A work experience placement at 16 introduced Imogen to Blueprint. Today, she is a Specialist Recruiter in our permanent team, developing lasting candidate relationships and working towards Senior.

One of Imogen’s proudest achievements at Blueprint Recruitment Solutions began two years before the placement itself. Through regular conversations, she stayed in touch with a candidate until she eventually helped them secure a permanent role. For Imogen, that result captures what she enjoys most about recruitment: getting to know someone over time and helping them take their next career step.

An introduction that became a career

Imogen first joined us for work experience at 16. Before returning to Blueprint, she worked as a waitress and completed college. While she considered university, she recognised that a degree wasn’t essential for the career she wanted to pursue. At 18, she chose to begin her career in recruitment, keen to gain practical experience and start earning straight away.

Her earlier experience meant the working environment was familiar, but taking on a recruiter’s responsibilities brought a new learning curve. She describes the early weeks as “information overload”. The interview process had prepared her for an initial period of learning, and she soon discovered how much there was to absorb.

Speaking with clients and discussing the market once felt daunting. These are now conversations she approaches with confidence. That change has extended beyond the office, too: Imogen has become more sociable and more comfortable talking to people in her personal life.

Understanding the person behind the career move

Permanent recruitment gives Imogen the opportunity to build a detailed understanding of the people she supports. As relationships develop, she learns about candidates’ families and their lives outside work, as well as their professional experience. Those conversations help her understand the personal circumstances behind a career decision.

The placement that followed two years of contact remains a particular source of pride. It reflects the value she places on maintaining relationships over time, even when a move does not happen immediately.

Imogen recognises that the financial rewards are part of recruitment’s appeal. What gives her day-to-day work its sense of purpose, however, is the connection with candidates and the satisfaction of helping someone she has come to know well.

Developing with support from the team

Pete helped establish that foundation when Imogen joined. With just the two of them in the team at the time, he took her under his wing as she learned the role. Scott has also played an important part in her development, providing daily support and encouraging her to maintain high standards.

Imogen is now working towards becoming a Senior recruiter. She has set out a clear plan for reaching that level and is focused on the effort required to get there.

Her advice to someone considering their options is to give recruitment a chance and be prepared to invest in it. Having first experienced Blueprint at 16, she understands how useful an early introduction can be. She also knows that progress comes through the work that follows, including the conversations and relationships that may take years to produce their most rewarding results.