This place needs work - Anonymous employee Hanson Search Employee Review

1.0
4 Nov 2017
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good training Good central location

Cons

Low base salaries and unrealistic targets make earning any real commission very difficult here, with only a few at exception. Benefits. What benefits? Very kpi heavy with a rigid work structure where hard work, sweat and sheer toil is what is asked of you while management drone on about how the culture is very relaxed and flexible. Shameful favouritism from the top and very cliquey amongst the ones in favour. Do little to encourage cohesion between French practice and other teams here.

avatar
Hanson Search Response
8y
It’s disappointing to read this type of review, so it’s important that I respond with some facts and thoughts. Low salaries and commission: We use three main rec 2 recs their feedback: We pay between 10 and 20% more than the norm. Our commission scheme is one of the best in the market and it’s something that they talk about to future employees. As a researcher you earn between £200 and £350 per placement that you make. As a consultant you earn between 20% and 35% commissions – it works out to be between 33% and 38% of all your revenue depending on you billings. *Of course if your billings were low then so will your commission. We reward successful outcomes. Benefits: iPhone or phone allowance, ipads for SC and above, health and training budgets, networking and events, weekend trips to Ibiza, Lisbon, Barcelona etc lunch clubs for employee of the quarter (voted by the team)…. But most importantly continuous training, promotions, opportunities to grow a team, have share equity and work with some smart people. Targets: If we have higher annual targets that is because we want our consultants to be successful and we believe they can be. We provide weekly training sessions and continuous on the job training and encouragement to help people reach their aspirations. As a CEO of the business I regularly network, hold marketing events and develop new clients to pass across the business. I see that as a key role as a leader in the business. I like setting high standards, working hard, helping others to achieve their targets and importantly believe that they can. KPIs: All businesses need key performance indictors – it helps predict pipeline, forecast revenue and make sure we can make important budget decisions. Likewise if might highlight any training issues with individuals and helps to understand where people need more support. People are rewarded on outcomes though. Rigid work structure: Everyone makes their own decisions on their daily plan and what is best for their market – we encourage people to meet clients and candidates, and we don’t have set times. There is nothing rigid about it. In fact feedback in management meetings is that people would prefer more structure for junior team members. Relaxed and flexible: We offer flexible working every day. People are rarely in the office past 6.15pm People work part time or from home sometimes depending on what they are doing. Many people go to the gym at lunch times – and once a week you can take an hour and half lunch break to go to a longer class if you want to. We do though want to run a business which is successful and the best in our industry. We want to challenge people to push themselves – but work in a smart way and not long hours. Shameful favouritism: We run a business based on meritocracy – if you do well and hit your objectives and pleasant and supportive to your colleagues then you get promoted. I regularly network across all markets UK, Europe and Middle East and help all consultants across the business with business development, opening doors, marketing initiative, chairing panels and training…be it role playing with a researcher or working on a business plan with a manager. Little cohesion between the French practice and other teams: Company meetings happen as one, training happens as one, socials happen has one. I am really shocked that you would say this – all I can say is look at the photos of the socials – I think they tell the true story of cohesion.

Explore other reviews about Hanson Search

4.0
20 Apr 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Friendly and welcoming team Good interview experience

Cons

Small team Old database Not much retained work

5.0
12 Nov 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

I spent a bit over three years at Hanson Search, my first job after university. It was a great experience. I got good training and support from senior members, including the CEO. I had the chance to work across different areas of the business, collaborating with Directors on senior projects, and eventually, I started running my own desk. I decided to switch industries, but I'm thankful to Hanson Search for investing in me. They helped me build confidence and improve my skills in research and communication, helping me to grow personally. We also had a lot of fun – great summer parties, away days and different creative events.

Cons

We were busy - it was a busy time in recruitment - but I got a lot out of that. I had a great time and miss the people I worked with. It’s a business of high achievers but professional and supportive. I worked there during the time of negative comments, and it wasn’t like that at all. Go and see for yourself and ask the staff. They are all a great bunch of people.

1
See reviews by: Helpful|Rating|Date|All