Everything is geared to serve and line the pockets of the partners.
Uncollaborative and very protectionist environment.
Email culture where things are communicated through inference.
Expect to receive an amended employment contract every 6 months protecting them, and not you.
Sales and negotiation styles are more aggressive than consultative.
No benefits at all and salaries for junior staff are punitive.
Vast majority of staff are on commission only setups - hence why the culture is very 'me first, you last'.
Clients are treated like cash-cows with little thought given over to long term relations. The groups leading client book changed every quarter.
Expect to split your placements, even if your more senior colleague has done nothing to earn it.
Little understanding of retained search methodology.
Expectation to pay for all your own expenses - so very little client or candidate entertainment occurs.
No access to private meeting rooms - unless you're happy to pay for the privilege from your gross salary.