From “I never thought of being a recruiter” to “this is exactly where I belong”

Reading time: 5 minutes

Simon van den Abeelen didn’t set out to become a recruitment consultant. In fact, when he started looking for a job, that role wasn’t even on his radar. Like many recent graduates, he felt the pressure of choosing a “sensible” path. But thanks to Magnet.me, and a little trust in his gut, Simon found a role (and a company) he calls a perfect match. Now, he’s thriving in a role that aligns with his values and personality.

Not just looking for a job, but for something that mattered

Fresh out of a Commercial Economics degree, Simon didn’t just want to “start working.” He was looking for something more meaningful, something that aligned with his values. “I didn’t want to earn money just for the sake of it,” he says. “I wanted my work to contribute to society in some way.”

That mindset is what led him to Skyscrapers, a fast-growing, mission-driven company that helps young professionals land their first jobs. But here’s the twist: Simon wasn’t looking for a role in recruitment at all.

“I had been focusing on roles like account management or marketing. Recruitment just wasn’t something I had considered. Then I matched the job at Skyscrapers, and it sparked something – a sense that this role actually aligns with the way I work.”

For grads feeling pressure to pick a ‘safe’ option, Simon’s story shows there’s value in exploring what really matters to you.

Smart discovery: finding the job you didn’t know you were looking for

Simon didn’t spot the Skyscrapers job on LinkedIn or Google, it showed up on Magnet.me. “Without Magnet.me, I probably wouldn’t have found it,” he says.

Magnet.me learns from what you like and do on the platform, not just what you search, to suggest jobs that fit you perfectly. That’s how Simon found a role he hadn’t considered but felt instantly right.

And once he applied, things moved quickly. “The process was incredibly smooth. I had an intro call with Sofie, their recruiter, and was invited for a conversation with the team. It felt casual, open, and very personal, not like a standard interview.”

He was even invited to lunch at the office, something Skyscrapers regularly does to get a feel for the fit. “That made all the difference. The vibe was young, informal, and super driven. I knew right away: I want to be part of this.”

Inside the life of a recruitment consultant: Simon’s day-to-day

Simon describes his day-to-day work now as “all about conversations.” He interviews candidates to learn about their goals, interests, and what drives them, so he can help them find the right challenge, not just any job.

“Every conversation is different. One day I’m talking to someone interested in finance in Amsterdam, the next it’s a project manager for a company in Brabant. That variety keeps things exciting.”

But what makes the job truly rewarding? “My first placement. I helped someone find a role that fit them perfectly, and months later, they’re still happy there. That’s when I thought: yes, this is why I do this.”

Understanding fit goes both ways

At Skyscrapers, growth is not just a buzzword, it’s embedded in the culture. Simon talks about monthly check-ins, personal development plans, and having a dedicated buddy for support. “You’re encouraged to talk about your goals and where you want to grow. And there’s space to actually do something with that.”

The company also invests heavily in its trainee community, around 50 trainees and 18–19 team members at HQ. “Once a month, trainees come in for training, and we have community events like padel tournaments, drinks, or Christmas parties. It really feels like one big team.”

Skyscrapers doesn’t just look for people who fit the job. It creates a culture where people find their fit over time.

Simon’s advice to students and starters: trust your gut and explore

“Don’t limit yourself to what you think your degree says you should do,” Simon says. “Talk to people. Apply widely. Every conversation teaches you more about what fits you.”

He encourages starters to think back on what excited them during their studies, specific projects, group work, challenges. “Those are clues to what might energise you in a job.”

Looking for your own “never-thought-of-that” moment? 🎯 Create your free profile on Magnet.me and discover where your potential might take you.