Started in the graduate program - Recruitment Consultant Hays Employee Review

1.0
22 Dec 2015
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Gave me a foot in the door when other companies wouldn't but nearly put me off the industry as a whole!

Cons

I hated every moment of it, I was bullied, micromanaged and unrealistic targets were put on people. If someone was treated badly my a member of the management team and became upset the office was told they had family issues, which was not true. I thought it was recruitment in general I did not like but since then have had 10 years in recruitment and now hold a senior role in a international recruitment company, so have realised it was the hays culture I did not like. Would not recommend as a place to work. I have kept in touch with many people who worked there at the same time as me and all now still work in recruitment but have bad memories and experiences of their time in Hays. One thing it has taught me is how not to treat my employees or my clients as we were actively encouraged to lie to them. Was given one salary then three months later this was lowered to encourage me to bill more!

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Hays Response
10y
Thank you for your review from Edinburgh. I am speaking to the Managing Director of the Scottish business to investigate your comments. Should you wish to discuss this with me further, please contact me on 0203 465 0202. Many thanks, Jenna Alexander

Explore other reviews about Hays

5.0
23 Jan 2026
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

They have helped me land 2 contract, work quickly and are kind

Cons

I was the benefits were a bit more affordable

4.0
26 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Great place for new recruiters to gain experience. A lot to learn. Younger crowd, fun teams.

Cons

Competitive, people that weren't succeeding would be put on PIPs and eventually let go. Can be some micro-managing. Not all managers created equal - some great, some not so great.

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