Recruiter: Job Information for Students Considering a Career As a Recruiter

Recruiters are human resources professionals who specialize in matching qualified applicants with the right jobs. They conduct various employee search and selection functions, from advertising job openings and reviewing resumes to coordinating the interview process and extending job offers. Recruiters often have a bachelor's degree in business administration or human resources, in addition to professional certification.

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Career Definition of a Recruiter

Recruiters screen and hire job applicants on behalf of employers. After meeting with management to discuss the requirements of a particular job, the recruiter coordinates the search and selection process. He or she may advertise job openings, review resumes, screen candidates, verify work history and arrange interviews between candidates and supervisors. To attract candidates, recruiters frequently attend job fairs, visit college campuses, or approach qualified potential employees directly. They often specialize in a field, such as finance, law or technology, or a particular type of employee, such as management or administrative personnel. Many recruiters work for employee placement firms or as in-house human resources staff. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts strong job growth in this field for the next several years (www.bls.gov).

How to Become a Recruiter

Education Requirements for Recruiting

Recruiting professionals often have a bachelor's degree in business administration or human resources; however, recruiters with degrees in other fields often complete certificate programs in human resource management offered through many colleges and universities. Some companies also offer human resources internships, which may give recent graduates a competitive edge when pursuing a recruiting career. Professional certification, such as the four types offered through the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) may also enhance job prospects (www.hrci.org).

Essential Skills for Recruiters

Recruiters must have excellent communication skills and the ability to interact with job candidates and management, build relationships and represent their company at networking events and job fairs. They must be team players with strong sales skills and a solid understanding of recruitment strategies. In addition to possessing tact and diplomacy, recruiters must have expert knowledge of employment law and the ability to organize and keep track of confidential information. They must have strong computer skills and proficiency with software specific to the human resources industry, such as applicant tracking software (ATS) and Human Resources Management System (HRMS).

Economic Forecast and Career Outlook for Recruiting

The BLS predicts job growth of 17% for human resources, training and labor relations managers and specialists, which would include recruiting professionals, throughout the 2006-2016 decade. Recruiters with experience, certification and an extensive network of industry contacts may find the strongest job prospects. According to the BLS, the median annual wage for employment, recruitment and placement specialists was $45,470 in May of 2008.

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