A job recruiter, also known as a placement specialist or employment recruiter, is someone who is responsible for finding, screening and interviewing applicants for open positions. Recruiters often work for large corporations as part of a human resources staff, or work for employment agencies as consultants. In most cases, professionals must adhere to laws that prohibit discrimination, and recruitment qualifications usually include a formal degree and training, depending on how many years a candidate has worked in the recruiting industry.
For those seeking an entry-level position in this field, it may be helpful to obtain a position in an employment agency. Many find that getting recruitment qualifications is easier when they receive on-the-job training from recruitment firms. While most employers prefer a formal degree, some recruitment firms will hire individuals with less education and polished communication skills. Other types of recruitment qualifications for entry-level positions include public relations skills, proficiency in time management and the ability to interact with both clients and applicants from all types of backgrounds.
Mid-level recruitment positions usually require at least three to five years of experience. Some recruitment firms prefer their applicants to have backgrounds in certain industries as well. Individuals must not only have polished communication skills, but also be familiar with recruitment software, have a proven track record in creating and maintaining staffing plans, and be able to perform recruitment activities on campuses and at other job-fair locations.
Larger corporations that employ a significant number of people typically have an in-house team of recruiters. These senior-level positions require recruitment qualifications that include a formal degree as well as eight to 10 years of experience in a recruiting position. Individuals who work as senior recruiters often lead a team, collaborating with senior managers in other divisions to fill staffing needs and assist in developing plans for the business. Employees who perform at the senior level are consistently expected to develop a large sourcing network, stay up to date on current market trends and manage high-volume recruiting projects.
One of the most important of the recruitment qualifications regardless of the position may be the ability to handle confidential information discreetly, particularly because these positions deal with salary concerns on a day-to-day basis. Recruiters must also know how to prioritize, work independently, and be excellent negotiators. It is also important for a recruiter to know how to analyze resumes and pull out relative information in order to make the right match with the given information under specific time constraints. Those seeking a career in this field may also need to have excellent organizational skills and the ability to follow up in a timely manner.
