A recruiter is responsible for recruiting the right candidates who are matched with specific jobs. Numerous different industries employ recruiters, including the military. Recruiters are often employed by companies that recruit on a large scale. Some of the most common industries that hire recruiters include software, banking, IT, financial, retail and telecom industries.
Recruiter Job Responsibilities
Recruiters are responsible for hiring more employees within the company or organization. This can be accomplished by contacting placement agencies or employment services as well as by posting ads in magazines, Internet portals or local newspapers. Other job duties include ensuring that all records related to the compensation, health insurance and backgrounds of each employee is properly maintained. Recruiters may also coordinate with various department heads in order to identify the types of candidates that are required for the company or organization. Other job duties include executing and planning workforce planning strategies, maintaining records that pertain to company requirements and job responsibilities, identifying and recruiting the best applicants for particular job profiles, scanning and reviewing multiple resumes, analyzing the knowledge, skills and experience of candidates and overseeing work that is performed by a human resources department.
Other job responsibilities of recruiters may include creating job descriptions, developing a pool of qualified candidates, building networks in order to locate qualified candidates and assisting the public relations department in order to establish a strong reputation for the company to attract new recruits. Recruiters may also attend professional meetings and create contacts within the industry as well as attend job and career fairs, develop working relationships with colleges and universities to assist in recruiting and give presentations at student group meetings and colleges in order to increase awareness of the company or organization. Administrative duties may include conducting prescreening interviews, writing rejection letters, preparing offer packages and preparing new employee orientation packages.
Most recruiters work in an office; however, it may often be necessary for recruiters to travel in order to meet with candidates and make presentations. Both out of town as well as out of state travel may be necessary in many instances.
The employment outlook for this field is expected to be strong, with employment predicted to grow faster than average for all other occupations. Those who have a degree or certification will have the best employment opportunities.
Recruiter Training and Education Requirements
To become a recruiter, candidates usually must meet certain education and training requirements. Most recruiters will need to have obtained a bachelor’s degree within a field such as business or human resources. Obtaining a MBA or Master’s of Business Administration can be advantageous for gaining employment as well as for advancing within this career field.
Individuals interested in this career field should have excellent communication skills, which include both written and oral communication skills. In addition, they should have a good general awareness, which includes a practical knowledge regarding the current market conditions. Excellent analytical skills are also important as this job often involves a large amount of analyzing. Recruiters should also have good people skills and feel comfortable working with others. Other important skills include confidence and persistence as well as an approach that is flexible.
It is not uncommon for many employers to require candidates for this position to have a minimum of three to five years if not more experience in the human resources field. Specific experience working within a certain industry may also be required in order to advance to a recruiter or senior recruiter position.
Ample job opportunities are typically available in this field for individuals who have completed an education in international business, industrial relations or marketing. In the beginning recruiters may be required to work as assistants or interns before gaining a sufficient amount of experience to work independently as a recruiter.
Recruiter Salary and Wages
In 2008 the median annual salary for recruitment specialists was $75,000. Salary can vary according to geographic location, employer and level of experience and/or education. Recruiters who are employed by well known multi-national organizations tend to be much higher than those who work for smaller companies. Recruiters who are employed in larger cities will also usually make more money than those employed in less populated areas. In some cases, recruiters may also earn perks such as commissions and bonuses that are in addition to their fixed salaries.
Recruiter Certifications
Classes are offered by several professional associations that specialize within the field of human resources to help members enhance their skills. Certification programs are offered by some organizations, which offer measures of credibility and competence. Completion of such programs can help to enhance employment as well as advancement opportunities. The Society for Human Resource Management offers two different levels of certification, which includes the Senior Professional in Human Resources and Professional in Human Resources. Professionals who display exceptional skill may be promoted to director of human resources which may lead to an executive or top managerial position later. Others may choose to join an outsourcing or consulting firm or open their own business.
Recruiter Professional Associations
Professional associations for human resources professionals and recruiters include the National Human Resources Association.
