On the receiving end of every job application you’ve sent to a company is a person (allegedly).
Employees are an incredibly important resource for any organization. Businesses are nothing without the people that drive them, and finding the best people to do so is a key role owned within a company. This job belongs to the recruiter.
A recruiter is a person whose job is to hire and enroll people as employees or members of an organization.
Companies use recruiting software to automate the way they hire and onboard. Recruiting tools can track candidates, customize applications based on human resources job description, post job listings, and improve overall communications with applicants and new hires.
Recruiters play a vital role in the success of a business. If you’re considering becoming a recruiter (or want to know more about what recruiters do), keep reading.
A recruiter can have any number of daily tasks related to employee sourcing. A recruiter’s main goal is to bring qualified people into the company. It’s not all about getting people through the door, though – a recruiter needs to ensure new employees are properly onboarded, fitting into the company culture, and feeling engaged at work.
A recruiter needs to utilize specific strategies like resume parsing, campus recruiting, and job fairs. They must also understand the interview process, salary negotiation, and candidate assessment.
Tip: Recruiters often use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to keep track of candidates and their stages in the hiring process.
The days are never exactly the same for recruiters. One day could involve qualifying resumes for a position, coordinating interviews, or posting job listings, while the next day may require creating a company culture video to help grow the employer brand.
Recruiting, screening, interviewing, and placing workers is a tough job. For many, it’s totally worth it.
A recruiter can go by different titles, such as HR Specialist or Talent Acquisition. Each of these may have slightly different job descriptions and duties, but at the end of the day, it’s about finding the right people for the right job.
The median annual wage in May 2021 for Human Resource Specialists was $62,290, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Here at G2, we hold user-reported data in high regard. The salaries reported by reviewers on Glassdoor show a similar, but slightly different picture for recruiter compensation.
As the job market for recruiters grows at the same rate as all other occupations (roughly 8% annually, according to the BLS), it’s safe to say that recruiters will always be in demand. No matter how automated the recruitment process becomes, nothing can replace the human connection required to find the perfect fit for a job.
But not everyone has what it takes to be a recruiter.
The skills a recruiter needs begin with formal education. Recruiters usually must have a bachelor’s degree in human resources, business, or a related field. The coursework typically includes business, industrial relations, psychology, professional writing, human resource management, and accounting.
It comes down to four key competency areas: communication, decision-making, detail-oriented, and interpersonal skills.
Listening and speaking skills are essential for recruiters. Being able to convey information effectively, and pay attention to questions and concerns from job applicants can make all the difference in a recruiter’s success.
Recruiters use decision-making skills when reviewing candidates’ qualifications. The ability to make a sound judgment on a candidate's abilities and show resolve if those decisions come into question is vital.
Recruiters must be detail oriented when evaluating applicants’ qualifications, performing background checks, writing job descriptions, or planning recruitment strategies.
Recruiters continually interact with new people and must be able to converse and connect with people from different backgrounds. A recruiter needs to be a friendly face to the organization and a great first contact for applicants.
Developing these four key skills is crucial for success as a recruiter, but there are a few more ways you can ensure your career as a recruiter is a long and happy one.
There are a few things a recruiter can do to make their job easier in the long run. This may require some buy-in from upper management and leadership. Thanks to your exemplary interpersonal skills, this should not be a problem for you.
Being a recruiter can be an enriching experience, and while it comes with its challenges, you’re sure to feel incredible when you find that fit and place someone in the perfect role.
The role of a recruiter allows for great interpersonal connection and creativity. If you feel like this is the job for you, then what are you waiting for?
Are you a recruiter looking for the best way to find candidates? Learn more about how to do talent acquisition like a pro.
This article was originally published in 2019. The content has been updated with new information.