When Fraser joined Smile Education, he already had several years of recruitment experience behind him - but he was looking for something specific - not just another agency! In this interview, Fraser shared what led him to Smile, how he’s grown since joining, and why being yourself is one of the most important parts of building a successful recruitment career.

What attracted you to Smile Education in the first place?

“Smile was always a name that came up. No matter what sector or area I was looking at within education recruitment, Smile kept popping up!

Before even interviewing, I had conversations with Katy and members of the leadership team, and that made a huge difference. It felt people-focused from the very start, which really stood out to me.”

What were you looking for in a recruitment agency?

“I was looking for that middle ground. You can work somewhere that’s extremely strict, or somewhere that isn’t structured enough, and neither really works long term.

What attracted me to Smile was that balance. There’s strong leadership and clear direction, but there’s also trust. You’re trusted to do what you know is right, to manage your desk properly, and to be accountable for your own success. That culture was a big pull for me.”

How did your first impressions compare to how you feel now?

“Starting somewhere new is always difficult. You keep your head down, get to know people, and figure out how things really work.

But what I’ve found at Smile is that what you see at face value is genuinely what you get. There was no ‘act’ for new starters. Everyone has stayed exactly the same since day one, and that consistency really matters. It shows that the culture is real, not just something talked about in interviews.”

What made you say yes to the role?

“The interview process was a big factor. Speaking with Katy, Olivia, and meeting different people across the business really helped.

What stood out most was being able to speak to consultants who had joined recently and hearing about their experiences. That reassurance from people who were actually doing the job meant a lot. You could also feel Smile’s drive to keep improving and moving forward, rather than just staying still.”

What’s been your proudest achievement at Smile so far?

“Winning the Most Supportive Colleague award after only five or six months was definitely a proud moment for me.

It meant a lot because it reflected who I am as a person. I genuinely try to support others, whether that’s new starters or colleagues who’ve been here longer and want a fresh perspective or new ideas. That recognition really stuck with me.”

What made you move from another agency to Smile?

“I had some good experiences previously, but I wanted a place where I could fully be myself and bring ideas to the table.

At Smile, consultants’ opinions are genuinely listened to. Leadership takes on board ideas from people who are doing the job day in, day out, and that doesn’t happen everywhere. Feeling heard and trusted makes a huge difference.”

How have you grown since joining Smile?

“I’ve grown professionally, but also individually. Smile has helped me develop into more of a leader - something I might not have been given the opportunity to do elsewhere.

I’m trusted to make my own decisions, which helps you learn what works, what doesn’t, and how to take responsibility. That autonomy has been a massive part of my growth.”

What advice would you give someone considering a move from another agency?

“If someone’s thinking about joining Smile, I’d say it’s absolutely worth having a conversation -whether that’s with Adam, Katy, Olivia, or anyone else in the business.

Not every agency is the right fit for every person, and that’s okay. But Smile is genuinely the best culture I’ve been part of. It’s a happy environment, and that matters. Enjoying where you work makes such a difference to your day-to-day life.”

What three qualities make a great recruitment consultant?

“First, honesty. You have to be honest with clients, candidates, and colleagues. If you’re not, it always comes back to bite you.

Second, communication. Things can easily go wrong if messages get lost or unclear, and that can damage relationships and reputations.

And finally, punctuality and presence. Recruitment can be long hours and high pressure, but you need to show up, be ready for calls, and be willing to have the uncomfortable conversations. You’ve got to put the hard yards in.”

Why Culture Matters

Fraser’s experience highlights something we’re incredibly proud of at Smile: a culture built on trust and openness. With strong leadership and genuine progression opportunities, Smile is a place where consultants can grow their careers in a way that matters to them.

If you’re looking for a recruitment role where your ideas matter, your personality is valued, and your development is supported, Smile Education could be the right next step for you.

Contact Adam by emailing adam@smile-education.co.uk or call 0121 392 6570.