Employee case study:
Charlotte Broomfield

How did you become interested in recruitment?

Before joining Sellick Partnership, I worked in lettings and estate agency as a Property Manager. It was a varied role where I handled everything from arranging viewings and managing repairs to liaising with landlords and tenants.

I really enjoyed the people-facing side of the role and often had to have honest, solution-focused conversations, which I found very rewarding, although they can be difficult sometimes. I’d developed strong organisational skills, regularly received five-star reviews, and knew I had a lot of transferable experience – but I also knew I wanted something different.

After the Covid-19 pandemic, I was often the only person in the office and really missed being part of a team and bouncing off colleagues. I wanted a new challenge where I could collaborate with others again, work Monday to Friday, and still make a positive impact.

I wasn’t entirely sure what that next step looked like, but recruitment seemed like a great opportunity to use my skills in a new way. However, I initially thought about cancelling my interview, but after speaking to the internal recruitment team at Sellick Partnership, I felt completely at ease.

They were so supportive and encouraging, and I’m really glad I went ahead – because now I genuinely love what I do! How happy I see people when I successfully place somebody and they’re thrilled with their job is something that I will never tire of.

What was it about Sellick Partnership that convinced you to take a role here?

From the very first conversation, what really stood out to me about Sellick Partnership was the culture. It was clear that people were genuinely at the heart of the business – there was a real focus on employee wellbeing, inclusivity, and creating a supportive environment.

Inclusivity is something I’ve always felt extremely passionate about. My mum is partially disabled, so I’ve grown up understanding how important it is for people to feel seen, supported, and given equal opportunities. I wanted to work somewhere that truly embraces those values – and at Sellick Partnership, that’s exactly what I found. It’s not just about saying the right things; it’s clear through the policies, the conversations, and how people treat one another.

When I first joined the business, I was going through a particularly difficult time, and I was blown away by how understanding and supportive everyone was. Even though I was new, I was treated with care and respect, and it really reinforced that I’d made the right decision. Family comes first here – there’s a genuine recognition that life happens, and we’re all human.

Work is a huge part of your life, so being somewhere that values you as a person, not just as an employee, makes such a difference. Knowing that your employer is mindful of your mental health, physical wellbeing, and personal commitments gives you the space to thrive – not just professionally, but personally too. That’s what convinced me that Sellick Partnership was the right place.

What is the most challenging part of working in recruitment?

One of the biggest challenges at the moment is the wider market we’re operating in. The cost-of-living crisis and ongoing budget pressures, particularly within the public sector, have led to some recruitment freezes and tighter spending across the board.

It means we’re often working within stricter parameters, and sometimes it can be difficult to match the right candidate to a role when there’s little flexibility on either side.

Clients often have very specific requirements, and understandably so – especially in the public sector where processes are more rigorous and governed by policy. But this can make it harder to move quickly or to progress candidates who may be a great cultural fit but don’t tick every single box on paper.

At the same time, candidates also tend to be more cautious, and if the opportunity only meets nine out of the 10 criteria, many won’t pursue it at all.

That said, I still find the market incredibly exciting and rewarding. It pushes me to be more strategic, to really understand the needs of both clients and candidates, and to offer solutions that are tailored and well thought-out. It’s a challenge, but it keeps things interesting and allows me to continuously grow and learn.

What support and training have you been given?  

The training at Sellick Partnership has been brilliant. I’ve completed many of the internal training modules, which were incredibly helpful – especially when transitioning from a Resourcing Consultant to a Recruitment Consultant. That move is a big jump, but it’s also a really rewarding one. You get a much deeper understanding of the full recruitment process and the market you’re working in.

• At Sellick Partnership, a Resourcing Consultant will only speak with candidates, while the wider team will liaise with clients and manage the full recruitment process. When a Resourcing Consultant moves into a Recruitment Consultant role, they are taking on this responsibility. 

What I love about Sellick Partnership’s approach is that everything is taught ‘the SP way’. Even if someone has a bit of recruitment experience under their belt and expects to join somewhere as a Recruitment Consultant, I’d still recommend starting in a Resourcing capacity. It lays such a solid foundation – you learn the processes, how to manage candidates effectively, and how to really understand your specialism. That grounding sets you up for long-term success, especially if you’re entering a new market.

The learning never really stops either, which is a good thing. I’m constantly developing, whether it’s through formal training or the ongoing support we get from our Managers and Directors. We have monthly reviews with our Managers which aren’t just focused on performance – they also include time to talk about how we’re doing personally, which makes a huge difference. That regular check-in helps us feel supported and motivated.

Do you remember placing your first candidate and how did that feel?

Yes, I was so proud of myself! That first successful placement gave me such a boost in confidence and really confirmed that I could do this. I’d made a few temporary placements as a Resourcing Consultant, but some of the first big ones really stuck with me. Even now, every time I place someone, I still do a little happy dance at my desk – the feeling never gets old!

It’s such a rewarding moment, knowing that you’ve helped someone secure a new role and supported a client in finding the right fit. That sense of achievement was a big part of what gave me the confidence to make the move into a Recruitment Consultant role – I knew I was ready for the next step.

What’s also great is that you’re constantly learning from those around you. Our team has over 20 years of combined experience, and everyone is so supportive. If I’m stuck on something or feel like I’ve tried everything, there’s always someone who’ll say, ‘Have you tried this?’ and come up with another five strategies to try. That kind of collaborative, knowledgeable environment makes all the difference and really helped me grow into the Consultant I am today.

What’s your biggest achievement to date in your role as a Recruitment Consultant?

One of my proudest achievements so far has been leading on three permanent recruitment campaigns for a key public sector client, and placing all three roles within just three weeks. It was a high-pressure piece of work, with very specific requirements and tight deadlines, but I loved the challenge. It really pushed me and showed how much I’d grown in confidence and capability since stepping into the Recruitment Consultant role.

What made it even more rewarding was the response from the client. They were so pleased with the quality of service and the suitability of the candidates that they’ve since returned to us with more exclusive roles. Building that level of trust and becoming a go-to Consultant for a client is a huge milestone and something I’m incredibly proud of. It’s not just about filling jobs – it’s about adding real value to their organisation.

For me, there’s nothing better than matching the right candidate with the right opportunity. That feeling of knowing you’ve helped someone take the next step in their career, and supported a client in building their team is amazing.

What lessons have you learned from your journey that you would share with others looking to progress their careers? 

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to talk to the people around you – especially when you’re unsure or doubting yourself. Don’t sit on your thoughts or struggles. Your colleagues and managers are there to support you, and often they’ve been in your shoes.

Take their advice seriously; they’re experts in their field for a reason. If someone suggests, ‘Try this,’ then actually try it – those small pieces of advice can really shift your approach and help you grow.

Another key thing is to genuinely throw yourself into it, it sounds obvious. Whether you're speaking to a candidate or a client, people can tell when you're passionate about what you do. That authenticity goes a long way in building trust and relationships.

I’ve also learned the importance of balance – really listening to and understanding what both the candidate and the client want. It’s not just about filling a job for the sake of hitting a target or earning commission. It’s about making the right match for everyone involved. When you take the time to understand both sides, you make placements that are meaningful, long-term, and genuinely make a difference – and that’s where the real satisfaction comes from because you’re likely to get repeat business.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career at Sellick Partnership? 

Be honest with yourself about whether recruitment is the right career path for you – it can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s not without its challenges. Whether you’re building a brand-new desk or trying to break into a new market, it takes resilience, determination and a lot of hard work.

It’s not a quick win, but if you’re passionate and open to learning, it can be a fantastic career.

What really makes Sellick Partnership stand out is the support system and the progression opportunities available. I started as a Resourcing Consultant and moved into a Recruitment Consultant role after gaining the right experience and confidence – it was a big step, but I never felt like I had to do it alone. 

From day one, people like Ella and Simon (Internal Recruitment team) have been so approachable and transparent. If you’re unsure about anything, they’ll take the time to talk it through with you – and if they don’t have the answer straight away, they’ll always go away and find it.

My advice is to ask questions, be open, and take the time to understand what the role involves and what support is in place. If the conversations you have put your mind at ease, that’s a great sign. It’s not always an easy job, but it’s a place where you can really build a career and be part of a team that truly invests in you.

What are your goals moving forward, and how do you feel Sellick Partnership will support you in achieving them? 

My goal is to continue progressing at Sellick Partnership and I’m really excited about that. There’s a clear progression pathway, especially for those in sales roles. You’re never left guessing about what’s next or how to get there.

Whether it’s through regular one-to-ones, training modules, or simply having honest conversations about your goals, there’s always someone guiding and encouraging you to push forward.

I’m determined to keep progressing, and with the structure, support, and culture we have here, I’m confident I’ll continue to grow within the business.