“It’s a great career, it pays really well, you get paid to talk to people everyday, you meet fascinating people, why would you not work to have that? “ – Andrea RossAbout the episodeRecruitment is often an underrated career choice, yet it offers unique opportunities, exciting challenges, and fulfilling rewards. In Episode 13 of Hello Mentor, Andrea Ross, founder of The Career Establishment and former Managing Director at Robert Walters, dives into the real essence of being a recruiter.Hosted by Derek Toh, Founder and CEO of Hiredly, this episode explores Andrea's journey from psychology student to becoming a seasoned recruitment professional and leadership trainer. She shares her candid insights into the profession, valuable advice for fresh graduates, and strategies for job seekers navigating today’s competitive landscape. Toward the end, Andrea also highlights how her company is revolutionizing learning in recruitment and leadership through innovative training solutions.If you’ve ever considered a career in recruitment, Andrea's passion and perspective may inspire you to explore this exciting industry.Getting to know Andrea RossAndrea Ross is the founder of The Career Establishment, a leadership and team development company based in Singapore. With a degree in Psychology and Sociology from Huddersfield University in the UK, Andrea brings a unique understanding of human behavior to her work. She is a Gallup Certified Strengths Coach, a Behavioral DISC Consultant, and an ACTA V5-qualified facilitator.Andrea spent over a decade in Southeast Asia leading Robert Walters, a global recruitment powerhouse. She now focuses on helping individuals and teams thrive through tailored training, coaching, and online learning platforms. Andrea is also the host of Talent Talk Asia, a podcast where she interviews top talents across Asia to discuss trends and opportunities shaping the corporate world.What Is It Really Like Being a Recruiter?Recruitment is often misunderstood, but Andrea Ross shines a light on why it’s a career worth considering.It’s Dynamic and People-CentricAndrea describes recruitment as a unique blend of routine tasks and dynamic interactions. While the job involves meeting KPIs like client meetings and candidate placements, the people you interact with every day bring endless variety. From startups to global corporations, recruiters gain deep insights into different industries while connecting talented individuals with career opportunities.It’s Not as Easy as It LooksOne of the biggest misconceptions about recruitment is that it’s straightforward. Andrea highlights the complexity of managing candidates throughout the hiring process. It’s not just about finding talent; it’s about building trust, aligning skills with client needs, and navigating the emotional rollercoaster of career decisions.It’s Highly RewardingFor those who thrive on challenges and enjoy working with people, recruitment offers immense satisfaction. Andrea emphasizes the joy of helping someone land their dream job while achieving personal career milestones.Advice for Fresh GraduatesAndrea offers practical advice for graduates unsure of their career path:Focus on Your Strengths: Reflect on what you’re good at and what excites you. Passion often aligns with innate strengths.Explore Industries That Align with Your Values: Look for companies or sectors that resonate with your personal beliefs.Take Initiative: Reach out to professionals on LinkedIn, ask questions, and learn about different roles to make informed decisions.Staying Competitive in Today’s Job MarketFor job seekers, Andrea stresses the importance of adaptability:Upskill Yourself: Leverage online courses to learn new technologies or refine your expertise.Network Actively: Stay connected with your professional network through virtual coffee chats or LinkedIn engagement.Build Your Personal Brand: Share insights and offer value within your niche to stand out.The Career Establishment: Revolutionizing Recruitment and LeadershipAndrea’s company, The Career Establishment, offers innovative solutions to empower recruiters and leaders:Online Recruitment Marketplace: Self-paced learning modules covering recruitment fundamentals, negotiation, leadership, and more.Leadership Workshops: Experiential sessions designed to build collaboration, conflict resolution, and team dynamics.Strengths Coaching: Tailored coaching sessions to unlock potential and develop strategic skills.Her dedication to accessible, high-quality training ensures even boutique firms can afford professional development for their teams.Hello Mentor is a podcast show that platforms raw discussions on career, ambition and success with inspiring individuals who are accomplished in their own rights.Hello Mentor is hosted by Derek Toh, Founder and CEO of Hiredly.Check out all our episodes on Spotify for your dose of inspiration and career advice from real people who have been there!Join Hiredly’s Young Leaders Community for career inspiration and opportunities or explore the Employer Branding Community to elevate your hiring strategy.Discover more career insights and job opportunities tailored for young professionals at Hiredly.