So, picture this: new to London, iced coffee in hand, desperate for a career change, zero expectations, and absolutely no idea that I was about to accidentally start a career in education recruitment. Like most fabulous consultants, I didn’t exactly plan to go into education recruitment; I just sort of… fell face-first into it. Honestly? Best stumble of my life.
Falling (Gracefully-ish) Into Recruitment
I walked away from my old job feeling massively deflated and desperate for something new. Then I got a call from a really lovely woman, who’d later become my manager, asking if I’d be interested in a recruitment consultant role at Protocol Education.
After a quick Google search of both the job and the company, I thought, why not?
Four weeks later, I was starting at Protocol Education, stepping into life as a recruitment consultant where no two days ever look the same.
The Pre-Recruitment Panic
Coming from an educational background, my biggest fear was the “sales” side. The last thing I’d properly sold was a tray of brownies at my Year 6 Christmas fair. I genuinely thought I’d have to unleash my inner Wolf of Wall Street. What I quickly learned is that in education recruitment, schools, clients, and candidates just want real, honest, human conversation. If you can talk, listen, and add a bit of humour, you’re already winning.
My First Week: A Blur of Names, Coffee, and Pure Panic
Walking into the London office felt like the first day at a new school, full of nerves. But my manager swooped in straight away, introduced me to everyone, and made me feel right at home. There was information overload, lots of “sorry, what was your name again?”, a whirlwind of new systems… but also so many genuinely lovely people who were ready to help at the drop of a hat.
How I Work with Educators and Schools
My job in education recruitment is basically being the bridge between brilliant educators and the schools in need of them. Some days I’m placing a last-minute TA, other days I'm strategising with a headteacher who had five teachers all announce pregnancy in the same week, no joke! I get to support, advise, cheerlead, and help with what sometimes feels impossible. That’s what working at Protocol Education is all about.
Favourite Success Stories
One of my favourites will forever be supporting a teacher who was relocating from New Zealand. She needed a placement before even landing in the UK, which meant managing time zones, nerves, and logistics. But the school I’d built a great rapport with trusted my judgement enough to interview her via Teams, observe an online lesson, and offer the job on the spot. Four years later, she’s still there and loving it. Totally makes the early starts worth it.
The East Anglia Team: Chaos, Caffeine & Camaraderie
I’ve had the opportunity to work with two teams whilst at Protocol Education, initially joining the Early Years Team in London and through Covid, however, I’m now part of the East Anglia team, a glorious mix of loud ones, quiet ones, spreadsheet lovers, and snack stashers. Somehow it just works. You always find your people here, and that vibe runs through every office in the company.
The Difference I Make (Or Try To!)
I’ve always come into my recruitment consultant job with the mindset that we’re here to help. Whether it’s giving a newly qualified ECT a pep talk before a big interview, helping a school through morning bookings, turning up to volunteer at school events, or fundraising for children…Being someone people can turn to for advice means a lot to me. If I can make someone’s day a little easier, then I’ve done my job.
Supporting Teachers Who Are Nervous or New
Knowing the schools you work with, knowing the people who run them, and understanding the sector puts me in a great position to support brand-new or anxious educators. I’m always there to walk them through the process, answer every question, and make sure they never feel like they’re doing it alone.
Helping Schools in Crisis
Silly sickness season? Unexpected staff absence? Those iconic morning bookings?
Yep, the adrenaline is very real. I’ve had schools call because 5 out of 14 staff were off sick with the same bug. It’s like Fireman Sam, but instead of hoses, I’m deploying fantastic educators to save the day.
Training & Development
Working at Protocol Education has given me so many opportunities for development. Some exciting (sales! business development!), some… less exciting (manual handling, if you know you know).But all of it has made me better at what I do.
The Support When Things Get Tough
Life happens. Sometimes it hits hard.
But my colleagues? Honestly incredible. Whether it’s work stress or life stress, they’ve had my back every time. That support is rare, and it’s a huge part of why I’ve stayed.
Growing as a Professional
Exposure. Opportunities. Encouragement.
I’ve always been pushed to learn external development, sector knowledge, insights from the boffins, and watching the company evolve. It’s shaped me into someone far more confident than the girl who walked into that big office on day one.
Myths I Used to Believe
I genuinely thought recruitment was a cut-throat, dog-eat-dog industry where only sharks survived. Turns out? Not true. You don’t need to be a headset-wearing corporate robot. You just need to care, communicate, and back yourself.
What’s Harder (and Easier) Than Expected
Some days are smooth sailing; others test every ounce of patience I’ve got.
Recruitment isn’t easy if it were, everyone would be doing it. But it’s worth it. Truly.
Thinking About a Career in Education Recruitment?
Do it. Back yourself. Embrace the learning curve. Don’t fear mistakes, they’re how you grow. If you’ve got passion, personality, and a love for people, you’ll thrive. And if you’re thinking about taking on a recruitment consultant job or want to join Protocol Education…come say hi. You might just fall into something brilliant, exactly like I did.
