Learn more about working at Smile Education from one of our longest-standing and most successful consultants – Emma. We sat down with Emma, our Senior Director, to chat through her career journey, her “day in the life” and some top tips on managing a thriving desk at Smile.

What does a typical day look like for you as a 360 recruitment consultant?

First things first, I look at my work phone. Before I’ve even logged on, I’m checking who’s called in sick, who needs cover, and what bookings have come through overnight. The first hour or two are always the busiest. I’m sending teachers and support staff to schools, getting everything on the system and chasing compliance as and where needed.

Once the morning rush settles, I touch base with Charlotte, my Resourcer, to go through candidates and any admin tasks. Then I prepare for the ‘second wave’, which is the afternoon rush when schools start calling again. Every day has its own rhythm, but it always starts fast and ends fast!

How do you split your time between candidates and clients?

I’m really lucky because Charlotte handles a lot of the candidate side - interviewing, resourcing, and getting people ready for work. Once candidates are compliant, I’ll speak to them directly.

That means most of my day is spent speaking with clients, nurturing relationships, and bringing on new schools. I love that side of the job - the business development, the problem-solving, the partnerships.

What part of the day do you most look forward to?

Honestly? The morning - even though it’s busy! I love the buzz. I love the pace. It suits how I work: quick, reactive, energetic. It’s fast-paced in the best way, and I thrive on that.

How do you stay productive and motivated throughout the day?

Coffee. Lots of coffee! But really, what keeps me motivated is doing a good job for my schools. I’ve worked with many of them for years, and I take real pride in supplying quality staff.

I love hearing great feedback from candidates after their first day in a school - that genuinely keeps me going.

Recruitment is known for its ups and downs. How do you deal with setbacks?

Recruitment is a roller coaster – everyone will tell you that no two days are the same. If I’m having a tough morning where nothing goes to plan, I just take five minutes away from my desk.

A quick reset makes a massive difference. You can’t take the bad days personally – every job has them - you just take a breath and start again.

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about your routine?

I get up at 5am every morning. I’m either at the gym for 6 or running in the countryside before work. That time to myself sets me up for the day - by the time I’m at my desk for 7am, I feel mentally ready for whatever comes my way.

Emma’s Career at Smile

Beyond the day-to-day, Emma has had an incredible journey at Smile. With over ten years in the business, she’s grown through every stage of our progression structure, from consultant to senior roles, and now Director.

What made you move from your previous agency to Smile?

I actually enjoyed my old agency, but I kept seeing Smile on LinkedIn - the team spirit, the social side, the culture. It looked fun and genuinely supportive. I messaged Katy, we spoke, and I never looked back.

How have you grown since joining Smile?

I’ve completed the entire promotion structure and recently became a Director, which still feels surreal. Over the years I’ve also built more resilience. I stay calmer under pressure and handle stress much better now - you grow a lot in ten years!

What advice would you give someone considering moving agencies?

It is a big decision - I spent ages thinking about it myself. Even when I joined Smile, I wondered if I’d done the right thing. But I’m still here ten years later, so clearly I did!

If you’re not happy where you are, trust your gut. There’s a reason you’re thinking about leaving. Smile is an amazing place to work, so my advice honestly would be: just go for it.

What three qualities make a great recruitment consultant?

You’ve got to be able to speak to people - not just email or text. Building relationships is everything. You also need to be quick. Schools need bookings filled in seconds, not minutes.

And finally, you need resilience. While it comes with lots of benefits and rewards, recruitment is full-on. Some days will be tough, but you have to bounce back and keep going. Being target-driven and self-motivated helps too!

Thinking About Joining the Team?

Emma’s story captures exactly what makes Smile special - the progression, the support, and the culture that celebrates teamwork.

If you’re looking for a recruitment career where you can thrive, we’d love to hear from you.

Interested? Drop Adam an email with your CV at adam@smile-education.co.uk