s the fear of being mediocre. I worry about waking up one day, when it’s too late, and feeling as though I’ve had a mediocre life, relationships and career. I want to look back on what I’ve achieved at the end of it all and feel like it’s been epic!

There are a couple of reasons ‘why’ – firstly, it’s for experiences: travel, food and spending quality time with family and friends. Importantly, it is also for my Mum. She raised my sisters and I as a single parent, and I hadn’t really understood how challenging that must have been until my adult life. She probably never imagined that my sisters and I would have the professional careers that we have, and it’s only been possible with her unwavering support and belief in us.

What do you enjoy about working at Search? 

The people, without a doubt. Everyone here is extremely entrepreneurial. You can see wholeheartedly that they love the challenge and opportunity to build a business. They’re hardworking, commercial and good fun. I have genuinely been welcomed with open arms, and I am very grateful for that.

What would you say to someone considering a career at Search? 

If you are someone who is looking to kick start a career in recruitment and are looking for a business that can support your level of ambition, please reach out to Search. We have an exceptional Talent Development programme, which is supplemented by ‘on-desk’ training from the best operators in this business. If you’re somebody who gets out of bed in the morning and wants  to ‘win’, and just need the right support and tools, then we might just be the right business for you.