We use cookies to improve and customise your experience, for analytics and metrics, and to track any purchases you make both on this website and on others. To find out more about the cookies we use see our cookie policy
More info
- Help employers find suitable staff, and match people to jobs
- You'll need excellent communication and customer service skills
- You could move into business development or set up your own agency
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
- 'Cold calling' companies to generate new business
- Interviewing and testing job seekers, to create a pool of people ready to fill vacancies
- Matching candidates to suitable jobs
- Screening and shortlisting candidates before employers interview them
- Meeting targets for the number of vacancies taken or the number of people placed into jobs
- Keeping records of clients, employers and vacancies
- Negotiating your agency's fees
- 'Headhunting' - finding and approaching candidates for executive or specialist jobs
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You'll usually work standard office hours. In some jobs you may need to work outside office hours, contacting clients or interviewing candidates. The work is mainly office-based, but you'll also spend some of your time visiting your client companies.
You'll need
This role would be ideal for someone with excellent communication and customer service skills, good sales and negotiation skills, the ability to work under pressure and meet targets, and good organisational and administrative skills.
There are no set entry requirements for this role. Whatever your qualifications, you'll be expected to have great sales skills and be able to communicate with people at many different levels. You'll also need to have excellent customer service and teamworking skills.
You could start as an office assistant in a recruitment agency and work your way up through on the job training and promotion.
As a graduate it's possible to enter recruitment with any degree, although some employers may prefer a subject related to the industry, like human resources, marketing or public relations. Some recruitment agencies specialise in a sector of work so you may be expected to have a relevant degree or industry experience. For example, a degree in pharmacy or a background in pharmaceutical sales could help you get into pharmaceutical recruitment. However, with the right skills and attitude you could still enter this job without a degree.
You may also be able to get into this job through an advanced apprenticeship as a recruitment consultant.
You could develop your understanding of the recruitment industry by getting some experience. Whether you're studying or looking for work, you could try work experience, internships and temporary employment. Getting relevant work experience in areas like marketing, sales or public relations can also help you develop some of the skills needed for this role.
You could join the Institute of Recruitment Professionals, for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
CAREER PROSPECTS
With experience you could move into business development or management, or set up your own agency.