A Day in the Life of a Recruitment Consultant: Alicia Patnelli
posted 31 Jul 26
In this month's Consultant Career Story, we feature Alicia Patnelli, Consultant in Henderson Scott's Sales & Marketing team.
Joining Henderson Scott straight from university, Alicia has already earned her first promotion and established herself in the FMCG market. Here, she shares what a typical day looks like, what surprised her most about recruitment, and why she's continuing to build her career at Henderson Scott.
Can you tell us about your recruitment journey and what made you join Henderson Scott?
I joined Henderson Scott straight after graduating from university with a Politics degree.
I knew I wanted a career where I could progress quickly, challenge myself, and be rewarded for the work I put in. Recruitment stood out because it offered exactly that.
The team was one of the biggest reasons I chose Henderson Scott. From my first conversations, it felt collaborative and ambitious, with everyone pushing each other to improve while maintaining a healthy level of competition.
Meeting CEO Richard Vickers in my final interview also had a big impact. His passion for the business was infectious, and by the end of the interview I knew it was the place I wanted to start my career.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Most mornings are focused on business development, whether that's generating new leads, making cold calls, or speaking to new clients.
The afternoons are usually centred around managing recruitment processes, supporting candidates, and keeping everything moving from interview through to offer.
I'm part of the FMCG market within our Sales & Marketing division, so every day is about building relationships and staying close to what's happening in the market. It's a fast-paced environment, which keeps things interesting.
What part of your day do you enjoy the most, and why?
For me, it's the collaboration.
Collaboration is a big part of how we work. Last quarter alone, I completed three joint placements with a colleague, and that's something I really enjoy. Everyone is focused on helping each other succeed.
I also love knowing that the work we do has a genuine impact. Helping someone secure a significant salary increase can make a real difference to them and their family.
On the client side, it's rewarding knowing you've helped well-known brands find the talent they need. It's always a great feeling walking around a supermarket and recognising a brand where you've placed the person responsible for getting that product onto the shelves.
What's one part of the role that might surprise people?
I think people would be surprised by how welcoming the team is.
Recruitment is competitive, but it doesn't feel like you're competing against your colleagues. Everyone wants each other to succeed, and from day one I felt part of the team.
The other thing people often underestimate is how quickly you develop transferable skills. Whether it's communication, sales, organisation, or relationship building, you gain experience that benefits you throughout your career.
What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone considering a career in recruitment?
Accept that you're new and make the most of the people around you.
Look at the recruiters who excel in different parts of the job, learn from them, and don't be afraid to adapt what they do into your own style.
I'd also recommend taking note of everything. There is so much to learn early on, and the more information you can take in, the quicker you'll develop your own approach.
What has kept you motivated to continue building your career at Henderson Scott?
The recognition and progression opportunities have been a huge motivator.
Whether it's company-wide recognition, team awards, or having clear promotion targets to work towards, there's always something to aim for.
My manager, James, has also played a big part. Whenever things don't quite go to plan, he's always there to remind me how quickly things can change in recruitment.
That combination of support, recognition, and opportunity has made Henderson Scott a great place to build my career.
Interested in building your own career story with Henderson Scott?  Explore our current opportunities. 
Want to hear more about life at Henderson Scott? Read Matthew Hughes' story on building a career in recruitment and progressing to Senior Consultant.
