Employee case study:
Tim Farnsworth

How did you become interested in recruitment?

I became interested after speaking to a close friend who was also pursuing a career in recruitment. They spoke really positively about the role, the fast-paced nature of the industry and the rewards that come with working in recruitment, which definitely piqued my interest.

Before joining Sellick Partnership, I worked in property sales, so I already had a strong background in face-to-face and telephone communication and organisation. I was at a point where I wanted to make a change – the progression in my previous role wasn’t particularly appealing, and I was looking for a career with more earning potential and a clearer path for development.

What really attracted me to recruitment, and specifically to Sellick Partnership, was the sense of ownership. While you’re very much part of a supportive team, you also have your own market, your own patch, and you’re encouraged to build your own personal brand. You get out what you put in, and that level of autonomy and accountability really appealed to me.

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

The main thing that stood out to me was the clear opportunity for growth and progression. During the interview process, I was struck by how open and transparent everyone was. I had the chance to speak to several people from the team, and the wider office, and it quickly became clear that staff retention was strong – people had been here a long time, and there had to be a reason for that.

The whole experience felt really welcoming and honest. Compared to other companies that I was speaking to at the time, Sellick Partnership offered something different. They didn’t just want to throw me into a Recruitment Consultant role with high targets straight away – instead, they offered me the opportunity to come in as a Resourcing Consultant and build my skills from the ground up.

That approach really appealed to me. In previous roles, I’d been thrown in at the deep end without proper support, and it made progression difficult. Sellick Partnership wanted to invest in me, train me properly, and let me make mistakes without the pressure of immediate targets – this gave me space to really understand the industry I was moving into.

What are the best aspects of your role?  

One of the most rewarding parts of my role is helping people take the next step in their careers – sometimes even helping them land their dream job! It’s extremely fulfilling to know you’ve played a part in someone’s personal and professional growth.

I also really enjoy working with hiring managers to understand exactly what they need. It’s not just about ticking boxes, it’s about understanding their environment, culture, and team dynamic so I can make a meaningful match. When a client trusts you to find that right person and, six months down the line, both the client and candidate are still happy – that’s a great feeling.

I also love getting out and meeting clients face-to-face, something that seems to be picking up again! It gives you a deeper understanding of their world, which makes it that little bit easier to deliver a truly personalised recruitment service. Running successful recruitment campaigns where both parties come away happy – that’s the ultimate goal, and when it happens, it’s really satisfying.

What are the most challenging? 

The biggest challenge is definitely keeping on top of everything, but that’s part of the job. Strong organisation and time management are absolutely essential. You need to be able to plan your day, stick to a process, and make sure nothing slips through the cracks.

Being adaptable is also key as things can change so quickly. You might begin the day planning to focus on candidate sourcing, and suddenly a new role comes in that needs immediate attention, a client call, a team briefing and some marketing.

If you’re not organised or don’t have a solid system in place, it’s easy to fall behind. That’s something I’ve really had to work on – making sure I structure my time well, balance all my tasks and stay focused even when priorities shift unexpectedly.

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

I definitely remember it – it was for a Capital Accountant role at a city council. It felt like a big accomplishment and, at the same time, it gave me real motivation to keep going and secure the next one.

When you move into a 360 role as a Recruitment Consultant, it all becomes more tangible – you start to see the margins, understand the commercial side, and track your own success. That first placement is a real milestone, but it’s also just the beginning.

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

A couple of years ago, I would have said my first commission payment – that moment really made me feel like all the hard work was paying off. But now, it’s more about the impact; getting genuine testimonials and feedback from candidates and clients is what motivates me most.

It’s a sign that the work I’m doing is making a real difference – that I’ve found the right fit and helped someone progress in their career.

Extensions are also a big win. When a client wants to keep a temporary worker on for longer, it shows that the placement has been successful from both sides.

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

One of the biggest lessons for me has been the importance of consistency: always keeping on top of people, following up, and not just waiting for feedback to come to you. Organisation and time management are absolutely key if you want to succeed and not feel overwhelmed.

Another big one is confidence, don’t be afraid to ask the awkward questions – the ones you might hesitate over but really need to know the answers to. It’s all about developing the confidence to ask them in the right way, and understanding how to approach those conversations professionally.

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

If you’re thinking about joining Sellick Partnership, my advice would be to make the most of the people around you. When I started as a Resourcing Consultant, I listened to how my colleagues in the office spoke to people on calls with candidates, how they engaged with clients – I soaked it all in. If I forgot to ask a key question on a call, I was asked to ring the candidate back. I hated it at the time, but I never forgot those questions again!

Even now, I’ll overhear a colleague ask something brilliant and I’ll make a note of it. You’re always learning here. Being surrounded by experienced, supportive people really helps – but equally, being around new starters with no experience brings a different perspective or insight that you can learn from.